Shrewsbury – Cornelia F. “Nellie” (Santa Maria) Martone, 95, of Shrewsbury, passed away peacefully Feb 5, 2021 after a short period of declining health.
Cornelia was born September 27, 1925 at home in Shrewsbury into a large Italian family. Her parents, Angelo A. and Nancy M. (Bisceglia) Santa Maria, came to this country from Italy and raised her with a focus on faith and heritage. She met the love of her life Carmen W. Martone, they married on April 23, 1949 shortly after Carmen came home from World War II, and began their life raising a family in Worcester before building their home in Shrewsbury 62 years ago.
Carmen and Nellie made sure they raised their children with love, devotion, faith, and a strong family bond. She was a wonderful cook, made sure her family was well cared for and enjoyed all her children’s and grandchildren’s successes. She also made sure their home was always a warm, welcoming and open place for her children, friends and extended family.
Nellie is survived by her devoted husband, Carmen; their three children, Joann E. Absi and her husband John of Wilmington, N.C., Patricia A. Urbano of Orange, Conn., Carmen W. Martone and his wife Denise (Buteau) of Shrewsbury; five grandchildren she adored, Christina, Matthew, Diana, and her husband Alfie, Anthony, Lea, and her husband Kevin; and five great-grandchildren, Vincenzo, Valencia, Luca, Liana, and Mariella. One of 11 children, she is survived by five, John B. and Joseph A. Santa Maria, Rose A Puleo, Antoinette J. Santa Maria, and Ann Marie DiVerdi. Besides her parents, five siblings predeceased her, Frank, Michael and Matteo Santa Maria, Mary Rucci, and Esther Nozzolillo.
Nellie was a member of St Anne’s Church, its senior club, and the Mt Carmel Golden Age Association. Nellie and Carmen enjoyed their life traveling to Florida in the winters, the senior citizen bus trips, the casinos, and playing cards with family and friends.
A legacy of 95 years young, a loving wife for 72 years, a caring devoted mother, a fun-loving sister, Auntie Nellie to many and the sweetest grandma/great grandmother – we were truly blessed. Queen of our family, she had grace, style, and humor that made us smile.
We’ll hold dad/grandpa close, bake your famous cheesecake & cookies with love, instill your etiquette in our children, and cherish every happy memory.
It’s undeniable that her prayers have carried our family through life. We’ll never forget her faith, values, rosary routine, and especially her smiles and giggles and love. We pray that she’s laughing, dancing, enjoying “cards & coffee an” with her Santa Maria clan. She will be greatly missed, and never forgotten.
Friends and relatives are invited to a period of calling hours Wednesday, Feb. 10, from 10-11:15 a.m., in St Anne’s Church, 130 Boston Tpke., Shrewsbury. Her celebration of Christian burial Mass will be held at 11:30 a.m. Burial will follow in St John Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial remembrances in her name can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601 (www.alz.org).
COVID restrictions of face masks and social distancing is required in church. To view the services, live, go to www.mercadantefuneral.com/liveservices.
The Mercadante Funeral Home & Chapel of Worcester is honored to assist the family with arrangements.
