Angelia M. Giracca-Sisto, 36
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Angelia Mary Forrest Giracca-Sisto, 36, of 347 East Main St. died peacefully on Saturday, Nov. 12, 2011, at home, surrounded by family.
Despite multiple operations, cancer treatments and complications over the last four years, she remained positive, courageous and concerned for the well-being of her children and for her mother, who was her loving caregiver during her long illness.
Born in North Adams on July 4, 1975, daughter of Diane Jones Phelps of Plainfield and stepdaughter of the late Armand Rivard Jr., she attended North Adams schools and graduated from Drury High School with the class of 1993. As a single mother, she knew that to provide for her young children, pursuing an education was a necessity. With the support of her family, she received an administrative assistant certification from Mildred Elley Business School.
Ms. Giracca-Sisto was employed as a real estate and medicaid planning paralegal at Berkshire Elder Law Center. She had first worked for attorney Neil Giroux until his retirement in 2005.
Through her work ethic, strength and determination, she was a role model and an inspiration, said family, and she shared a special bond with clients and business associates who knew her well. She will be greatly missed but her beautiful spirit will live on in those who loved her.
She enjoyed exercise, ballroom dancing and collecting candles. She was devoted to family and friends and had a zest for life that was contagious to those around her.
Besides her mother and stepfather, Richard Phelps, she leaves her two cherished children, Kori Lynn Forrest and Charles Lee Martin Jr. both of North Adams; her beloved husband, James Sisto, whom she recently wed in a celebration of love with family and friends; her five devoted brothers, Joseph, Wayne, Chad and Pete Forrest, all of North Adams, and Jamie Rivard of Clarksburg; her sister, Kerry Hoag of North Adams, and numerous nieces, nephews and friends who adored her.
FUNERAL NOTICE — Calling hours for Mrs. Giracca-Sisto will be held Saturday, Nov. 19, from 2 to 5 at Flynn & Dagnoli-Montagna Home for Funerals, West Chapels, 521 West Main St., North Adams.
Memorial contributions may be made to Shriners Children's Hospital in care of the funeral home.