Mary Catherine (Sama) Cimadon Raffonello, 102, entered into eternal rest on October 10, 2017 surrounded by her family.  Born in New Britain on March 29, 1915, she was the daughter of Francesco and Concetta (Lagana) Sama.  She attended Camp Elementary School and Central Junior High School graduating at the age of 15.  After graduation she attended Italian School where she learned to read and speak Italian fluently.  She worked at Landers, Frary and Clark and later for New Britain General Hospital setting up instrument trays for surgeries when she retired in 1979.

Mary was very artistic and loved sewing, quilting and painting.  She lovingly hand-stitched quilts for many members of her family that will be treasured as family heirlooms.  Mary enjoyed painting pictures of flowers and scenery and was proud of the awards she won for some of her paintings.  She enjoyed traveling with her husband Al and took many trips throughout Europe, Canada and the United States.

Mary always wanted a big family and she got her wish. When she married her second husband Al, her family grew by two daughters and their families. She is survived by her children and their spouses Ronald and Ann Cimadon of Enfield, Arlene and Robert Donahue of New Britain, Carole and Vincent DiLorenzo of Southington and her step-daughter Catherine and Nicholas Perna; 12 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren.  She is predeceased by her husband Albert Raffonello; granddaughter Diane DiLorenzo; 1 great-grandson Kyle Rossignol; grandson Brian Donahue; step-daughter Marie Sanchirrico and her husband John, and her brother Peter Sama.

Mary’s family would like to thank the wonderful and giving staff at Southington Care Center for their support and love of their “Gram” throughout the 9 years she spent there.  Mary and her roommate Thelma, developed a great friendship during their time together, whom she now leaves behind as an additional member of her family.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10AM on Saturday, October 14, 2017 at St. Joseph Church, 195 S. Main St., New Britain, followed by burial at St. Mary Cemetery, New Britain.  Friends are invited to call on Friday, October 13, 2017 from 5-7PM at Luddy-Peterson Funeral Home, 205 S. Main St., New Britain. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Southington are Center – Crabapple Way 45 Meriden Ave., Southington, CT 06489.

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