Rosalia Sciannameo

Rosalia (Grassi) Sciannameo, 91, of Shrewsbury formerly of Worcester passed away at home, in the arms of her daughter, Monday, June 20th 2011. Rosalia was born in Gravina, province of Bari, Italy, a daughter of Michele and Maria Luigia (Pacella) Grassi. She grew up and lived in Italy until immigrating to Worcester with her family in 1958. She and her husband studied hard to become American citizens. Living in Worcester and holding dual citizenship, Rosalia never forgot her Italian roots and raised her children with focus in both heritages. She was a simple, quiet, traditional Italian mother who cherished her garden and her cooking while caring for her family. They were her life and her inspiration. She was greatly loved and will be greatly missed. Rosalia's husband, Nicola Sciannameo passed away in 1982. She is survived by her five devoted children, Francesco (Frank) Sciannameo and his wife Donna Paquette of Auburn, Vittoria Mastrocola and her husband Rocco of Shrewsbury, Maria L. "Gina" Sciannameo with whom she lived, Carlo Sciannameo and his wife Mary DePari of Worcester and, "The Baby" Caterina Valentine and her husband Robert Valentine, Jr. of Shrewsbury; 14 cherished grandchildren, Matthew, Sarah, Zachary, Filippo, Elda, Nicola, Rosa, Lisa, Christina, Gina, Lia, Gina, Robert and Carlo; 11 great grandchildren whom she adored; Many nieces, nephews and extended family in both the US and Italy. A son, Michele Sciannameo passed away in 2006. Two brothers Francesco and Vincenzo Grassi and two sisters, Maria Grassi and Savina Laddaga also pre-deceased her. Rosalia worked to help support her family. She learned the sewing trade in Italy and brought it with her to the US. Here she worked as a tailor and seamstress for several companies including, Rencroft Clothing, Nancy Howard Coats, Domenic's, Shack's and retiring from the House of Doherty. She was a member of Our Lady of Mt Carmel Church and the International Ladies Garment Workers Union, (now UNITEHERE). Friends and relatives are invited to visit with the family Thursday, June 23rd from 5 pm to 8 pm in THE MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St. Her funeral will be celebrated Friday, June 24th from the funeral home with a Mass at 9:30 am in Our Lady of Mt Carmel Church, 24 Mulberry St. Entombment will follow next to her husband in St John Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in her name may be made to the American Red Cross Central Massachusetts Disaster Relief Fund, 2000 Century Drive, Worcester 01606, for the recent central MA tornado relief.