Obituary of Marcia M Massimilla

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The above link will bring you to our facebook page (sign-in is NOT required), to view Marcia's private funeral service on Wednesday, October 7th at 10am.

Marcia M. Massimilla, retired Director of Operations at SAP Corporation, passed away after a long illness with her family at her bedside on Thursday afternoon, October 1, 2020.  She was 69 years old.  Marcia was one of two daughters born to William and Edna Cogan of Somerville.  A 1969 graduate of Somerville High School, Marcia furthered her education, earning an associate degree.  She met her future husband, Mario Massimilla, when she was 17 years old, during her first year of college.  The couple were married on October 11, 1975 at St. Joseph’s Church in Somerville, and in 1977, they purchased their forever home in Burlington.  Marcia worked at the Somerville District Court for several years before putting her career on hold to raise her son and daughter.  The number one advocate and cheerleader for her children, Marcia embraced her role as homemaker and mother, and it was clear that her children were her first priority. She truly cherished her time with them, supporting and encouraging them throughout their childhood, filling their days with laughter and fun, never missing one of her children’s sporting, activity, or school events. A talented cook and baker, Marcia cherished the time spent with her daughter in the kitchen, teaching her the family’s favorite recipes, including her well sought-after meatballs and sauce.  Once her children were older and independent, Marcia resumed her career, accepting a position at Sybase/SAP in 1991, quickly moving up the corporate ladder to become Director of Operations for North America.  During her 27-year career, Marcia traveled to China, Japan, Hong Kong, France, Germany, and countless other destinations.  She always made sure to take time to immerse herself in the culture, learning what she could about each country during her free time. She retired in 2018. 

Marcia looked forward to vacations with her family, traveling to Disney World, Florida, California, and New Hampshire. Their traditional spot was at Martha’s Vineyard, where they spent a week every summer for over 30 years.

Marcia was a devoted and loving wife to her husband Mario for 44 years, and a wonderful mother and grandmother; her love for them was undeniable.  Part of Marcia’s success both at home and at work was her ability to light up a room. Her warm, spunky, and kind personality made everyone feel loved, appreciated, and special.  She was the “best of the best”.  All whom loved her dearly will never forget her warmth, kindness, charm, wit, spirit, and undying love and caring for them.  She will be missed, but never forgotten. 

Marcia is the loving wife of Mario Massimilla.  She is the loving mother of Michael & his wife Alissa of Bedford and Lauren Causey & her husband Master Sgt. Kyle Causey, USAF of Ft. Dix, NJ.   She is the proud grandmother of Logan & Ava Massimilla and Lennox & Brie Causey.  She is the sister of Patricia Bruno & her husband Anthony of GA.  Marcia is also survived by many loving cousins, nieces, and nephews.  A visitation will be held at the Edward V Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., BURLINGTON (Exit 34 off Rt. 128/95 Woburn side) on October 6^th 2020 from 4-6 p.m.   A private Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Margaret Church of St. Veronica Parish, 111 Winn St., Burlington on October 7^th 2020. The Mass will be live streamed at 10am (see link at the top of this page). Due to the current Covid-19 pandemic a celebration of Marcia’s life will be held at a later date.  In lieu of flowers memorials in Marcia’s name may be made to Dana Farber Cancer Center Institute – Jimmy Fund, 10 Brookline Place West, 6^th Floor, Brookline, MA 02445-7226

Family Remembrance by Lauren

I’m not sure how I will get through this so please bare with me. On behalf of myself and my family I would like to thank everyone who has reached out to us with such love, prayers and immense support. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts. It has been a comfort in this unbearable time.

Mom….How do you explain a beautiful soul like Mom.. You don’t. The words to convey the beauty of Marcia just don’t exist. I will try to do my sweet mother justice. Mom was spunky, fun and beautiful beyond words inside and out. Mom’s kindness was gentle, tender and made you want to better. Her cute freckles always danced across her nose as her sweet smirk appeared and it instantly made you feel like home. Her one of a kind smile not only had the power to brighten the darkest of rooms but it could turn the worst day upside down and pull a smile right out of you. One of my most favorite sounds on the planet was her contagious cackle you could hear if from a mile away and it made you feel warm and fuzzy on the inside. She was soft and delicate but had the strength of steel. She fought her fight with cancer so hard with such poise and grace. When she first was diagnosed she turned to my father and I and said I’m sorry with a tear running down her cheek. She was the one about to face the hardest part of her life and she was apologizing to us. A stunned husband, daughter and doctor looked at her with such beloved shock. As always her love and concern was focused on us not her. A total sacrifice for others. Mom being Mom. She became a superwoman patient defying all odds and not only surprising us over and over but her doctor as well. A doctor that became our friend and then family because everyone falls in love with sweet Marcia. She was truly one of a kind. I was always in awe of my mother and she stunned me even more when I watched her take on this battle. She was brave, courageous, a fighter, a true warrior and our angelic hero.  

Her captivating presence brightened up any room and brightened up all the lives of the people who knew her.  We are all better people for it.  The sparkle in your bright green eyes told everyone that she was the purest and most divine soul.  She was the best mom and woman I have ever known and if I turn out to be half the woman she was I will consider myself lucky.

She was the mom that stopped to lightly brush blush across my cheek as she applied her make up to her already flawless face. She would always look so stunning, she blew me away with her humble beauty and she would fill the house with her perfume, a smell that brings me happiness and now a heavy tear to my eye.  And as I watched this queen in amazement I thought I have the best mom. In the same day as I sat thinking she couldn’t top that moment that is forever imprinted within me. She would pick up a softball and show my brother and I how its done in the ball field dirt. Again I sat in awe and thought I have the coolest mom. Right after washing off all that dirt she would teach me how to bake a cake and again I thought I have the sweetest Mom. She could truly do it all. As time passed and I grew she continued to show her portfolio of things she could do topping herself over and over with all she taught us. She did it all with such love and patience. My memories of moments like this overwhelm me with happiness that she was mine, that she was ours. As an adult she would again astound me with her wisdom and gentleness of leading me in life. A simple talk over a glass of wine with my mom changed my life forever over and over and I remained in complete admiration thinking I have the most wonderful mom. Everyday since I was a little girl I watched her in true astonishment and thought I have the coolest mom, the sweetest mom, the most gorgeous mom, the best mom.

 I’m not sure I can do this life without you, I’m not sure where to turn when I need my mother or my best friend because I will never stop needing you but,  I hope and pray that I will make you proud and can raise my children with such love and tenderness like you did Michael and I. Mom always said I just want to make sure my grandbabies know who I am, well Mom I promise you they do and always will because you have gleamed with such pride, joy and love for your grandchildren and the bond and love you have created is precious and unbreakable, there is no one like GiGi. Mom gave the gift of true love to my Dad and I know his heart is forever full for it. They always said “our forever love” this shows more true than ever as my father showed his compassion and care throughout it all. The devotion you have showed as a wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, cousin and friend is miraculous and strong. There aren’t enough thank yous to express how grateful I am for you and all you have done. You are my mother, my best friend, and I love you beyond the edges of this earth that was lucky to have had you grace it. You changed everyone’s life you touched with your laugh, warmth and unwavering love because there is no one like GiGi…there is no one like Mom…there is no one like Marcia.. We were blessed to have you, we miss you, we love you and pieces of our hearts are with you, our forever angel with the brightest twinkling halo.