Mary (Gunning) Palenza, 87, of East Hartford, loving wife of over 40 years of the late Andrew Palenza, Sr., peacefully entered into eternal rest on Saturday, August 1, 2020 at her home surrounded by her caring family.
Born in Hartford on May 3, 1933, a daughter of the late William and Mary Jane (Barnett) Gunning, she had been a resident of East Hartford for the past 57 years. Mary was a longtime member of Christ Church Cathedral in Hartford where she was a former Sunday school teacher. She was an avid animal lover, hard worker, and a good cook who enjoyed having her family over for Sunday and holiday dinners. However, Mary’s passion was being a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother to her family.
Mary is survived by a son, Andrew Palenza, Jr. of Bristol; two daughters, Mary Boccacio of East Hartford with whom she made her home, and Liz DelCiampo of Hartford; eleven beloved grandchildren, Marc Palenza and his wife, Athania, of Bloomfield, Vincent Boccacio and his wife, Samantha, of Eastford, Jeffrey Boccacio of East Hartford with whom she made her home and who was making her laugh in her final weeks, Mary Boccacio of Wethersfield, Drew Palenza, III of Manchester, Joshua Johnston and Jeremy Johnston both of Louisiana, Charisse DelCiampo of Clinton, Nick DelCiampo of East Hartford, Joey DelCiampo and David DelCiampo both of Clinton; seven adored great-grandchildren, Safiah, Ariah, Vinny, Nate, Serenity, Geomari, Karoline; her loving bedside canine companion, Madison; several nieces, nephews, and dear friends. Besides her husband and parents, Mary was predeceased by a daughter, Caroline Johnston of East Hartford; a son, Billy Palenza of East Hartford; and a granddaughter, Sara Palenza of East Hartford.
Due to the current health crisis, private funeral service will be by invitation only. Burial will be in Sliver Lane Cemetery, East Hartford next to her daughter. The D’ESOPO-East Hartford Memorial Chapel, 30 Carter Street, East Hartford has been entrusted with the care of the funeral arrangements. For on-line expressions of sympathy to the family please visit www.desopoeh.com.
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