Published in the October 13, 2016 edition.
WAKEFIELD — Mary J. Iosua, 90, a Wakefield resident for the past 75 years, died suddenly on Sunday, Oct. 9 at the Lahey Medical Center in Burlington.
Born in Boston on Nov. 14, 1925, she was the daughter of the late John and Dorothy (Lanza) Riccelli.
Mrs. Iosua was a graduate of Girls Latin in Boston, Class of 1942. She was an active member of St. Joseph Parish in Wakefield. She worked alongside her husband, Joe, at Joe’s Market on North Avenue in Wakefield for 20 years.
Mrs. Iosua was the wife of the late Joseph P. Iosua. She is survived by her only son, Joseph Iosua of Wakefield, and six daughters; Joanne Sylvester of Peabody, Dorothy Gonzales and her husband Vincent of Lynn, Marilyn Iosua of Reading, Janet Iosua of San Francisco, Mary-Elizabeth Iosua and her husband Mark Lanza of Sudbury and Kathleen Iosua of Beverly, and her 11 grandchildren; Richard and his wife Jennifer, Jon, Julie, Kristina, Anthony and his companion Elaina, Paul and his companion Amanda, David and his companion Cassie, Lisa, Marie, Leia and Nicholas. Mrs. Iosua is also survived by her 13 great-grandchildren.
Mrs. Iosua will be remembered for her kindness, warmth and graciousness which was extended to everyone she met.
She was a loving and caring wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Her focus on her family was evident when she was named Mother of the Year in Wakefield in 1966. She enjoyed being with her family, and attended every party, event and function with enthusiasm. She also loved listening to music, watching old movies and dancing.
Mary remained active; attending church, traveling and vacationing with her family, helping her son with his limousine business and cooking and baking for the family events.
Her Funeral will be held from the McDonald Funeral Home, 19 Yale Ave., Wakefield on Saturday at 9 a.m. followed by a Funeral Mass in St. Joseph Church, 173 Albion St., Wakefield at 10 a.m. Interment will be at Forest Glade Cemetery in Wakefield. Visitation for relatives and friends will be held at the Funeral Home on Friday from 4-8 p.m.
