Rosalia Simmarano

Rosalia (Santeramo) Simmarano, 93 of Worcester, a much loved mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend passed away Monday, March 21st 2016 after a period of declining health.  Rosalia was born, May 23rd 1922, in Matera, Italy, one of five children of Stefano and Giovanna (Colonna) Santeramo.  She was raised in Italy, met and in 1942, married Emanuele Simmarano. Emanuele immigrated to the United States in 1955.  Rosalia and their children joined him in 1958. Rosalia accepted a position as a stitcher for the former MKM Mills in Rochdale where she worked more than 11 years before retiring to care for her family. Rosalia’s husband of 25 years, Emanuele passed away in 1967. She is survived by her devoted children, Maria Puntillo and her husband Vincenzo of West Boylston, Enzo Simmarano and his wife Elizabeth, Giovanna Morrissey and her husband Carlo, and Vincenza Gelardi all of Worcester; a sister, Francesca D’Ercole in Italy; seven grandchildren; Lucia Ferranto, Rosa D'Agostino, Vito Puntillo, William Gelardi, Christina Hebert, Maria Morrissey, and Richard Simmarano, and nine great grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, and extended family both  here and in Italy. Besides her husband, two brothers, Nicola and Filippo Santeramo and a sister, Nunziatina Tarasco also pre-deceased her.   Rosalia was a member of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church and its Golden Years Group. She enjoyed knitting, crocheting, sewing, walking, gardening, cooking and baking.  Rosalia also enjoyed traveling, especially to Italy to see relatives, Cape Cod, and around the country with her family. She lived a life devoted to her Italian heritage, her faith and family.  Her husband, her children and grandchildren, always came first in her life. Her unwavering Catholic faith kept her family grounded through life's challenges.   Her passing leaves a hole in her family’s hearts but her loving and caring soul will not be forgotten. Relatives and friends are invited to visit with the family during calling hours Monday, March 28th from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St.  Her funeral will be held Tuesday, March 29th from the funeral home with a procession to Our Lady of Mt Carmel Church, 24 Mulberry St.  where her Celebration of Life Mass will be held at 10:00 am.  Burial next to her husband will follow in St. John Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Homestead Hall Activities Fund, 10 Homestead Ave, Worcester 01610.  The Simmarano family would like to thank Dr. Glenn Randall and the staff at Summit Elder Care, as well as the entire staff at the Homestead Hall for the exceptional care, comfort and compassion they gave their Mother.