A kind and generous family-oriented woman who loved to cook
NORTH READING — Phyllis M. (DiPasquale) Morlani, 85, of North Reading and formerly of Somerville, passed away on Wednesday, March 2, 2022. She was the beloved wife of the late Anthony A. Morlani.
Born in Somerville on September 22,1936, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Theresa A. (Caruso) DiPasquale. Phyllis was raised and attended school in Somerville and was a graduate of Somerville High School.
Phyllis was a retired Tax Examiner for the Internal Revenue Service. She was a resident of North Reading for the past 57 years and a member of St. Theresa’s Church.
Phyllis loved to cook and bake. She would often watch the cooking channel or The Italian Grandmother on YouTube and sing along in the kitchen chopping vegetables or mixing ingredients. In earlier days, she would insist that her family gather around the table for Sunday “suppers” for conversation and would always serve her meatballs and gravy. She loved making homemade goodies on special occasions for friends and family, wrapping them up with love.
Phyllis was an avid reader and loved to do puzzles. Her mind was incredibly sharp and she had a wonderful sense of humor. She was lovingly referred to as “The General,” the rock and center of our family, the confidante, the one we all turned to for advice.
During her later years, Phyllis discovered the joy of painting by number. She made beautiful seasonal, landscape, floral, and character works of art. Her family and friends loved when they received their special gift knowing it was made especially for them.
Of all the things Phyllis loved in life, her family was the greatest treasure of all. She often stated how blessed she was being surrounded by so many. I think her family would state that we were the lucky ones to have had such a strong influence, a kind, and generous soul in our lives who will remain forever in our hearts.
Family members include her loving son, Anthony A. Morlani, II and his wife, Carla; daughters, Theresa D. Morlani, Ann C. French and her husband, Daniel, and Elizabeth M. Scanlon and her husband, Bryan. Sisters, Diane Freedman, Cecelia DeSimone and her husband, Anthony, and the late Mary Messina and her surviving husband, Michael Messina; grandchildren, Daniel French, Stephanie Littlefield, Anthony, Angelo and Valentina Morlani; the late Brianna Morlani; and great-grandchildren, Lennon and Lakelyn French and Anna Littlefield.
Her funeral Mass was celebrated on Wednesday, March 9 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Theresa’s Church, 63 Winter Street, North Reading. Visitation was held prior to the funeral Mass at the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in her memory to the charity of one’s choice. To send an online message of condolence please visit www.croswellfuneralhome.com.
