Elena R. Barassi

Elena Barassi, age 91, departed this earth on February 12, 2022 to rejoin her beloved siblings Carmine, Palmi, Frank, and Albert, and her parents in heaven. Elena was a lifelong resident of the North End, one of the ever-dwindling number of real North Enders. She attended the Girls’ High School of Boston, and after graduation worked as a secretary at Liberty Mutual Insurance Company until her retirement. A fashionista, Elena managed to walk in high heels from the North End to the Back Bay every day with aplomb and style. She was an elegant dresser and knew how to put together the perfect outfit. In the winters, she could be found walking around the North End in her fur coats and distinctive hats. She was a lot of fun and was always up for having lunch or coffee at Café Vittoria. She went to every parade, feast, concert, and movie she could fit in to her busy social calendar. She especially loved little children and frequently stopped mothers on the sidewalk to chat with them. She traveled extensively with her family and friends. Memorable trips included a visit to Alabama to see her favorite television personality Mother Angelica live, trips to Hawaii, and of course the motherland, Italy. Young at heart well into her 80’s, she went yearly to Disney World with her brother Carmine. She loved attending club with her friends at the Nazzaro Community Center, and never missed a casino trip. She was known to buy a few scratch tickets here and there. She was a loving and generous godmother to the children of her best friend, Rita Mulkern, and always remembered their birthdays. Many happy holidays were shared over the years between the Barassi, Palermo, and Mulkern families at the Barassis’ Prince Street apartment. We were grateful to have Elena in our lives for so long. She will be greatly missed.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, February 16, 2022 at 10am in St. Leonard Church, 320 Hanover St., Boston. Services will conclude with interment in St. Michael Cemetery, Roslindale.