Mary (Catanzaro) Chilorio

Mary M. (Catanzaro) Chilorio, 98 years young passed away peacefully in her sleep at home, Thursday, December 19, 2019.

Mary was born in Worcester on December 8, 1921, the daughter of Italian immigrants James and Regina (Gagliano) Catanzaro. Raised in Worcester, Mary had lived in the same neighborhood her entire life, and continued to live in her home to the day she passed. She married her Love, Mario A. “Mike” Chilorio, on April 27, 1946 and began a 62-year life together raising their family with love and devotion, until Mike passed away on October 28th, 2008. At onetime, Mary worked at Hills Envelope and cared for children in the nursery at the former Lincoln Lanes Bowling Alley.

Mary is survived by four generations of her family; two devoted daughters, her best friend, Camille M. Laliberte and her husband Paul with whom she lived, and Claudia J. Ljunggren and her husband Jon W. of Worcester; a brother, Mario Catanzaro; a sister, Frances Olson; four grandchildren that were the lights of her life., Francis M. Laliberte, Cathy Ljunggren-Dunn and her husband Matthew, Rose Meyers and her husband David, and  Suzette Sobol; six great grandchildren; Sarah, Jennifer, Joshua, Colin, Tyler, and Kaitlyn; four great great grandchildren; Chloe, Xander, Scarlett and Aleah; numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends. A brother, Anthony J. Catanzaro and sister, Santina “Sally” Miano predeceased her.

An active woman who never stopped, Mary was a devoted Catholic who truly believed in her faith and attended Mass weekly. She was a member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel- Our Lady of Loreto Church, its Golden Years, Circle of Friends, and Our Lady of Sorrows Associations, Friends of Mount Carmel, and marched in the Columbus Day parade. With a musical flare, Mary was an accomplished piano player, who learned how to play by ear. Mary loved to sing and dance and would entertain anyone she could, most notably the people at nursing homes, especially the Odd Fellows Home, where she would lift spirits with her music and her smile. In Mary’s younger days, she was a member of the Mount Carmel Italian Drum Corps, and at age 15 sang live on WORC radio.

She was a beautiful person who enjoyed the simple pleasures of life; spending time with family and friends, family dinners, church, cooking and watching her television shows. She was a great cook and baker known as the "Cookie Queen” she ran her home as “Mary’s Diner” where family and friends were always welcome. No matter the day, holiday or special occasion, there was always a gathering at Mary’s house. Her family was everything to her, and always in her company and that was how she wanted it. Her unwavering faith kept her grounded and helped her through life's challenges. Her passing leaves a hole in our hearts but her loving and caring soul will not be forgotten.

Mary's family would like to thank UMASS University Campus ER doctors, nurses and staff; as well as the Cardiac Unit and Cardiac ICU doctors, nurses and staff for the loving care they gave her when she was there. Mary said she loved everything they did for her to get better, and that they are the best!

Friends and relatives are invited to Calling Hours Thursday, December 26th, from 4 pm to 7 pm in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation Street, Worcester. Her Funeral will be on Friday, December 27th, departing from the funeral home at 9:40 am in procession to Our Lady of Loreto Church, 37 Massasoit Road, Worcester, where the celebration of her Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 am. Burial, beside her husband Mike, will follow in Saint John's Cemetery. The family request that flowers be omitted.