Mary J. Christoforo Simiola, 88, of North Haven, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 10, 2018 at Yale-New Haven Hospital surrounded by her loving family. She was the beloved wife of the late Joseph Simiola. Mary was born in New Haven and was the 10th child of 14 to the late Michael and Rose Valentino Christoforo. It was an amazing family that left their legacy of Italian tradition to their children, grandchildren & great-grandchildren. Mary worked as a phenomenal seamstress at the Alba Dress and Andy & Tommy Dress Shop and also was a self-employed designer of woman’s clothing as well as Cabbage Patch Doll clothes in her early years. As a parishioner of St. Therese Church, she was a deeply spiritual woman and was a “powerhouse of prayer”. She demonstrated exemplary grace and perseverance when her husband became disabled raising two young children. Mary lived her life for her family. She will be remembered for her many talents including sewing, baking, cooking and gardening and her magical ability to fix anything! Her Italian cuisine was legendary. Mary generously helped the less fortunate since 1999 when she continued her granddaughter’s community service project by providing 30 weekly lunches for the homeless. Mary believed that simplicity is beauty as she lived a simple life with a beautiful heart. Mary was a patient and loving mother to Terri (Bob) Murphy of North Haven and MaryRose Dinan of Wallingford, grandmother to Kristina (Jamie) Kehlenbach, Laura & Sarah Dinan as well as Nonnie to her great-grandchildren, Joshua & Hailey Kehlenbach who were the heartbeats of her life. Sister of Philomena Abatello, Josephine & Nancy Cuseo, Charles & Tony (Mary) Christoforo and the late Lucy Buonpane, Rose Migliaro, Frank, John, Matteo, Pasquale and Salvatore Christoforo. Sister-in-law of Bernice Christoforo.
Her funeral procession will leave the North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue on Monday morning at 11:00. Family and friends may call from 9:00 to 11:00. In precious memory and in celebration of her life, a Mass of Christian burial will be held in St. Therese Church at 11:30. Interment will follow in All Saints Cemetery. To continue Mary’s life of service, donations and/or community service is encouraged to a favorite charity.
Heaven received another angel. Gram I never thought this day would come. You were invincible to me and my heart is broken. You were our family’s rock, matriarch. So strong, kind, smart, a talented cook, gardener and seamstress. Your family was your heart beat and you would do anything for a friend. We all are so fortunate to have had 88 years with you, but I wanted an eternity. You helped raise me and my children, always made us smile, and dried all our tears. You and I were like glue, inseparable. I will forever keep you close to my heart and not a day will go by without thinking of you. The legacy and traditions you have left us will carry on forever. It was a blessing to spend your last days with you and so hard to let you go but you are home now with Jesus. I know you will be watching over us from heaven with gramp. I know Jesus welcomed you with open arms as you are truly an angel and my heart swells with the happiness envisioning your embrace. May you Rest In Peace gram and we will love you forever and always. We will meet again and I love you forever.
What a wonderful women Mary was. Such a strong woman and made sure to instil that in her daughter Teri and granddaughter Kristina. Your family is in my thoughts. Miss and love you guys!
Stephanie
So sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you and your family
Kristina & family,
I am so sorry for your loss. May you always find joy in the beautiful memories you hold in your heart 💜.
Sincerely,
Nancy
My deepest sympathy to the Simiola family. Fond memories from St. Theresa Church. May God bless you all.
Teri I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you and your family.
I send my deepest sympathy to my cousins, Terry and MaryRose in the death of their mother and my aunt Mary. She was like a 2nd mother to me and Terry and Mary Rose we’re like sisters to me. I will always remember sitting around her kitchen table drinking coffee and eating her wonderful food. I also have very early & fond memories of being watched as a young toddler and having Aunt Mary sew me doll clothes.
It’s been difficult dealing with the deaths of both of my aunts, Rose & Mary, so close together. It’s also difficult being so far away and not being able to attend funerals. Please know that you are in our hearts and prayers from Richmond, Virginia.
I want to send my deepest sympathy to Terry & Bob Murphy and their family on the death of my sister Mary. Mary and I were only one year apart in a family of 14 children and we shared a bed as young children. We had many things in common, including our love of cooking and shared many recipes over the years. I will miss talking to her. I send her family my thoughts & prayers from Richmond, Virginia.