Marie 'Mimi' A. (Morano) DePalo

Life for Marie Morano and Pantaleo 'Pal' DePalo began in the same house on Northboro Street in Worcester. The Morano's lived on the first floor and the DePalo's on the second floor. In simple surroundings - by loving and hard-working Italian immigrants - their childhood friendship blossomed into a lifetime together. Wonderful traditions were instilled in Marie and Pal at young ages in which they cared for their families, worked hard, studied in school and lived a simple life rich in love and faith.

Marie A. Morano was born March 20, 1932 in Worcester, a daughter of the late Frank and Anna (Police) Morano. Raised in Worcester she was a graduate of Commerce High School with the class of 1949. She worked various jobs including secretary to the vice president of State Mutual Insurance Company. Marie and Pal married October 27, 1951 in Saint Stephen's Church. No job compared to the one she loved most … being a mom and staying home to raise her four children.

'Mimi', as she was affectionately known to everyone and 'Pal' made their home on Maury Lane in Shrewsbury since 1953. It is a neighborhood with family and familiar street names that is rich in the love of families, neighbors and friends. In the childhood memory of every good home there is a large kitchen, a warm stove, a simmering pot … and a mom! Mimi's simmering pot was her sought after 'gravy' that everyone enjoyed.

In addition to Mass on Sundays at St. Anne's, their home was the preferred and expected place to gather for coffee and something good to eat. Her heart smiled when her home was filled. They gathered to share stories about life, its ups and downs and its realities. Simple gifts - for blessed are those who love, laugh and pray - for they shall be called family.

Later in life Mimi and Barbara were regulars at Dunkin Donuts in White City where they'd join a group of friends, new and old, for conversation and to pass the time. And it's a well-known family secret that she enjoyed a scratch ticket or two every now and then.

Mimi died Tuesday, September 15, 2020. She was 88. Our faith reminds us that to live in the hearts we leave behind is to never die.

In addition to her much loved 'Pal' († October 14, 2010) she rejoins her grandson, Anthony Michael DePalo († October 31, 2016) and her siblings, Victor and Paul Morano, and Antoinette Kweder.

She leaves her children, Maurice P. DePalo of Westborough, David M. DePalo (Beth) of Worcester, Paul F. DePalo of Shrewsbury, and Doreen M. Phenix (Patrick) of Worcester; her grandchildren, Jessica and Eric, Nicholas and Matthew, Michael (Renee) and Jennifer, Gianna, Ashley, James (Vatsaly) and Kendall; her great-grandchildren, Harper and Gunner; her sister and best friend, Barbara A. Young (Robert) of Shrewsbury; in-laws, Bill Kweder of Enfield, Connecticut and Karen Morano of Northbridge; nieces & nephews. Mimi's four children will always remember the special relationship between their mother and her sister, Barbara - and the unending love, help and support 'Aunt Barbie' gave to their mom over so many years - especially since Pal's passing.

Family and friends will honor and remember Marie's life by gathering for a calling hour on Friday, September 18th at Saint Anne's Church, 130 Boston Turnpike, Shrewsbury from 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. Her funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:30 a.m. Capacity limitations and COVID-19 guidelines will be followed. Burial will follow in Mountain View Cemetery, Shrewsbury.

Memorials in her name may be made to Saint Anne's Church, Human Services, 130 Boston Turnpike, Shrewsbury, MA 01545.


Arrangements by James & John Heald.