Mary Louise Bucci

Mary Louise Bucci grew up in Aibonito Puerto Rico, surrounded by her beloved parents and siblings; Antonio, Rupert, Carmelo and Gloria. There in Aibonito she cherished the cooler mountain air, the beauty of the countryside, and the warmth of the close knit community that she called home. Her faith was an important part of her life, and she was a devoted member of the Parroquia San Jose in Aibonito. Going to visit her extended family in Puerto Rico always brought Mary peace and happiness.

Mary met John Bucci, her future husband in 1941, while he was stationed at the US Army Henry Barracks. He was working as a US Army code reader and she was a telephone operator. While at a local fair and jubilee John asked Mary to dance. They continued to spend time visiting one another with picnics by the water. They were married on June 22, 1942.

After marrying, Mary moved to the Boston area and raised her two beloved sons. They lived in Medford and then Stoneham Massachusetts. She was a devoted wife and mother, and took great pride in mastering Italian cuisine for her family meals. She will be remembered for her delicious Ricotta Pies, Stuffed Squid, and Sunday Sauce.

Her grandsons have fond memories of visiting her in Stoneham, Massachusetts and playing Monopoly late into the evenings. They enjoyed many family gatherings there with take out from The Kowloon, a historic Polynesian- Chinese restaurant that opened in 1950.

Mary enjoyed visiting her family in Puerto Rico for extended vacations as well as spending time with John at their condo in Miami. She enjoyed the time spent in the carport talking, playing cards with relatives, and was often knitting large afghan blankets for her family members.

During their later years Mary and John moved to Auburn Maine to be closer to family. They enjoyed many festive holiday meals, summer barbeques and adventurous outings. One time she and John traveled to Vermont in an RV driven by her grandson Jeffrey through the White Mountains of New Hampshire, to visit her oldest grandson Jon and his family, and to witness the colorful fall foliage.

Mary was predeceased by her husband John who passed away in 2010. They had celebrated 68 years of marriage. Though she missed him dearly Mary continued to enjoy her time at home with crossword puzzles, televised church services and reading the Boston Globe daily. She loved animals and was known to take in those in need of a home, cats, birds and even at one time two ferrets.

Mary really was a ray of sunshine. She had a positive attitude and asked nothing of others. When Mary turned 100 her family gathered to celebrate her centenary. She received over 100 cards from family, friends and the children from Pond Cove Elementary School where her granddaughter in law works. She loved visits from her family and when asked how she was feeling she would reply “Like a teenager!” even in her later years.

Mary Bucci survived by her two sons: James R Bucci of Auburn, Maine and Robert Bucci of Boston, Massachusetts.

Grandchildren: Jon Bucci and his wife Molly Bucci, of Burlington Vermont, Jeffrey Bucci and his wife Tara Bucci of Cape Elizabeth, Maine. Dante Bucci of Boston, Massachusetts, Aaliyah Bucci- Ashley of Boston, Massachusetts.

Great Grandchildren: Jake Bucci of New York, Isabella Bucci of Boston, Massachusetts, and Jed Bucci of Cape Elizabeth, Maine.

She had many dear friends who passed before her including Mary Torrento and Mary Saco of Massachusetts and Colleen Michaud of Auburn, Maine.

Mary's visitation will be held on Monday, August 17th from 9:30-10:30AM at The Fortin & Pinette Group, 217 Turner Street, Auburn. Her Mass of Christian Burial will follow immediately after, beginning at 11:00AM at Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, 122 Ash Street, Lewiston. Interment will take place at the Maine Veterans Cemetery, 163 Mt Vernon Road, Augusta following Mass, at 1:00PM. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited.

Arrangements are in the care of The Fortin & Pinette Group, 217 Turner Street, Auburn. Condolences and memories may be shared here with the family on the funeral home website.