Maria Parisi Gammacurta

“

Maria lived and experienced life as a true spiritual journey.

GRAFTON: Maria (Bottari) Parisi Gammacurta age 99, passed away Saturday, October 31, 2026 at the Beaumont, Rehabilitation, Skilled Nursing and Hospice Care in Westborough, MA with her family near. It is with a heavy heart that her son Carl announce the passing of Maria, she passed away peacefully. Born the eldest of seven children in a small village on the mountain of Scaletta, Province of Messina, on the island of Sicily, Italy to the late Luigi Bottari. and Domenica (Dattila) Bottari. Maria had lifelong careers working in many fields, (well respected by her colleagues), but mostly appreciated and valued as a professional tailor for the coat and prestigious furs clothing industry in Italy, Switzerland and the Boston MA, area until her retirement.

She raised her two sons and lived many years in Milan - Italy, Vevey - Switzerland, the Boston area, and in Grafton MA until her passing. Maria was fluent in Italian, French and English, she enjoyed her family and extended family, she treasured her sons and grandchildren. A talented gardener, Maria also delighted in preserving tomatoes. She was a great cook too, and loved having family, neighbors and friends over often in the summer months for backyard parties. She cooked many breakfasts dinners, and baked for family, friends and neighbors. She loved hand knitting, stick crocheting, sewing, and enjoyed tendering to her organic flower and organic vegetable gardens. She cherished everything related to nature, she fed and enjoyed bird watching and had a strong love for animals. She loved to go on day trips sightseeing within New England, but also vacationed throughout Europe and North Africa. Maria lived and experienced life as a true spiritual journey, she was a zealous catholic, she worshiped the Virgin Mary and was a charitable contributor to the cause founded by St Anthony of Padua a Franciscan friar that dedicated his life supporting poverty and charity for the less fortunate in our society. Maria was a Covid Survivor and as a Grafton resident and until her passing she was a devoted member of Saint Mary’s Church in Grafton.

Maria leaves her two children, her son Carl M. Parisi and partner Ella of Grafton MA, her eldest son Guido M. Parisi and wife Giovanna lived for many decades in Salem NH, and after their retirement have now relocated to Sicily, Italy. Maria (Nonna) as she was affectionately known by her family, she leaves five grandchildren Carl, Patrick, Diana, Paul, Susan, and eight great grandchildren, Anthony, Ella, Isabella, Joseph, Sophia, Shea, Jaylen, Jeffrey, and a great granddaughter Lorelai.

She was predeceased by her siblings, the late Stefano, Joseph and Carmelo. She leaves her siblings, John, Tina, Antonio and many nieces and nephews. Maria’s family and many friends in the US, Europe and Australia will forever miss her love of family, her kindness, the easy going attitude and tremendous respect and passion for life, and empathy for the less privileged, especially for the poor children in the US and throughout the world.

On behalph of Maria’s family, her Son Carl would like to extend his appreciation to the entire staff at Short- and Long-Term Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing Care from Beaumont at Westborough, MA for the care and compassion, they gave Maria during her time of need.

May her soul find eternal peace, and may the love she shared continue to inspire us all. Her kindness and true love for life will always be remembered. Sleep well, dear soul.

Relatives and friends are invited to a period of calling hours on Thursday, November 5, from 8:30 am until 10 am at the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St., Worcester, followed by a procession to an 11 am Funeral Mass at Saint Luke the Evangelist Church, 70 West Main Street, Westborough, MA 01581. Burial will follow with a private ceremony, family only at The Woodlawn Cemetery Chapel, 302 Elm St Everett, MA 02149.

In lieu of flowers, all donations may be made in memory of Maria (Bottari) Parisi St Jude Children Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas PlaceMemphis, TN 38105, Tel. 800-822-6344