Mary K. (Maroni) Massidda

Mary Massidda, 93, of York, Maine passed away peacefully at her home on April 8, 2025. She was the beloved wife of the late William Massidda and leaves behind three sons—John, Douglas, and James Massidda, their partners —Sherrill, Fatima, Betty, Lena and Tammy, seven grandchildren —Miles, Sophia, Colin, Marina, Enrique, Jeffrey and Scott, and three great-grandchildren—Alex, Anthony and Lita—and her brother Robert, her sister Flora and her late brother Eddie.   

Born in Athol, Massachusetts, she graduated from high school there and went on to attend the University of Massachusetts where she met and married William in 1952.  They raised their family in Wilbraham, MA, where they resided for over 50 years.

Mary worked tirelessly gardening, cooking, and entertaining large gatherings of family and friends. She was always inviting, always welcoming, with a quick-witted sense of humor and an artist’s eye for aesthetics. Her home hosted elaborate meals at holidays, weddings, and reunions.

Her work ethic and Yankee frugality never waned—she was still expertly wrapping Christmas gifts last year, arranging and rearranging the seasonal decorations on her mantle to achieve the right visual balance. Until recently, she kept her floors spotless and made sure that usable containers or compostable organics never ended up in the trash. Then she could relax with a photo album—sometimes with a Manhattan cocktail—reminiscing about old friends who had moved on, or family she could still visit. She even made a trip to Maryland last year to see her little sister, Flora.

Her journey as an artist began in college, inspired by a professor who noticed her skill while she worked in the science department drawing viruses and bacteria through a microscope. Encouraged to pursue art, she became prolific, capturing scenes in oil, watercolor, and sketches. Her works documented her travels—from flower shops in France, rivers in Italy, cemeteries in Ireland, churches in Spain, and alleys in Mexico, to the coastal beauty of New England with its harbors, fishing boats, and lobster traps.

Mary served as president of the Springfield Art League and became known locally for her commissions of people’s homes.

Later, she and William retired to York, Maine, drawn by their love of the ocean and seafood. They celebrated their 70th anniversary there, renewing their vows at home in front of yet another feast with family and friends. She was still dismantling and devouring lobster—her favorite dish—in 2025.

She will be remembered with her easel planted in the sand dunes of Cape Cod in autumn, or in springtime capturing a scene in a field, perhaps with her husband holding an umbrella over her while she painted in the rain.

He cherished her paintings and couldn't bear to part with them. As a result, much of her artwork will be showcased at her home  during the celebration after the funeral service.

Services will be held at First Parish Cemetery on June 14th at 12 noon, with a celebration immediately following at her home, 127 York St, York, Maine.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mary K. (Maroni) Massidda, please visit our floral store.