Viola Salafia

Viola (Bongiorno) Salafia, 93, of North Andover passed away peacefully on Monday, May 22, 2017.  She was born, raised, and educated in Lawrence and was the daughter of Gaetano and Angela Bongiorno. The family owned and operated Bongi’s Market on Common Street in Lawrence. 
 
Mrs. Salafia and her sister, Anne Concemi, owned the Charm Bridal Shop, which specialized in custom design bridal gowns. She also worked for Russem’s as a window designer and assistant merchandise manager, and later for Bon Secours Order of Nuns as their exclusive dressmaker. After moving to Florida in 1983, Mrs. Salafia worked for Belk Lindsey as a jewelry department manager.
 
She was predeceased by her husband, John Salafia and her son, John “Jack” Salafia.
 
Mrs. Salafia is survived by her son, Paul Salafia and his wife Margaret of Andover; daughter, Joan Derwitsch and her husband Al of Florida; brother, Sam Bongiorno of Arizona; sister, Nellie Clavette of North Carolina; grandchildren, Christine, Michael, Paul Jr., Susan, and David; great-grandchildren, Mikey, Amanda, Jessica, Jimmy, Sadie, Gus, Max, Jack, and Danny; and great-great grandchildren, Zoey and Ricardo.  She also leaves many nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to express their profound gratitude to Mrs. Salafia’s devoted caretakers, Lisa, Melissa, and Susan who gave her many years of loving care.
 
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend visiting hours on Thursday, May 25, 2017 from 4:00-7:00 PM at Cataudella Funeral Home, 126 Pleasant Valley St., Methuen.  Her funeral mass will be celebrated at 1:00 PM on Friday, May 26, 2017 at Corpus Christi Parish at Holy Rosary Church, 35 Essex St., Lawrence.  Burial will follow in Immaculate Conception Cemetery, Lawrence. For directions, or to send condolences, please visit www.cataudellafh.com.

In lieu of flowers, please consider Mrs. Salafia’s favorite charity was the MSPCA at Nevin’s Farm in Methuen, MA.
 

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