Marlborough – Maria Theresa (Canezza) Navin, 66, of Marlborough, died at her home Thursday, Aug. 22, 2013, surrounded by family.
Born in Medford, she was the daughter of Giocondo Canezza of Bogliasco, Italy, and Flora T. (Greco) Canezza of Roxbury. She was the wife of former State Representative Joseph M. Navin, and they would have celebrated their 38th wedding anniversary this coming October.
Maria was a guidance counselor in the Marlborough Public Schools for 20 years, starting at Richer School, and spending most of her career at Marlborough Middle School. Prior to that, she was a guidance counselor at Waltham High School before leaving to raise her three children. She dedicated much of her time, both inside and outside of school, helping children achieve their full potential.
Maria loved her family, and cared for friends and her children's friends as if they were her own, often cooking for anyone who could make it for Sunday Dinner. Her grandchildren were the focus of her love and attention, and she spent her “retirement” caring for them day and often night. She loved to travel, primarily to her second home, her father's home, in Bogliasco, Italy, and went as often as she could, sharing the history and culture with her children.
She is survived by her husband, Joseph; three children, Maura Navin Webster of Marlborough and her husband Jason, Bridget Navin Nichols of Marlborough and her husband Brian, and Sean Navin of Marlborough and his fiancé Jessica Guineau. She is also survived by four grandchildren, Madelyn and Emma Webster and Desmond and Clara Nichols.
Her funeral will be held Tuesday, Aug. 27, at 9 a.m., from the William R. Short and Son Funeral Home (www.shortfuneral.com), 95 West Main St., Marlborough, followed by a funeral Mass at 10 a.m. in St. Matthew's Church, 105 Southville Rd., Southborough.? Burial will follow in Evergreen Cemetery of Marlborough. Visiting hours at the funeral home will be held Monday, Aug. 26, from 5 – 8 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made in memory of Maria Navin at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284 or via www.dana-farber.org/gift.
