Gelsomina L. Palese

Gelsomina “Mamie” (Crocco) Palese, age 101, of Methuen, MA, passed away peacefully at High Pointe House on Sunday, December 29, 2019 surrounded by her loving family. She was the wife of the late Albert C. Palese, with whom she shared sixty-nine wonderful years in marriage.

The daughter of the late Michael and Rose (Salerno) Crocco, Gelsomina was born in Lawrence, MA on October 21, 1918. She was raised and educated in Lawrence and was a graduate of Lawrence High School's class of 1936.

For twenty-three years, Gelsomina worked for Champion International, Oxford Paper Co and worked on the cutting machine till its closing. She was then a manager for Anton's Cleaners until she retired in 1990.

Gelsomina was a member of Nevins Home Fellowship Group, where she and her husband volunteered for twenty years and was a member of the Community Bowling League at Parks Bowling Lanes. She loved crossword puzzles, the Patriots, Red Sox, Bruins, and Celtics. She would have two televisions going at the same time to watch her sports. She and Albert camped for twenty years at Salisbury Campground. During WWII, she joined Jean and Mother Kochman USO group. They entertained at Fort Devens and Portsmouth Naval Base. She enjoyed her wine and sweets. She was a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She will be greatly missed by her family.

Gelsomina was predeceased by her grandson, Brett Wiegref, and siblings Daniel Crocco, Michael Crocco, and Nancy Senia.

She is survived by her daughters, Donna Gaznick-Hoplar and her husband Timothy Hoplar of Methuen and Linda Corneau and her companion Michael Montecarlvo of South Lawrence; grandchildren, Corinna Perrault and her husband Robert, Gina Matranga and her husband Daniel, Erika Gaznick and her companion Carlos Santos, and Jennifer Campbell and her husband Charles; ten great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and siblings, Joseph Crocco, and Gloria Farina.

Gelsomina’s family wishes to express their heartfelt thanks to both the Merrimack Valley Hospice and High Point House for all of the wonderful care and support.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend visitation between the hours of 4:00-8:00 PM on Sunday, January 5, 2020 at Cataudella Funeral Home, 126 Pleasant valley Street in Methuen. A funeral mass will be celebrated at 10:00 AM for Gelsomina on Monday, January 6, 2020 at Corpus Christi Parish at Holy Rosary Church, 35 Essex Street in Lawrence. Burial to follow in Bellevue Cemetery, 170 May Street, Lawrence.