Lydia Massa

Lydia A. Massa, 88, of Stoneham died peacefully on Thursday, August 14 at The Gables in Winchester, MA.

Born in Everett, MA., on May 15, 1926 she was the daughter of the late Alphonse and Jo-ann (Respucci) Manganello.

Lydia was a graduate of Everett High School. She continued her education through the House of Bianchi, a family owned business. There Lydia represented the fashion world of wedding gowns across the country. Not only was Lydia a highly respected representative throughout the industry, but later when her husband became president of the company she continued as head of sales, meeting with many buyers from exclusive stores representing the handmade gowns of The House of Bianchi Inc., then a prestigious design firm.

Lydia died of a broken heart. Her late husband Joseph V. Massa died three months ago. They were married for seventy years. She said, "I feel so empty like part of my heart has been ripped out." She prayed every night her husband would come to get her. He finally did.

Lydia is survived by her two daughters, Carole DiDomenico of Reading, MA and Martha's Vineyard, and Donna Massa-Chappee of North Conway, NH. She is also survived by four grandchildren; Jessica Pratt of Cambridge, Jennifer Dussault of Wilmington, Julianna Capillo of Middleton, MA., and Tasha Cammarata of Madrid, Spain. She also has seven great-grandchildren. Mrs. Massa is also survived by a sister Josephine Deary of Manchester, Conn.

Visitation for relatives and friends will be held at the McDonald-Finnegan Funeral Home, 322 Main Street, Stoneham, Tuesday 5 - 8 P.M. Her funeral service will be private.

Lydia was a great humanitarian and her family wishes that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Lydia's name may be made to Dress for Success Boston Inc., 989 Commonwealth Ave. Boston, MA 02215. A fund for abused women trying to make their way back in work force.

August 19, 2014
5:00 PM to 8:00 PM

McDonald-Finnegan Funeral Home
322 Main Street
Stoneham , MA 02180

August 20, 2014
11:00 AM

Calvary Cemetery
250 High Street
Waltham , MA 02452