Margaret Mary Murdza

Margaret Mary (DeMaio) Murdza, 89, formerly of Chicopee, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 29, 2016 at the East Longmeadow Skilled Nursing Center, after a long illness.  She was born December 7, 1926 in Springfield, MA of the late Guiseppe DeMaio and Teresa (Manzi) DeMaio of Italy.  She is survived by her children, Michael L. Murdza and his wife Deanna of Hampden, Maria T. Lorenzatti of Chicopee and Walter J. "Gator" Murdza of Chicopee, five grandchildren, Jennifer Murdza of Broadbrook, CT, Allison Murdza and Daniel Murdza of Hampden, Walter Lorenzatti of Chicopee and Joshua Bourbeau of Ludlow, four great grandchildren, Cameron Velez, Jordan Velez, Adrian Velez, and Tyler Bourbeau, one brother, Alphonse DeMaio of Springfield, and dozens of nieces and nephews and all who she loved, "took in," and nurtured throughout her life. Her vivacious spirit has been lifted to join her loving husband of 36 years, Walter S. Murdza.  She also joins the spirits of four brothers, Gennaro DeMaio, Salvatore DeMaio, Joseph DeMaio, and Carmino DeMaio, and three sisters, Francesca Fiorentino, Rosina Rubino and Filomena Hall. Margaret worked for many years at Buxton, Inc in Agawam, MA as an inspector and group leader.  She also worked at Valley Communications in Chicopee as a file clerk before her retirement in 1991.Her smile, her laughter and the aroma of her kitchen will remain in our hearts forever.  She was a woman of substance, with a heart as big as this world.  She loved everyone unconditionally and nurtured all of her nieces and nephews as if they were her own.  Margaret was the Murdza family matriarch.  When she married Walter, she moved into the family farmhouse and immediately transformed it into a "home."   A place where all were welcome; a place that hosted many family gatherings, filled with laughter and food!  Yes, it was all about the food and family. Her passion for cooking was insatiable.  There was always a pot of spaghetti sauce and meatballs or soup on the stove.  Cookies in the oven, fresh fruit and vegetables in a bowl, and always, always fresh coffee brewing.  She is Chicopee's Marcella Hazan. (Italian world-famous cookbook author).   Her Italian cooking was impeccable and appealing.  She has passed this mantel to her children and to the children she took in. Margaret was also the most amazing seamstress and her second passion was sewing.  When she married in 1957, she sported the most amazing gown of embroidered organza, fashioned with a fitted bodice, bateau neckline and bouffant skirt that fell into a cathedral train, with orange blossoms securing her veil.  Yes, she designed and hand-embroidered every layer.  Years later, she designed and hand-stitched seven velvet bridesmaids gowns for a very special niece.  No amount of space in this obituary can sum up her life.  She was a wife, a mother, an aunt, a grandmother: a great mentor.   Her greatest testimony to her life was her Italian-American heritage.  Her greatest joy was her children and grandchildren.  She was our North, our South, our East and our West.  Special thanks go out to the nurses and aides at East Longmeadow Skilled Nursing Center, in the Longmeadow House, for their compassionate care and kindness over the last 7 years.  Also, to Ascend Hospice for their support during Margaret's final days. Calling hours will be Friday Aug 5 from 10 am to 12 Noon at the Tylunas Funeral Home, 159 Broadway in Chicopee with a prayer service immediately following.  Burial will follow the service at St. Stanislaus Cemetery in Chicopee. Memorial Contributions can be made to either Alzheimer's Association ( www.alz.org ), or Tuberous Sclerosis Alliance ( www.tsalliance.org ).