Obituary of Maria T. (Ientile) Fulciniti

Maria (Ientile) Fulciniti, whose greatest love was her family, passed away at her home with her family by her side on Thursday, April 7, 2022. She was 78 years old.

Maria, the daughter of the late Vincenzo & Rosa Ientile, was born in Grotteria, Reggio Calabria, Italy, in 1943.  She was raised on the family farm until 1960 when, at the age of 17, she emigrated to the United States, joining other members of her family in and around Woburn.

Maria’s family was her life. She was happiest when she knew that all in the family were happy and content in their lives. Relatives, no matter how distant, were treated like immediate family. While she had no children of her own, she loved her nieces and nephews and great-nieces and -nephews as though they were her own children and grandchildren.

Maria loved to cook and bake. Her cream puffs, anise cakes and eggplant sauce were sought-after delicacies. Nothing pleased her more than cooking for large gatherings, whether for Easter dinner or just a quick family meal. Rarely did a day pass without Maria happily cooking for others.

Maria’s first job in the United States was at a shoe factory in Stoneham. She also worked for Alpha Industries in Woburn for over 20 years. She ultimately spent many years in her most fulfilling job, working with children in the daycare industry. In 2020, Maria retired from Little Achievers Learning and Child Care of Woburn where she worked as an assistant for 10 years. Caring for infants was her true joy, and the students at Little Achievers loved “Aunty Maria.”

When she wasn’t caring for her family, children at the day care, or cooking, Maria loved shopping with her sisters, and playing cards every Friday night.  Maria will be remembered as a sweet, innocent soul – a kind, gentle woman who brought warmth, comfort and love to her family and to all who knew her.

Maria was the beloved daughter of the late Vincenzo & Rosa Ientile. She was the loving sister of Catharina “Cathy” Carella & her husband Vincenzo of Winchester, Rita Gibson of Woburn, the late Angela Patrizio & her surviving husband Nicodemo of Woburn, the late Joseph Ientile & his surviving wife Elaine of Wilmington, and the late Eugenia “Gina” Carabetta & her late husband Mario. Maria is also survived by many adoring nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

Visiting hours will be held at the Edward V Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., Burlington, on Monday, April 11 from 4-7pm.  Funeral services begin at the funeral home on Tuesday, April 12 at 9am., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Charles Church, 280 Main St., Woburn at 10am.  Burial to follow in Woodbrook Cemetery, Woburn. 

Memorial Donations in Maria’s name may be made to Care Dimensions, 75 Sylvan St., Danvers, MA 01923 www.caredimensions.org  or the American Lung Association, 1661 Worcester Rd., Suite 301, Framingham, MA 01701 www.lung.org