Isabella (DeNicola) Chionchio

Isabella “Bella” (DeNicola) Chionchio, 80, is dancing to Anne Murray’s song “Can I have this Dance” with her husband Frank in a place of love and happiness eternal. On Saturday June 20 2020 our Mother, Aunt, Nonni and friend died peacefully with the grace of God Surrounding her while the Virgin Mary walked beside her, and was met by a choir of Angels that welcomed her home.

Our Mother was predeceased by our father  Frank in 2014. She leaves behind a legacy of love, a daughter Sherry M. Kozerski of Worcester and
her son Frank J. Chionchio Jr. and his wife Cathy of Millbury. Her Grandchildren who she held close to her heart, Adam, Kalha, Luke, Carmela, Matthew, Nicole and Gina. Mom had two great grandchildren Gavin and Avah. She also leaves several nieces and nephews.

Mom was born in Worcester daughter of the late Giuseppe and Carmela (Mariano) DeNicola and lived here all her life. Mom graduated from
Venerini Academy in 1958 where she began her journey of love for the Virgin Mary. Mom’s unwavering dedication to God helped her through her life. Each night she would say her Rosary until Dementia took that away. She still celebrated Mass weekly with her niece Josie by her side. Mom was an amazing friend to many and always had a smile to share, good food to offer and prayers when needed. She was forgiving, nurturing, kind, and would help anyone. She was the best Mother she knew how to be. Frank and I never went without and no one will ever cook as good as her.I always said she had the best shoulders to lean on when she hugged you and even on that afternoon as I held her lifeless body she still did.

Mom hated to have her picture taken but she never argued when Frank wanted to sketch her. She shared his love of the Three Stooges and if I close my eyes and listen closely  I can still hear the echo of their laughter. Mom was my best friend, she held my secrets, and guided me gently through Motherhood and indulged herself in our love of ice cream. “Chocolate please with Hot Fudge” she would say. She loved her flowers and could watch the birds forever and laugh as she watched the little ones try to fly.  She had the gift of gab that was passed down to Carmela and I, Dad would have agreed. She was a dedicated wife and always enjoyed dancing in the Kitchen as she cooked and tryIng to steal a kiss from her husband. She loved our father and missed him every day.  Together they welcomed their first grandchild in 1989. Papa and Nonni began this journey of seven beginning with Adam and ending with Gina. Sunday dinners, Papa ‘s garden Nonni’s Italian cookies and love. A love that I pray is cherished in their hearts.

Mom’s love of children saw her through a 40 plus year career as “Mrs Bella” at the Worcester Arts Magnet school. There she fed in her cafeteria thousands of young boys and girls who she watched grow into young men and women. She often was contacted in the later years by some of these young people now parents themselves, and she never forgot who they were. “Their like my own” she would always say and she meant it. Bella loved her time at the school. She would often be caught dancing with “her broom” in her office while listening to the radio. She could always put a smile on the face of a child with her dancing Hampsters. 

Mom made many wonderful friends there who she laughed with and yes also fed every day. It was here she found her “second daughter“  Donna who she loved to the very end.  Mom and Dad loved to Travel to Italy, England, Switzerland and Canada. They enjoyed the Cape, Boston and the North End. They enjoyed the feasts and the food. They loved their Parish of Our Lady of Mt.Carmel-St Ann. Mom began to show early signs of Dementia before her retirement. The disease took hold of her beautiful mind but never her smile. She became a little more aggressive, but her gentleness shined through especially when a hand was needed or a blanket needed adjusting. Mom had a care giver Lori Hickey who became an intricate part of Mom’s well being while we worked. She was loving and caring and I know that mom would have said the same thing about her if she could have.

Mom’s residence changed in October of 2018 as she entered the Oasis at Dodge Park. There began her journey until her death with the most amazing caring, loving dedicated people we have ever met. Our Journey with them has been incredible. They helped her through her hard days, loved her on her sad days and laughed with her on her happy days but loved her every day. They were the trusted souls that took care of God’s gift to us who we called Mom. Our gratitude and love go out to each and every one of them especially from Nonni. Mom always told us not to cry for her when she died. She  wanted us to rejoice for her and know that she had a good life. So, Mom, forever we will rejoice for your life, your love and will carry your beautiful smile in our hearts. Enjoy your dance with dad and always know you will be loved forever.

Isabella’s funeral will be held on Friday June 26 2020 from the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL 370 Plantation St, with a Mass of Christian burial at 11:30 AM in the church of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel at Our Lady of Loreto. 33 Massasoit Rd. A period of calling hours will be held Friday morning in the funeral home from 9AM to 10:45 AM. Interment with her husband will be in Notre Dame Cemetery. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital,501 St Jude Place. Memphis TN.38105.