Grafton – Isabella (Allegretta) Pradella, 97, passed away peacefully Sunday, March 5, 2017 following an illness. She was predeceased by her husband of 54 years, Guido Pradella.
Isabella is survived by her son, Ferruccio Pradella and his wife Joanne; her grandchildren, Dominique Burke and her husband Chris and Nikki DeSimone and her husband Mark; and several nieces and nephews in Italy. Her son, Dario Pradella, also predeceased her.
Isabella was born Sept. 11, 1919 in Italy, daughter of the late Martha (Altomare) and Vincenzo Allegretta. She was one of 18 children and was the last surviving. Her roots were in Italy where she lived until 1962 when she settled in the United States with her husband Guido.
Isabella worked side by side with her husband Guido in Little Italy in Manhattan where they called home for many years, running their own bakery. She worked tirelessly, often seven days each week where their labors yielded fresh bread that found itself on restaurant tables throughout Manhattan for years. She and Guido built many close friendships at the bakery and retired to New Providence, N.J.
Several years following Guido’s passing, Isabella lived in New Jersey and eventually moved to Massachusetts with her family. Away from work Isabella was the quintessential Italian “Nonna,” happily cooking for her family at holiday gatherings and finding joy in life spending time with them. She was learned and self-taught in many ways and was happy each day working on her Italian crossword puzzles.
She’ll be remembered most for her strength, independence and grace and will be dearly missed.
All are welcome to calling hours for Isabella Saturday, March 11, from 12:30-2 p.m., at St. Mary’s Church, 17 Waterville St., North Grafton, followed by the celebration of her funeral Mass at 2 p.m. at the church. Burial will be private at her family’s convenience.
Please honor Isabella with a memorial donation to Food for the Poor, 6401 Lyons Rd., Coconut Creek, FL 33073 or online at www.Foodforthepoor.org.
Please visit a Book of Memories online for Isabella to share a story, memory or message of sympathy with her family at www.RoneyFuneralHome.com.