Mary M. "Ginger" (Catalani) DiGrazia

We are saddened to announce the passing of Mary M. “Ginger” (Catalani) DiGrazia of Pelham, New Hampshire, on Tuesday, May 23, 2023.  Mary “Ginger” passed away peacefully while surrounded by her loving family at the age of 82.

Born Monday, December 9, 1940 in Somerville, Massachusetts, the loving daughter of the late Primo DiGrazia and Marion (Candelieri) DiGrazia.  Ginger was a warm, kind & compassionate daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, aunt and friend who will be deeply missed.

A generous and persistent person, Ginger had many major accomplishments over her lifetime including receiving her Master’s Degree later in life and then continued on to earn her certification in Architectural Design.  As a strong minded-driven business woman, she later pursued her passion in flowers to purchase three floral shops which she ran successfully until retiring.  Though moving on from the flower business, Ginger did not slow down at all and continued to work in consulting with new clients for accounting and their business organization needs. This led Ginger to find a true passion with the Rotary Club in Salem, New Hampshire where she spent many hours working to volunteer with the local community through food drives, the Salvation Army and other great causes.  Due to her great work with the Rotarians, she earned a place on the Board with the Rotary and was awarded the distinguished Paul Harris Fellow Recognition, which acknowledges individuals who have made significant contributions to the community.

As a host to anyone who would visit Ginger’s home, she planned each and every birthday, holiday and life event preparing specialty meals, elaborate cakes and cookies, no detail was too small, no occasion too big. Her passion and love for cooking and baking spilled over to her family and she will forever be remembered for the meals and cookies she prepared with love and utmost preparation. There were no words needed when Ginger gave you a box of her holiday cookies because you understood already that the message was to enjoy them with the love and care she crafted them in.

Ginger is remembered by the large family and cherished friends she leaves behind.  Devoted mother to her children; Paulette Gerry and her husband Frank Vallarelli, Richard Catalani and his husband Gregg McWhirk, and Matthew Catalani.  She is remembered by her cherished grandchildren; Annmarie Pratt and her husband Michael, Paul J. Gerry and Alexandra Gerry and great grandmother or “Nonna” to Madison, Travis, Sterling, Phoenix & Ophelia Pratt.  The youngest of her siblings, she will be remembered as a dear sister to Joseph DiGrazia and his companion Robin Delanie, and her late siblings, Brandina McLaughlin, Adelaide Anderson, Jean King and Andrew DiGrazia.  Ginger is also survived by many nieces, nephews and great friends.  Ginger will be especially missed by her beloved Contessa, a small pile of white fur who sat by her side in both good and bad times as her companion and protector.

A Funeral Mass Celebrating Ginger’s Eternal Life will be held on Tuesday, May 30^th at 10:00 am at Saint Patrick Church, 71 Central Street Stoneham, Massachusetts.  Please gather at the church. The family wishes to extend an invitation for anyone to join them in remembering Ginger’s life at Fusilli’s Cucina at 107 Main Street, Reading MA starting at 11:30am.

The family wishes to extend their thanks and gratitude to all of the staff at Saint Joseph Hospital in Nashua, New Hampshire for their kindness, compassion, friendship and professionalism during this time.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations in Ginger’s memory to St. Joseph Hospital Foundation, 172 Kinsley Street, Nashua, New Hampshire 03061.  Cash and checks are accepted.  Please make checks payable to St. Joseph Hospital.

For more information, www.facebook.com/BarileFamilyFuneralHome