Mary M. Pizzelli

Mary M. Pizzelli, born on July 14, 1934, in Brookline, MA, lived a life filled with love, dedication, and service to her family, education, and community.   Mary began her education at Runkle Elementary School in Brookline before moving to Hingham, where she attended Derby Academy and later graduated from Hingham High School in 1952.

As one of the first women accepted into Boston College, Mary joined the School of Education, which included a semester abroad at the University of Glasgow. She graduated from Boston College in 1956 with a Bachelor of Science degree.

Mary started her professional career as a bacteriologist at Baker’s Chocolate in Lower Mills, Dorchester, while also attending seminars at the Boston Food and Drug Administration. On June 6, 1959, Mary married her beloved husband, David D. Pizzelli Sr., and together they built a life centered on family and service.

Mary’s passion for education led her to found and run her own nursery school for several years before joining her parents, the late Elizabeth and James Fraser, in teaching at a nursery school in Crow Point. She later became a 7th-grade teacher at St. Joseph’s School in Quincy and eventually served as a long-term substitute teacher.

Mary was predeceased by her husband, David D. Pizzelli; her parents, Elizabeth and James Fraser; and her brother, Leo Fraser. She is survived by her three children: Christine of Hingham, David of Weymouth, and Dino and his wife, Kara, of Hingham. She is also lovingly remembered by her grandchildren: Christy, Erica, Emily, Mia, and Dino Jr. Mary’s life was a testament to her passion for teaching, her devotion to her family, and her enduring commitment to her community and Boston College. She will be deeply missed by all. 

 Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to greet the family during the visiting hours on Thursday January 23, 2025 from 3-7 PM in the Pyne Keohane Funeral Home, 21 Emerald St. (off Central St.), HINGHAM. A Celebration of Life Service will be held in the funeral home at 9:15 AM on Friday, January 24, 2025 prior to the Funeral Mass in St. Paul’s Church, Hingham at 10 AM. Burial in St. Paul’s Cemetery, Hingham. 

Donations in memory of Mary, maybe made to South Shore Elder Services, 350 Granite St., Suite 2303, Braintree, MA 02184. (781) 848-3910.