Published in the October 9, 2015 edition
MELROSE — Clementina M. “Clemmie” (Antonucci) Reich, 94, of Melrose, passed away on Oct. 1.
Clemmie was born in Malden on Aug. 19, 1921 to Antonio and Antoinette (Scenna) Antonucci. She lost her mother at a young age and took on her mother’s role of helping raise her younger siblings at the same home on Frances Street, where she lived for over 80 years. Clemmie was a product of the Great Depression and understood what it meant to work hard, as she left school at an early age to take on the heavy burden of helping provide for her family.
After marrying the love of her life, Alois Reich, the couple spent some years in Germany following World War II during the Allied Occupation. After returning from Germany, Clemmie returned to Melrose and along with her husband, raised their son Robert. Clemmie and owned and operated the Wyoming Bakery in Melrose for many years. She was known as the cookie lady, because she would give every child that came in the store a cookie. Over the years, Clemmie made many good friends from working at the bakery in Melrose.
She devoted her life to her family, her friends and the bakery, but every year the bakery’s doors would be closed for six weeks while the family spent some much needed vacation time at the family home on a lake in Wareham. Clemmie will be missed by all who knew her. To know her was to lover her, she was so sweet and kind. She will live in her family’s hearts forever.
Clemmie was the beloved wife of the late Alois Reich. She was the loving mother of Robert Reich and his wife Laura of Melrose. She was the cherished grandmother of Melissa, Tessa and the late Alfonso. She was the proud great-grandmother of Natalia, Mya and Julian. She was the loving sister of Josephine of Melrose; Rita of Melrose; Jenny of Milton; Donna of Malden; the late Phil Antonucci and the late Nick Antonucci. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews and her caring companion, Nice, as well as many longtime friends in Melrose.
Visitation was held on Tuesday, Oct. 6 at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 West Foster St., Melrose. A Mass of Christian Burial was held at St. Mary Church, Herbert Street, Melrose on Wednesday, Oct. 7. Interment at Wyoming Cemetery, Melrose. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Mystic Valley Elder Services, 300 Commercial St., #19, Malden MA 02148 or to the Dutton Center, 1117 Main St., Wakefield MA 01880. To leave an online condolence please visit gatelyfh.com.
