Obituary of Marie Capobianco

Marie C. Capobianco, who considered being a wife, mother, and grandmother, her greatest joy in her life, passed away after an extended illness at the Carleton Willard Village in Bedford. She was 83 years old. Marie was born in Gaeta, Italy. She was the daughter of the late Andrew and Maria Stamegna. Her family emigrated from Italy to the United States when she was 8 years old. She often spoke of the voyage on the luxury liner, the SS Rex with her mother, and brother, Paul, anxiously awaiting the meeting of her father, who had been working in the United States to support his family. He anticipated the danger of World War II for Italy and sent for his family. Her home in Italy was destroyed soon after they came to the United States. Marie immersed herself into her new life, embracing it with courage and pride. Her family lived in Cambridge and then Somerville. Marie learned the language and culture, making many friendships along the way. She graduated from Somerville High School in 1950, then married the love of her life, Anthony J. Capobianco in 1953. The couple started their marriage in Somerville and then moved to Burlington in 1966 to raise their children. She supported her husband in his career and was an outstanding mother to her children. Working in unison with Anthony, she was the organizer, counselor, disciplinarian, sympathetic ear, and often the voice of reason. Marie loved her family and fostered a family environment filled with warmth and love. Her home was immaculate, clothes were washed and ironed. There was a hot meal on the table seven days a week. She took her job as a homemaker seriously. Sunday dinners were extra special for all. Marie was a wonderful cook and the family time was always cherished. She loved celebrating all of the holidays with her family and decorated her home with her beautiful ceramic pieces , creating a very warm and comforting environment. She especially enjoyed celebrating each family member’s birthday and would bake their favorite cake. She enjoyed reading, sewing, ceramics, knitting, decorating and caring for her home. She enjoyed being social in small gatherings and kept in touch with family and friends. She had a kind heart and was very much interested as well as concerned for all those she knew and loved. Even at Carleton Willard Village, Marie was constantly making new friends and would brighten the days of the residents and staff. Many staff routinely spent time with Marie on their breaks. She touched the hearts of so many and her influence and memory will continue to live on through those she loved. She was a woman of strong faith and had a special spot in her heart for Saints Cosmas, Damian and Therese, The Little Flower. Marie was the loving wife of Anthony J. Capobianco. She was the proud and loving mother of Grace Volpe & her husband Tony of Chelmsford, Sal Capobianco & his wife Susan of Hingham, Andrew Capobianco & his wife Kathleen of Burlington and Bruce Capobianco & his wife Kathleen of Burlington. She was the sister of Paul Stamegna of Londonderry, NH and the late Erasmo Stamegna. She was the proud grandmother of John & Danielle Volpe and Lisa, Michael, Ashley, Cole, Sara, Brian & David Capobianco. Marie was also survived by many nieces, nephews and friends. Funeral from the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn Street, Burlington (Exit 34 off Rt. 128, Woburn side) on Friday, July 3 at 9 a.m. Followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Margaret’s Church, 111 Winn St., Burlington at 10 a.m. Visiting hours Thursday 4-8 p.m. Interment in Pine Haven Cemetery, Burlington. Memorials in Marie’s name may be made to the Arthritis Foundation, 29 Crafts St., Suite 450, Newton, MA 02458 or www.arthritis.org/massachusettsThank you for joining us today to celebrate the life of our very special mom. I know she is looking down upon all of us, so happy that we are here together. Words by Grace Mom There are so many quotes about mothers, but this one resonates most for us. . “A mother is not a person to lean on but a person to make leaning unnecessary.” This quote by the early twentieth century American author, Dorothy C. Fisher articulates Mom’s greatest gift to us. She nurtured and guided, but allowed us the freedom to follow our dreams and realize our potential. . She was born in Gaeta, Italy on September 3, 1931, immigrating to the United States when she was eight years old. She often spoke of the voyage from Italy on a luxury ship, the SS Rex. She enjoyed this voyage tremendously! There was lots of food, entertainment, and an overall fun time. On board with her was her brother, Paul, age 12 and her mother. Growing up, Paul was so very special to her. He would give her all his extra change and bring her presents from places he traveled. She loved and admired her older brother very much. Mom’s dad had dual citizenship and was living and working here to better provide for his family still living in Italy. As a result, Mom didn’t know her dad very well. She told her mom that if she didn’t like him, she didn’t want him for a dad. Well, she told us that as soon as she saw him he hugged and hugged her and at that moment she decided she would keep him as a dad! . Mom was strong willed and courageous. She often spoke about her first day of second grade unable to understand her teacher who asked her to remove her coat. It was difficult, but she not only learned English, but made wonderful friendships in the process. These friendships continued through and long after high school. . She graduated in 1950 from Somerville High School. As her high school year book described her, she was “gentle in method, resolute in action.” This was our mom. She was sweet, kind, and loving, but never timid. She knew what she wanted from life and persevered to get it. Her job out of high school was that of a stenographer. Her skill in taking shorthand was remarkable. She told stories of her boss standing over her shoulders smoking a cigar and dictating while she either typed or took it in shorthand. Imagine that nine years earlier she did not know a word of English, resolute in action-definitely. . Soon after, she met Dad, and they were married on June 7, 1953. He was the love of her life. She cherished him and together they built a beautiful life for the four of us. Together they demonstrated the power of love and commitment to family. We remember them waltzing in the living room to many of their favorite tunes played on a stereo that Dad bought many years back with a tax refund as a big surprise for Mom. This stereo has found a new home at Bruce and Kathy’s. . Mom always took pride in the way she looked even to a point when Sal had called us at home when there was a prowler in his house. Andy and Bruce made it to his house in 3 minutes, 20 minutes later Dad and Mom showed up. Mom needed to put on her lipstick and fix her hair! . Mom had special times with all of us. She and I shopped at the Mall on Saturdays and took Bruce with us promising him Jello at Jordan Marsh if he behaved. We could talk for hours about nothing and everything. She was my mom, but also my very best friend and confidant. Sal and Mom had a special bond, much alike in so many ways. During one of Sal’s first jobs, he worked the second shift. She would cook him a full course dinner at lunch! Once in a while they would go to Pizza Hut for the all you can eat buffet as a special treat! Andy played an extra special role in Mom’s life because he was born on September 6, 1963 and she lost her mom on November 2, 1963. Caring for Andy helped her deal with the unexpected death of her mom. Andy and Mom have shared their birthdays together every year. We have many picture of the two of them blowing out their candles at their annual birthday party, most often held on Labor Day weekend. Finally, Bruce was her treasure because she thought Andy was her last blessing. One memory shared by Bruce was how they would walk to the bus stop kicking stones and chatting all the way. . Mom loved to shop. In Somerville, her favorite spot was Gilchrist Basement. Once the Burlington Mall was built, that became our Saturday hangout, but only after she cleaned the entire house! She never shopped for herself, but always for us. Toughskin Jeans and shirts from Sears for Sal, Andy, and Bruce and lots of girlie things for me. When we were on our own, her favorite shopping place was QVC and this time the shopping was all for her. She was quite the fashion plate. . Mom took pride in her heritage, but always felt that the United States was her home. She loved to hear “God Bless America” and always emphasized how lucky we were to live here. She loved the Red Sox, no matter how well or poorly they played. She would always say, “Well, they are trying their best.” During her last days, she was watching the Red Sox, and of course they were losing! . Some of Mom’s happiest memories were going out to breakfast with Irene and Burlington friends, especially on the first day of school. Mom treasured her friendships with her high school friends. Many holidays and birthdays were spent enjoying extended family at our house playing whiffle ball and enjoying Mom’s great food and punch. . Mom opened the house to our friends. Several of them thought of Mom as their second Mom and remained in contact with her until the end. . Mom was a true homemaker. Our home was immaculate. We could actually eat off the floor. Her cooking was incredible. We looked forward to Christmas lasagna, her sauce and meatballs, chicken soup, chicken cacciatore, meat loaf, pot roast, beef stew, and best of all, pizza. Her desserts were incredible, apple pie, pecan pie, Boston cream pie, cherry cake (Dad’s favorite). Her cooking wasn’t just delicious, but provided a venue for reinforcing the importance of family. Sitting there eating, talking, laughing, just brought all of us closer and instilled in us a sense of family that will be with us forever. In our home, there was never any take out, but a home cooked meal seven days a week. We all have her recipes that will be passed down to the next generation. . The house was always festive for whatever holiday was approaching. In our homes and the homes of the older grandchildren her decorations are displayed and cherished with love and memories. Trimming the tree was and art form for her. We would put ornaments on the tree, but to find out the next day, she had moved them because they had not been placed just right. . Mom also loved to read. One of her favorite books was the Silver Chalice by Thomas Costaine. Another favorite was Hawaii by James Michener. She was an incredible seamstress. She made many of my dresses when I was younger because I was a little chunky and she didn’t think store bought clothes fit me well. She also made Halloween Costumes for all of us. My favorite was a gypsy costume. Bruce’s favorite was a hobo costume. . Not much rattled Mom with all of us growing up. She played doctor to all of us, pulling out a piece of wood nailed to Bruce’s hand, looking for Sal’s chipped tooth, bandaging the many cuts and bruises of my brothers, and then often taking that ride to the emergency room, thinking, “I wonder how many stiches this time.” Not only was she there to doctor cuts and bruises, but was there to fix each of us when our hearts were broken. . Mom could also knit. She knitted us comfy socks, mittens, hats and many afghans. These afghans still keep us warm on cold winter nights. She also loved her soap operas and hooked all of us on at least one at some point in time. Another hobby was ceramics. She made ceramic pieces for all of the holidays. She would walk to ceramics on Tuesday nights and make beautiful pieces, while socializing with neighbors and friends. Over the years at CW, we would decorate her window with her ceramic pieces. She loved showing her CW family her decorations. These pieces will be cherished by all of us for many years to come. . Mom overcame many health issues during her lifetime, a fighter and survivor. Although she never admitted to being tough, it was visible in her unrelenting will to live. She had to leave her home for nursing home care about seven years ago. She was not bitter or angry. She missed her Burlington home, but made the best of each situation, especially at CW. These wonderful people became a part of her family. Many would take breaks and go in and chat with Mom about many things. She made friends to have lunch and dinner with and was so proud to introduce her entire family to all at CW. Mom’s last days were difficult ones, but because of the relationships she developed at CW, we were comforted by all who loved her. . Mom was unassuming, never realizing her impact on others. Her kindness and gentle manner made her one of a kind. In the past few days we have heard from friends and relatives about how special she was and how much she was truly loved. She was traditional in her thoughts and always a true lady, but as traditional as she was, she was surprisingly modern and accepting of all. She loved us unconditionally. . She lost her Tony a year and seven months ago, holding his hand during his last days. She missed him so very much, but did not give into her sadness because that would affect us. She was still there for all of us and always remained strong. During her last days, when we asked her how she was, she would say, “I’m fine, don’t worry, I’m not afraid.” She continued to be brave because that was best for us. . Mom taught us so very much. She never wanted us to be the best, only to do our best in whatever we attempted. She taught us to treat others as we want to be treated. She taught us to put those we love before ourselves, that money did not buy happiness, and that the best things in life were truly free. She taught us to be strong and fight for life because it was a precious gift. . Mom loved each and every one of her grandchildren and was so very proud of them. John, Danielle, Lisa, Michael, Ashley, Cole, Sara, Brian, and David, Grandma’s love will always be a part of you and she will always be watching over you from her special place in heaven right next to Grandpa. . Mom, we love you, admire you, and will cherish all of our memories. We will keep your spirit alive in us as we live our lives hoping to make you proud. You showed us how to carry on when we lost Dad and we will continue to draw on your strength as we live our lives. Until we meet again, we love you so very much, please rest in peace. . With Love from all of us