Maria A. (Bonvino) Arasi, 90, Worked at Shoe Shops, Western Electric

Maria A. (Bonvino) Arasi, 90, formerly of Haverhill, passed away July 28, at Sutton Hill Center in North Andover.

She was born in Bari, Italy, Nov. 27, 1926, daughter of the late Filippo and Albina (Mastropasqua) Bonvino. She was educated in Italy and came to the U.S. at the age of 18. She learned the English language, obtained her citizenship and began working in shoe shops and later at Western Electric prior to raising her children. Once her children were older, she began her career at the McGowan Nursing Home, where she proudly obtained her CNA certification and provided kind and compassionate care for 19 years.

After retiring, Arasi lived in Haverhill with her son Michael and his wife Judi. She became an active member of Sarah’s Place Adult Day Health Center, where she shared many years of laughter and socialization with her sister Nicky and the many friends that she made. She also volunteered her time at the Haverhill Citizens Center where she was part of the Teddy Bear Club, making teddy bears for underprivileged children. She was a great cook who was famous for her chocolate chip cookies and she enjoyed taking daily walks, doing word search puzzles, caring for her dog Nicholas, and she cherished her time spent going on outings with Michael and Judi as well as spending quality time with her siblings, their families and her many close friends. She was always devoted to her Catholic faith, which never wavered even through some very difficult times, attending weekly mass at St. Lucy’s Parish and praying daily.

Most recently, Arasi was a resident of Sutton Hill Nursing Home, where again she made many friends and enjoyed attending all activities with arts and crafts, bingo, daily exercise and praying the rosary being among her favorites. Her family thanks the staff of Sutton Hill, including the nurses, CNA’, activities staff, occupational, physical and speech therapists, as well as the kitchen, housekeeping, laundry and all other staff members and management who provided great care, kindness and compassion in her later years. They would also like to thank the Compassus Hospice staff who tried to make her final weeks as comfortable as possible.
Arasi is survived by her son Michael P. Arasi and her daughter-in law Judith, with whom she lived for many years, and her son Anthony B. Arasi and his wife Patricia, along with their daughters Sara, Cassandra and Jennifer; many nieces, nephews and friends; and “Grand Dog” Chesney.  She was predeceased by her sisters Lena Martocchia and Nicoletta Brigham, and her brother Philip Bonvino.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend calling hours Wednesday, Aug. 2, from 5 to 8 p.m., at H.L. Farmer and Sons Funeral Home, 106 Summer St., Haverhill. Her funeral is Thursday Aug. 3, beginning at 10 a.m., at the funeral home followed by a Funeral Mass of Christian Burial at 11, at St. Lucy’s Church, 254 Merrimack St. Methuen. Burial is in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Haverhill. Contributions in her memory may be made to Sarah’s Place Adult Day Care, 180 Water St. Haverhill, MA 01830.