Agnes (Pannese) Murtari

Agnes (Pannese) Murtari, 95, a lifelong Worcester resident passed away peacefully Monday, September 2, 2019, surrounded by the ones she loved.  

Agnes was born in Worcester on September 15th, 1923, one of three children of Italian Immigrants, Pasquale and Antoinette (D’Amato) Pannese.  She graduated from Commerce High School and went to business school to become a Comptometer Operator.   Agnes then worked in the billing and payroll department of Norton Company for 10 years, leaving employment to raise her family. 

On June 26th, 1948, Agnes married the “Love of her life” Antonio Murtari and they settled in the Lakeview neighborhood of Worcester, living a life of love, devotion to family and community, for the next 63 years when Tony passed away and left her side. 

Agnes is survived by her three children, Frederick A. Murtari and his wife Donna of Grafton, Joanne M. Johnson and her husband Scott, Patricia Murtari-Tetreault and her husband Lawrence, all of Worcester;   six grandchildren, Cindy, Gina, Scott, Kristen, Lindsey and Lauren; ten great grandchildren, Christopher, Ally, Jacob, Lily, Sophia, Faith, Mia, Anthony, Patrick and Gabriel; Nieces, nephews and extended family members.  A brother, Angelo Pannese and sister Grace DeFlavio, Barrett predeceased her.

Deeply engraved in her catholic faith, Agnes was a member of St Anne’s Church and a founding member of the former St Margaret Mary Church, and its Church Senior organization.   She was a beautiful person who enjoyed the simple pleasures of life; spending time with family and friends, family dinners, baking her famous Italian cookies, reading, crocheting blankets while watching her soap operas, actively involved in physical activity by playing tennis, exercise classes and bowling in Town and Country Bowling leagues.  She also was a faithful Red Sox fan and was ecstatic when they won the world series.    Agnes truly believed that family and friends were the most important parts in her life and had room in her heart for everyone she met.  Her passing leaves a hole in our hearts but her loving and caring soul will not be forgotten.

Friends and relatives are invited to a period of calling hours Friday, September 6th from 9 am to 10:30 am in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St followed by a procession to St Anne’s Church, 130 Boston Turnpike Rd, Shrewsbury where her funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 am.  Burial will follow in St John Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name can be made to the Notre Dame Long-term care facility Activities fund, 555 Plantation St. 01604 or The Alzheimer's Association, 309 Waverley Oaks Road, Waltham, MA 02452.

The Murtari family would like to thank the staff of Notre Dame Long term care for the care, comfort and compassion they gave to their mother during a difficult time.