Anita Maffuccio, 92

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Anita Maffuccio passed peacefully in her home of natural causes on August 19, 2017, with her family by her side. She was full of vigor and life up to only a few days before her passing - laughing, joking, and running errands with her family. 

Anita was a loving, energetic woman who always had a smile. She was grateful for everything God had given her, and gave endlessly to her family, friends and strangers. Her kindness and love of life were infectious and envious. 

Anita was born Marie Claire Anita Fontaine in Winooski, Vt., to Albertine (Jansen) and Napoleon Fontaine on August 12, 1925. Her family moved to Pittsfield, Mass., in 1927, where her father found employment and living arrangements with the Shakers on Hancock Shaker Village. 

Anita married the handsome Frank D. Maffuccio on July 19, 1952, in Pittsfield. Together they raised three daughters - Laura Maffuccio, Ann Maffuccio  and Lucy Schindler. Throughout her years, Anita cared for her children, grandchildren, and great-granddaughters. 

Anita loved family, friends, and get-togethers. She insisted on a family party for every occasion. She reminisced about the gatherings and revelry she had with her sisters and mother. She enjoyed long car rides, day trips, camping, reading, cards and board games, tag sales, people watching, visits to others and visitors, and chocolate and sweets. 

Anita and Frank played Bid Whist once a week for decades with their best friends, Rose and Leonard Sinopoli, and later, Rose and her sister-in-law Jennie. Card night went on from when they were in their 20's to well into their 70's. She taught all her children and grandchildren how to play, which they often did on holidays. 

During the years that Anita was raising her children, they went camping every weekend (in season), packing up on Friday night and returning Sunday evening. After their children were grown, and weekend camping trips came to an end, they took up Flea Markets - Anita selling costume jewelry and Frank, tools. They traveled to markets in Massachusetts, Connecticut and Vermont every Sunday for 30-plus years, sometimes taking their excited grandkids along. 

Anita was a devout Catholic. Growing up, she was a member of Notre Dame parish. Once married, she became a member of Mount Carmel. Anita became a member of St. Charles parish in 2011. 

Anita was predeceased by her parents, Albertine Gansen) and Napoleon Fontaine; her brothers, Paul Fontaine, Ralph Fontaine, Roger Fontaine, Maurice "Moe" Fontaine, Omar "Joe" Fontaine, Albert Fontaine, Rene "Ray" Fontaine, Ernest "Ernie" Fontaine; and her sisters, Fleurette "Flo" Wood, Lucille "Lu" Camp, and Theresa Robert. 

Anita leaves behind her husband of 65 years, Frank D. Maffuccio; her daughters Laura Maffuccio, Ann Maffuccio, and Lucy Schindler; her son-in-law, Michael Schindler; her grandchildren, Maggie MacWilliams, Kristy MacWilliams, Michael Maffuccio and his wife Vanna, Mic Schindler, Keith Schindler and his fiance Alicia Shampang, and Domini~ Maffuccio; and her three great-granddaughters, Jayde MacWilliams, Josslyn Rustay, and Brooke Maffuccio. She also leaves behind her husband's brothers and sisters and many nieces and nephews. 

Anita was an amazing matriarch. Her love, caring, and kindness went well beyond her family. She will be missed dearly by all.

Funeral notice: Funeral services for Anita Maffuccio will be held Thursday, August 24, 2017, with a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. at St. Charles Church celebrated by Rev. Michael J. Wood, Administrator.  Burial will follow in St. Joseph’s Cemetery.

Calling hours will be Thursday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at Dery Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice care in the Berkshires In care of the Funeral Home, 54 Bradford Street, Pittsfield.