Published in the July 31, 2015 edition
WILMINGTON — Marianna T. (Galvin) Cerretani, 87, passed away at Woodbriar Health Center in Wilmington on July 25.
Marianna was born in Charlestown, raised in Melrose and graduated from Melrose High School, Class of 1946. Mrs. Cerretani lived most of her life in Melrose before moving to Stoneham 15 years ago. She was a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and aunt who was dedicated to raising her family of nine.
She was a great cook, loved family gatherings and events, was a sports fan, had a great sense of humor and always opened her home to all who visited.
Marianna loved summering the past 50 years at her home in Pocasset where she cooked for many family members and friends of her family.
Mrs. Cerretani was a longtime member of Most Blessed Sacrament Church, was a member of the Ladies Guild, an alter server, a CCD teacher and Cub Scout leader. She also volunteered her time at Melrose-Wakefield Hospital.
Marianna was the beloved wife of 65 years to John A. Cerretani. She was the loving mother of Paul of Caldwell, Idaho, Gerry and his wife Lisa of Peabody, Tom and his wife Donna of Melrose, Peter and his wife Lynn of Salem, N.H., Kevin and his wife Molly of Haymarket, Va., Mark and his wife Kathy of New Smyrna Beach, Fla., Trish Bourne and her husband Jim of Tewksbury, Jeff Cerretani of Melrose and the late Jack Cerretani. She was the sister of the late Paul, Arthur and Charlie Galvin. She was the cherished grandmother of 23 and great- grandmother of five. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews and friends.
Visitation was held at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 West Foster St., Melrose, on Thursday July 30, from 4 to 8 p.m. Her funeral will be from the Gately Funeral Home on Friday morning, July 31, at 8:45 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at Most Blessed Sacrament Church, 1155 Main St., Wakefield at 10 a.m. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend.
Burial at Wyoming Cemetery in Melrose.
In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in Marianna’s name to the N.E. Food Foundation, P.O. Box 960788, Boston MA 02196-0788 or to Most Blessed Sacrament Church, 11 Grove St., Wakefield MA 01880. To send a message of condolence please visit www.gatelyfh.com.
