Florence A. (D'Onofrio) Marini

STERLING – Florence A. (D’Onofrio) Marini, 84, passed peacefully into the hands of God on Thursday, November 19, 2015. She was born and raised in Clinton on September 29, 1931, the daughter of Michael A. and Agnes (Damiani) D’Onofrio and became the instant pride of her immigrant parents.As a dutiful daughter and devoted student, Florence earned her degree as a registered nurse from Worcester City Hospital School of Nursing in 1952 and worked over 10 years at Worcester County Hospital in Boylston retiring in 1991. She and her husband were among the founding members of St. Richard of Chichester Church in Sterling where she was an active member while also serving with the St. Vincent de Paul Society for many years.   Florence’s compassion for others was notable and memorable. Nowhere was her devotion to family more evident than in the pride she exuded for her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She will be remembered for her infectious personality and unpredictably sharp wit, both which endeared her to all who knew her. She was so loved and is already so painfully missed. As a family we can only say, we are so proud of her. We love her a bushel and a peck with a hug around her neck.   Her loving husband of 38 years, Mario V. Marini, passed away in 1991. She is survived by her 7 children, Richard M. Marini and his wife, Judy of Leominster, Mary C. Pepin and her husband, Emile of Westminster, Mario V. Marini, Jr. of Leominster, Patricia R. Gray and her husband, Arnold of Sterling, Florence A. Marini and her wife, Joanne Morgan of Leeds, Paula M. Marini and her companion, Donald Watts of Leominster and Robert M. Marini and his wife, Kimberly of Holden;11 grandchildren, Sharon, Rick, Justin, Bryan, Elizabeth, Joslann, Jessica, Stacey, Christina, Joseph and Emma; 7 great-grandchildren, Matthew, Dylan, Skyler, Julianna, Benjamin, Abrienne and Ellison; and nephews and nieces. She was predeceased by her daughter, Michele Rose Marini.   The family is forever indebted to the incredible compassionate staff, innovative activities program and skilled professionals of Sterling Village where they do sacred work every day.   Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Florence’s family from 4 to 7 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 23, at the Miles-Sterling Funeral and Tribute Center, 100 Worcester Rd., Sterling. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 24, at St. Richard of Chichester Church, 4 Bridge St., P.O. Box 657, Sterling, MA 01564 followed by interment at St. John’s Cemetery in Lancaster. In lieu of flowers please consider having a Mass said in her honor, or making a donation to the Sterling Village Resident Activity Fund, 18 Dana Hill Rd., Sterling, MA 01564, or St. Richard of Chichester Church Memorial Tree of Life. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit our "Guest Book" here on our page.