Northborough – Christine D. (Evangelista) Iaccarino, 89, of Northborough, formerly a 50-year resident of Shrewsbury, affectionately known to her family as “Nonna,” passed away very peacefully Tuesday, May 16, 2017, surrounded by her loving family, reuniting in heaven with her beloved husband of 68 years, Carl, who passed away Sept. 1, 2014.
Christine is survived by her devoted family, four daughters Marguerite D. Lemire and her husband Ronald of Boylston, Carla A. Renzoni and her husband Rex of Shrewsbury and Christine Pacios and her husband Larry, with whom she lived, and Maria M. Iaccarino and Dennis Romatelli of Harvard; a son, Francis X. Iaccarino of Boston; a brother, John Evangelista of Worcester; a sister-in-law, Rose Catuogno and her husband Phil of Maryland; 14 grandchildren, Deanna Paglia, Khara Pittman and her husband Ronald, Marc Paglia, Jim Lemire and his wife Linda Berman, Jeff Lemire, Carl Lemire and his girlfriend Shannah Jaburek, Giustina Renzoni and her boyfriend Matthew Pearson, Bianca Renzoni, Hannah, Alexandra, Margaret and Sophia Iaccarino, Christopher and Patrick Pacios; two great grandchildren, Emma and Jack Lemire; her Godchild, Donna Rezuke of West Boylston; and many nieces, nephews and extended family members. Christine was predeceased by three brothers, Larry, Leo, and Tony Evangelista, and four sisters, Phyllis Ursoleo, Theresa Vigliotti, Jennie Ciociolo, and Ann Fournier.
Christine was born March 19, 1928 in Worcester, a daughter of Italian immigrants Giuseppe and Margherita (Sette) Evangelista. She lived in Worcester many years before moving to Shrewsbury, where she lived 50 years raising her family before moving to Northborough three years ago.
She was a member of St Mary’s Church. Chris embraced her Italian heritage role as an Italian mother and grandmother. These were paramount in her life. Her husband, her children, and grandchildren always came first in her life no matter what. She was truly the backbone of her family and remained devoted to them throughout her life.
Chris was an excellent cook, baker, and avid crocheter, with many family, friends, and people receiving beautiful blankets. She truly enjoyed preparing these blankets, special meals and deserts for family and friends. Each person who tasted her Italian cookies enjoyed them and always came back for more. Chris subsequently was always busy, writing her favorite recipes to be passed down to her family. To “Nonna,” food was love. She enjoyed playing card games and very seldom lost to whoever she played. Chris also enjoyed, spending summers on Cape Cod and vacationing on Captiva Island.
The Iaccarino family would like to thank Beaumont of Northborough for the care, comfort and compassion they gave to our mom during a difficult time.
Friends and relatives are invited to gather for calling hours Sunday, May 21, from 3-6 p.m., in the Mercadante Funeral Home & Chapel, 370 Plantation St., Worcester. Her funeral will be held Monday, May 22 from the funeral home with a procession to St Mary Church, 640 Main St., where Monsignor Michael Rose will celebrate her funeral Mass at 10 a.m. Burial next to Carl will follow in Mountain View Cemetery of Shrewsbury.
Memorial contributions made to the Northborough Food for the Poor, 37 Pierce St., Northborough, MA 01532.
