Gloria SantaMaria

Gloria J. (Ricci) Santa Maria, 93, of West Boylston, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 4, 2015, at Worcester Health Center. Her husband of sixty-nine years, Michael M. Santa Maria, pre-deceased her in 2009. Gloria is survived by a son, Michael Santa Maria and his wife Jeannine; a daughter, Carolyn Moses, both of Worcester; a brother, Victor "Ricky" Ricci of Ocean City, MD; six grandchildren, Angela Toomey of Dudley, David Moses of Seekonk, Steven Santa Maria of Frederick, MD, Michael Santa Maria of Mount Holly, VT, Robert Moses of Worcester, and Nicholas Santa Maria of Dudley; nine great grandchildren; many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by two brothers and three sisters, Harold and Joseph Ricci, Clara Miles, Alice Ricci, and Flora Carvale. Gloria was born in Leominster, daughter of the late Luigi and Josephine (Scarpone) Ricci. Gloria's greatest gift was her love and dedication to her family. She loved spending time in their company; perhaps it was that love she shared with them, that left her with a perpetual smile. She was a talented artist, and loved to draw; she enjoyed playing cards and bingo and made the world's greatest meatballs! She was a blessing to all who knew her, she will truly be missed. The family would like to thank the staff of the Worcester Health Center and Notre Dame hospice for their compassionate care, especially Katie, Carole and Charles. The family would also like to thank cousin Maureen and Victor for always being there for their Aunt Gloria, we are truly grateful! Calling Hours for Gloria will be held on Friday, May 8, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. in MERCADATNE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation Street, Worcester. Her Funeral will be held on Saturday, from the funeral home with a Mass at 9 a.m. in Saint Joan of Arc Church, 570 Lincoln Street, Worcester. Interment will follow in Saint John's Cemetery, Worcester. There is an online register book at