This photo was taken in the summer of 1986.
Virginia De Silva

Dear Diane, Aunt Phyllis, Arthur, Margie and all the Family,

I am thinking of you all as you prepare to gather for the calling hours today and the funeral tomorrow.

Aunt Mary was so good to our family when we were young, as Virginia mentioned in her tribute.  I will never forget staying with her in 1970 when I experienced my first plane ride out of Bermuda.  (Boy, was it a joy to see the real world!)  I remember her apartment.  The wooden building was so interesting, such a contrast from our limestone homes, and I think it was on an upper floor.  I enjoyed seeing squirrels for the first time and was fascinated watching them collect acorns. 

I still have some of the letters Aunt Mary sent me, and this is probably how I got to know her best.  I appreciated her commenting on what I wrote to her about, as well as telling me her own news.  She also had the most fantastic penmanship, better than Mom's.    Growing up in a British dependent territory, they didn't teach us American cursive so I practiced copying her beautiful handwriting but could never match hers.

Although I didn't make many trips to Waterbury and didn't see Aunt Mary often, I am very grateful for the hospitality she extended to us when she was able.

Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers as you grieve your loss.  

Much love,

Heather

Lit a candle in memory of Mary (Santoro) Maggi

Dear Diane, Phyllis and all the family,  

You have my heartfelt sympathy on the loss of our dear Mary.  

Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.  I am also deeply saddened by the loss of my sister.  I regret that I cannot make the trip to Mary’s funeral.  I have agonized about it and Heather and I both came to the decision that it would be too difficult to travel given the present state of my health.  Know that I will be praying with you at 10:00 EST on Tuesday.   Mary loved Bermuda, especially the Elbow Beach on the South Shore.  I can’t get there in my wheelchair so I will be at another beach nearby thinking of Mary and all of the family as they say farewell.

I have fond memories of Mary.  They include when Mary was dressed up by our sister Elizabeth with flowers from our garden.  She made a beautiful wreath of flowers to decorate Mary’s “crown and glory”.   I fondly remember Mary singing in “Amateur Hour” in Staten Island when we visited our older sister.  She loved to sing and she had a beautiful voice.  I also fondly remember when we used to pick wild blueberries and sell them for ten cents a quart. Those were the days!    (Heather told me the latest Bermuda price for blueberries is about $4.99 for one cup!)  We were also blessed to have wonderful parents but lost them too soon in life.

I am grateful that Mary always sent me letters and pictures of her grandchildren as they were growing up.  She was a caring sister; we kept in touch over the years after I moved to Bermuda.  I am grateful for all her packages, cards and letters as it is not easy leaving your family to live in another place, no matter how beautiful it is!  

I won’t forget the last time I saw Mary.  She had Mickey Trent, my daughter, Virginia, and I over for a very special lunch.  She was a great cook!

My heart breaks at not being able attend her funeral.  Please know that I will certainly be there in spirit.  

I love you, Mary.  Rest in peace and have fun singing with all the angels.

All my love,

Carrie

Sunday, 10  August 2014

Dear Dianne and Family,

I was so sorry to hear the sad news of Aunt Mary's passing.  I hope she is free of all pain now and at peace.

I know how much you all loved her and did your best to ease her suffering.  And I know how much she loved her family and appreciated all that you did for her.  You were always a comfort to her.  

I will remember Aunt Mary during her times of good health, for the kindness and generosity she showed us during our visits to CT.  She loved to cook for us and she always made something delicious. Aunt Mary always remembered our birthdays and sent cards with lovely handwritten letters often.   Mail and calls from Aunt Mary were a source of joy for Mom, Heather and me.  

 I will always remember how excited we were to see her on her visits to Bermuda to see our side of the family. She always kept herself looking beautiful now matter how hot and humid our weather was!   It was fun listening to her and Mom conversing in Italian while we tried to figure out what they were saying.  I don't think we were meant to understand these private conversations, which often began with her favourite phrase, Carrie, "it's like I say..."

Aunt Mary, we will miss you and continue to love you.  May God bless you in your next chapter of life.

Family, you are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Love,

Virginia De Silva (niece)
Halifax, Nova Scotia

OBITUARY

Mary (Santoro) Maggi

December 7, 1924 – August 7, 2014

Della Vecchia Funeral Home

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