Laura C. (Polizzia) Orlando, 87, beloved wife of the late Frank P. Orlando, of Gloucester peacefully passed away on Saturday morning, September 8, 2018 at the Seacoast Nursing & Rehabilitation Center surrounded by her loving daughters and cherished son-in-law. Born in Gloucester on December 10, 1930, she was the daughter of the late John and Anna Maria (Frontiero) Pollzzia. .
Laura attended Gloucester schools and was especially proud of her Italian heritage. She spoke lovingly of her time growing up “down the fort”. As a young woman working on the waterfront, Laura met the love of her life and went on to enjoy 57 years of marriage to her “Frankie”.
Laura worked for O’Donnel-Usen, Gorton’s, and later at Seafood Kitchens. Laura served as secretary for the Seafearer’s Union and was a lifelong member of the Madonna del Rosario Society. In her early retirement years, Laura made baby sweaters, christening bibs, and other items to sell at craft fairs and children’s boutiques.
Laura enjoyed staying busy and had many interests including gardening, playing cards, bingo at the senior center, traveling, and baking. As one of the “Polizzia girls”, she was known for her hospitality and much sought after Italian cookies. Laura had a special bond with her sisters, Sandra “Santa”, Virginia, and brother Joe who always shared a special place in her heart.
You rarely seen one without the other and all passed within months of each other. Laura enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great-children. She was especially fond of her “son”-in-Iaw John and their many travels around Cape Ann.
They could be found walking in Ravenswood Park, taking in the view at Vernon’s pit, or looking for rock shaped animals at Lane’s Cove. She looked forward to rides in his truck, coffee and pastry in the West End, and lunch dates for lobster rolls. Laura is at peace and finally home and in the loving arms of loved ones.
She will be greatly missed by all who knew her. She is survived by her devoted daughters, Christine Davis, Ann Marie Marchant and beloved son-in-law John S. Marchant Jr.; granddaughters Danielle Demetri and her husband Justin and their son Marcus; Donna Davis and her children Ethan and Emma, her brothers Paul Polizzia and wife Donna, John Polizzia and late wife Joyce; in-laws, Joanna Perry and husband Eugene, Lenora Parisi and husband Sebastian, Salvatore Orlando and late wife Dianna, Frances Orlando and late husband Paul, Christine Orlando, Margaret Orlando, Phillip Orlando and wife Bonnie; many nieces and nephews; and family friends Marie Linquata and Marion MacArthur. She was predecreased by her stepmother Elizabeth Polizzia; sisters Sandra Parisi and husband William and their son John; Virginia Frontiero and husband Anthony; Rosalie Polizzia; her brother Joseph Polizzia Sr. and wife Nancy; parents-in-law Fannie and Dominic Orlando; brothers-in-law Joseph Orlando, Anthony “Michael” Orlando; and Dominic Orlando and wife Sera.
Her funeral will be held from the Greely Funeral Home, 212 Washington Street, on Wednesday September 12th at 9 a.m. followed by a funeral mass in St. Ann’s Church at 10 a.m. Extended family and friends are cordially invited to attend. Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be held in Calvary Cemetery.
Contributions may be made in her name to the Alzheimer’s Association, 309 Waverley Oaks Road, Waltham, MA 02452 or to the Rose Baker Senior Center, 6 Manuel F. Lewis Road, Gloucester, MA 01930 or the charity of one’s choice. For online condolences, please visit greelyfuneralhome.com.
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