1928 - 2026
Mary was born in Framingham, MA, the daughter of the late Gabriel Missaggia and the late Rosina (Festugato) Missaggia.
Mary devoted much of her life to her family as a stay-at-home mom and homemaker, later working for several years at the former Hills Food Service and in the Milford Racquetball Club Nursery. She enjoyed a quiet, creative life, loving to read, knit, and crochet, and especially cherished weekly sewing clubs with close friends and neighbors. She was an extraordinary grandmother, lovingly caring for her grandchildren until they were old enough to attend preschool.
Mary is survived by her daughter Judith C. Duft and her partner Michael Crowley; her son Thomas J. Espanet and her daughter-in-law Wendy; and her grandsons Ryan J. Duft and his partner Stephanie Cardella, Justin C. Duft and his wife Christine, David T. Espanet and his wife Sara, and Andrew J. Espanet and his wife Holly. She is also survived by her beloved grandchildren: Avery Espanet, Riley Espanet, Everly Duft, and Lincoln Duft, along with her great grand-dog “Henry.” Mary is also survived by her brother Louis Missaggia and his wife Carol, as well as many nieces and nephews.
Mary was predeceased by her siblings: Bruna Belli, Leo Missaggia, Olga McCraw, and Robert Missaggia.
Mary’s family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to lifelong friend Joanne Hickey and her children Kathy, Donald, Kim, and Karen, who were more family than friends. They also wish to thank the kind and caring Raneo family of Harwich, as well as the professional nurses, caregivers, and staff at Countryside Healthcare for their compassionate and comforting care during Mary’s final years.
The assistance and support from Faith & Family Hospice was very much appreciated.
In accordance with Mary’s wishes, cremation will take place, and there are no funeral home visiting hours. Relatives and friends are invited to attend her Graveside Committal Service on Friday (April 10th) at 11:30 a.m. in Sacred Heart Cemetery, Medway Road (Route 109), Milford, MA. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Edwards Memorial Funeral Home, 44 Congress Street, Milford, MA.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
