Elizabeth (Cancelmo) Cariglia

Elizabeth M. Cariglia, 88, of Worcester; a wonderful mother, grandmother, aunt and friend passed away surrounded by loved ones, Sunday, January 2, 2022.  

Elizabeth was born in Piedimonte d’Alife, province of Caserta, Italy, one of twelve children of Pasquale and Maria (Pascale) Cancelmo. Raised in Italy, Elizabeth immigrated to the United States in 1961, to live with her cousin’s Rose and Joe Cancelmo. Shortly after she met Leonard Cariglia and on June 13, 1964, in Our Lady of Mt Carmel Church they were married. They then began a life of love, family, faith, heritage, and devotion for the next 51 years before Leonard left her side on July 4th, 2015. Elizabeth continued to live as the strong matriarch of her family until she passed away.  Elizabeth was known to all of us as Nonni, Ma, Liz, Elisa, Betty, or Mum and she was so loved by her family.   Elizabeth worked hard for her family all her life. She absolutely loved her job working for the UMass Medical Center in patient transport and dispatch. She also worked for the City of Worcester School department in food services and for WPI in the cafeteria before retiring at the age of 80.

Elizabeth is survived by the family she loved and cherished; four children, a son, Leonard Cariglia and his wife Denise of Worcester; three daughters, Maria Cariglia and her husband Scott St. Onge, Gina Cariglia and her husband Charles Gallagher all of Worcester, Michelina Fraioli and her husband John Fraioli of Sutton; a sister, Anna Cancelmo in London; six grandchildren, Anthony Fraioli, Domenic Cariglia, Mia Cariglia, Natalie Fraioli, Nicholas Cariglia, and Mariella Peto; four step grandchildren, Jack, CJ, and Owen Gallagher and Taylor Kapulka; great grandchildren, Layla and Lainey; Many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends around the World. In addition to her parents and beloved husband Leonard, five brothers, Pepino, Pietro, Stanislaw, Angelo, and Fernando, and five sisters, Antonetta, Antonia, Maria, Giuseppina (Josephine) and Theresa, as well as several members of the Cariglia and Cancelmo families all predeceased her.

Elizabeth was a lifelong, devoted Catholic and member of Our Lady of Loreto/Mt Carmel church.  She attended mass regularly, helped others through her guidance, her cooking, bright smile, and her kind heart. She always had a smile or greeting for someone. She hosted a cooking show “Cooking with Elizabeth” on a local Worcester cable channel where she taught and displayed her Italian family recipes and delicacies to all who watched and enjoyed. Elizabeth truly believed that faith and family were the most important parts of life, yet she always had room in her heart for everyone she met. She was very generous with her love, time, and delicious food. Her unwavering faith kept her grounded and helped her through life's challenges. Elizabeth’s passing leaves a hole in our hearts but her loving and caring soul will not be forgotten.

Calling hours for Elizabeth will be held Thursday, January 6th from 4 pm to 7 pm in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St. The funeral will be held Friday, January 7th from the funeral home with a procession to Our Lady of Loreto Church, 37 Massasoit Rd where her Mass will be held at 10:30 am. Burial will follow in St John Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers memorial remembrances in her name can be made to The St Francis Activities fund, 101 Plantation St 01604.