Maria A. (Triola) Perry

Maria A. (Triola) Perry, 84, of Millbury, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 2nd, 2025, surrounded by her cherished family.

Born on March 26th, 1940, in Worcester, Maria was the beloved daughter of the late Augustine and Doris (Buduo) Triola. A woman of unwavering love and devotion, Maria’s life was a true testament to faith, family, and service.

On October 12, 1963, she married the love of her life, James R. Perry (Ron), and together they shared 61 beautiful years of marriage, marked by many milestone anniversaries celebrated at St. Paul’s Cathedral in Worcester. Maria was the proud mother of five children, two sets of twins with one in the middle—a joy she delighted in sharing with everyone she met.

Maria’s legacy as a wife, mother, nurse, and friend set an inspiring example for all who knew her. She graduated from Venerini Academy in Worcester, earned her nursing degree from Saint Vincent’s Hospital School of Nursing, and achieved a Master’s Degree in Nursing from Anna Maria College. Maria dedicated most of her professional journey to Worcester City Hospital and concluded her nursing career as an Oncology Clinical Nurse Specialist at Saint Vincent’s Hospital.

A woman of deep faith, Maria was an active member of the Guild of Our Lady of Providence for the Diocese of Worcester. She prayed the rosary faithfully each day and found immense joy in nurturing her family’s traditions. From baking breads and meat pies for Easter to celebrating July 4th on the Cape and creating warm Christmas memories, Maria cherished every moment spent with her loved ones.

An enthusiastic book lover, Maria was rarely without her Kindle, immersing herself in the stories she loved. Her greatest joys were her family, her faith, and the enduring bonds she cultivated throughout her life.

Maria is survived by her devoted husband, James R. Perry, of Millbury; her loving children: Lisa A. Cozzolino and her husband, Michael, of Millbury; Linda M. Leonardi and her husband, James, of Northbridge; James R. Perry, Jr., of Millbury; Timothy F. Perry and his wife, Jessica, of Sutton; and Thomas J. Perry, of Millbury. She also leaves eleven treasured grandchildren: Nina and Michael Cozzolino; Kayla, Corey, and Christopher Leonardi; and Emily, Leah, Molly, Nicole, Olivia, and Julia Perry. She is also survived by her siblings, Francis, Domenic, and Doris Triola. Maria was predeceased by her parents and her brother, Daniel Triola.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects during calling hours on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, from 8:30 AM to 10:00 AM at Mercadante Funeral Home & Chapel, 370 Plantation Street, Worcester. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10:30 AM at St. Brigid and Our Lady of the Assumption Parish, 59 N. Main Street, Millbury. Entombment will take place immediately following mass at Notre Dame Cemetery & Mausoleum in Worcester.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Maria’s honor to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, reflecting her compassionate spirit and dedication to helping others.

Maria’s grace, kindness, and love will be deeply missed, but her memory will forever live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.