Claire M. (Mazzarelli) Petti, 87,

    Claire M. (Mazzarelli) Petti, 87, of Milford, passed away Friday, December 28, 2018 at the Rhode Island Hospital in Providence RI. She was born in Milford, MA, daughter of the late Guido and Carmella (Carpenito) Mazzarelli, and graduated from Milford High School, class of 1948.       She received a Bachelor’s degree in journalism from Boston University in 1952.  In 1953, she married Leonardo “Leo” M. Petti Jr, also of Milford, and moved to Philadelphia.  Two years later, prior to the birth of their oldest child, Paula, she and Leo returned to Massachusetts.  Claire and Leo were residents of North Reading, MA for 58 years, where they raised four children.  After the birth of her youngest child, Christopher, she returned to school, taking evening classes to receive two masters degrees, one in English and one in Education, from Northeastern University.  She later worked as a substitute teacher in the North Reading school system for several years.  After Leo retired, she volunteered at the Batchelder Elementary school in North Reading and very much enjoyed working with the young children there.Claire was a loving wife and mother, a fantastic cook, and an avid reader.  Her interests included history, literature, and current events.  She approached all of her endeavors with enthusiasm, optimism and a level of determination that often amazed her family.    

    Claire is survived by her children, Christopher J. Petti and his wife, Judy Atterholt, of Mountain View, CA; Paula L. Petti and her husband, Lawrence J. Hall, of Orinda, CA; Lisa M. Petti of Hamden CT; and four grandchildren: Geoffrey Hall, David Hall and his wife Wei Cai, Daniel Petti and Anna Petti.Claire was predeceased by her devoted husband of 62 years, Leo Petti; their son Leonard F. Petti, and her sister, Pauline Mazzarelli.  

    The funeral will be held Wednesday, January 2, 2019 at 9 A.M. from the Consigli Ruggerio Funeral Home 46 Water St. Milford MA. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10 A.M. at the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church 5 East Main St. Milford MA. The burial will follow in the Riverside Cemetery on Elm St, North Reading MA.

    Calling hours will be held Tuesday from 5 to 8 P.M.

Guest Book

Dear Paula, Chris and Lisa, We are so sorry to hear of your mother's passing away. Both she and your father, very graciously, welcomed us to your family celebrations for Thanksgiving every year from 1983 to 1987. As Brits, the notion of Thanksgiving was new to us, which we would have spent alone had you not taken us to your family home, Paula. It meant a lot to us to share your family day and your mother's wonderful cooking. We wish all of you peace and treasured memories of your loving mother. God bless.
Margaret and Steve King

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Dear Lisa, Paula and Chris, We were so very sorry to hear of your mom's passing in the N.R. Transcipt today. What a sweet, beautiful person she was. We wished we had known her better. It was wonderful to see her, even for a short time, this summer and loved how gracious she was to us. We are a few houses away and are here to help if you need anything. Our sincere sympathy to you and all your family.
Dean and Carol Burdett

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Dear Lisa - When I heard of your mother's passing, my thoughts went to a time when I stayed with your family in North Reading. You, your mother and father, Leonard and I sat around the kitchen table happy and laughing and eating the great dinner your mother had prepared. I remember how your mother laughed when I told her the next morning that Peaches, the family cat of great substance and attitude, had suddenly jumped onto my bed when I was sleeping, nearly causing me to fly off the other side. I know how comforted your mother was by your loving, relentless presence and support before and during her illness, a determination and devotion that prevailed even against hazardous driving conditions and external pressures to do less. I'm so very glad that you and your mother had this precious time together.
Linda

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Dear Lisa: I am so sorry to hear that your mother passed away last night. She is a beautiful person. I will miss her. My heart goes out to you and your family! 😢 💕 May the love of God be your comfort and strength!! Take care! I still remembered the delicious food and nice conversation with your mother while I visited you at North Reading, MA. She was very interested in seeing the picture of my piano students playing piano at a nursing home. I am sure that she was an excellent school teacher! I still remembered the first time I met your parents and your brother Chris at the University of Chicago While your family visited you. Your mother was very warm and friendly with a beautiful smiling. She will be missed by many people!
Juanita

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Dear Paula, Lisa and Chris. I am so sorry for your loss. I loved Claire too like a second mother to me. Bill and I enjoyed many holidays at her table with you all. May she now be at peace with Leo and Leonard in heaven. With our love Andrea and Bill
Andrea Pierce

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We are sorry for your loss of your Mom, may good memories support you all during this difficult time. Now your parents are together in heaven and will always be proud of you all. Take care. Love you all.
Terry and Jim Nogueira

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Paula, Lisa and Chris - I’m so sorry to hear about your Mom’s passing. I always remember her as such a kind, gentle soul and have fond memories of her from our childhood growing up in North Reading. My thoughts and prayers go out to you all at this difficult time. I hope that with time, the beautiful memories of the past help heal the heartache of today. XOXO
Lindy Keighley

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