Olivia DePamphilis

Watertown – Mrs. Olivia (Amoroso) DePamphilis, of Watertown, died on Wednesday, November 13, 2013 in her home surrounded by her family. She was 89.

Olivia was born in Catania, Sicily on July 18, 1924, a daughter of the late Salvatore and Francesca (Severino) Amoroso. She immigrated to the United States in December of 1948. She worked hard to provide for her family and was a seamstress for many years in Boston and Waltham and later worked for over fifteen years at Raytheon.

Olivia was a strong-willed woman and a dedicated mother. She loved to cook and was happiest when her entire family was gathered around the table. When able, she enjoyed spending time in her garden or at the beach. Her family and her faith were most important to her and she was very proud of her Italian heritage. In 2000 she was so glad to be able to treat her entire family to a trip throughout Italy.

She is survived by her children, John L. DePamphilis, Jr. and his wife, Patricia, of Lynnfield, Olivia J. Strickland of Watertown, Joanne L. Papia of Watertown and Stephen A. DePamphilis and his wife, Tammy, of Watertown; her grandchildren, Matthew DePamphilis and his wife, Mary Kate, Brian DePamphilis and his wife, Jill, Danielle Virgilio and her husband, John, Nicole Strickland, Jessica DePamphilis, Justin DePamphilis and Jamie DePamphilis; her great-grandchildren, Isobel, Sofia and Giovanni; her sisters Teresa Basso and Santina Cuilla both of Italy and many nieces and nephews.

Olivia was the sister of the late Carmelo Amoroso and former wife of the late John L. DePamphilis.

Family and friends will honor and remember Olivia's life by gathering for calling hours on Sunday, November 17th, from 2 to 6 p.m. in The Joyce Funeral Home 245 Main Street, (Route 20), Waltham and again on Monday at 9:30 a.m. before leaving in procession to Saint Luke's Church, 132 Lexington Street, Belmont, where her Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Burial will follow in St. Patrick's Cemetery, Watertown.

Memorial donations in Olivia's memory may be made to the American Cancer Society, 43 Nagog Park, Suite 110, Acton, 01720.