NancyLee Paratore Obituary

NancyLee (Ramondetta) Paratore, 72, passed away July 21, 2022, peacefully surrounded by her children. Nancylee was a woman of faith and led with optimism and kindness. She was a mother, a grandmother, a teacher, a friend, a sister, a daughter, and a good Samaritan. Nancylee was fiercely loyal to those she loved and had an infectious energy that filled a room with happiness and ease.

Nancylee was born June 23, 1950 in Hartford, CT. She was the eldest of 6 children born to the late Joseph and Josephine (Puzzo) Ramondetta. She was proud of her Italian heritage and learned to cook from her mother and grandmother.

Nancylee was the quintessential oldest child. She was a leader, a role model, and a rule follower till her final days. She took pride and honor in her role as a matriarch. She routinely wrote letters to her younger siblings while away at college and helped her mother take care of them when they were young. She was kind and fair. She spoke fondly of Sunday morning rides to the city with her father to his factory.

Nancylee graduated from Stonehill College ('72) with a BA in Education. She enjoyed the freedom that college gave her and spoke highly of her experiences and friendships. She got her masters from Suffolk University and worked as an educator for 30 years in the Cambridge Public School system. She retired from her career at the Tobin School as an 8th grade language arts teacher. Her passion for teaching remained strong. She enjoyed teaching her grandchildren and supporting their individual interests.

Nancylee was mother above all. Her three children Christina, Melissa and Joseph were her purpose and her pride. She was an honest, empathetic, and fun mother who instilled values and manners in her children. She whole heartedly supported them through their passions, trials, and all life events. She asked an abnormal number of questions and planned weeks in advance but was always prepared and present. She insisted on arriving to church hours in advance for holidays to get a seat together. She radiated pride in her children's accomplishments and in turn her children loved and adored her. They were raised with love and respect and paid that forward in their care for her and with their interpersonal relationships.

Nancylee took great joy in her grandchildren. She celebrated report cards and achievements routinely and found unique ways to bond with each of her grandchildren. Nancylee was overjoyed at the birth of her youngest granddaughter (Carmen Janelle) in 2021. She was overjoyed witnessing her first milestones and swooned over her smile. Her grandchildren were always discussed with beaming pride and enthusiasm without reserve. They were her greatest gifts.

To love Nancylee was effortless. She was intelligent, beautiful, thoughtful, kind, and hilarious. She was a storyteller with a quick-witted humor and gregarious delivery. She was known to slightly embellish stories to build the laughter and with her delivery and animated expressions she was a master storyteller. She loved to read, give gifts and watch HGTV Christmas movies. She dressed herself in bright colors (even in winter) and never left home without her lipstick. In her late years she was an avid New England Sports fan and highly superstitious. She often left the room or changed the channel to ensure she didn't jinx the outcome. She enjoyed being outside, but hated animals, bugs, being hot and anything too "nature-y". She was a morning person and enjoyed her hot morning shower followed by coffee and the newspaper. She took on exercise such as walking, swimming, aerobics and biking just so long as she didn't sweat. She loved a good cheeseburger and was a sloppy but imaginative cook. Nancylee was creative and giving, often traveling with "goodie bags" for children. She LOVED to send cards and support anyone who needed a helping hand. Nancylee will be missed sorely by those that loved her. She should be remembered as a kindhearted mother, teacher and role model who brought joy and optimism to all.

She is survived by her 3 children Christina & Tim Maloney (Warner Robins, GA), Melissa & Mike Earls (Southborough, MA), Joseph & Lynley Paratore (Peabody, MA), and her 8 grandchildren, Joey, Hailey, Allyson, Stephen, Sienna, Braden, Lucia, and Carmen. Her siblings Joseph & Mary Ramondetta (South Lyme, CT), Jessica & Tony Gaudet (Leland, NC), Joanne & David Matson (Niantic, CT), Luanne & David Hussey (Tolland, CT), John & Kristin Ramondetta (Glastonbury, CT) & countless nieces/nephews and great nieces/nephews.

Funeral from the DeVito Funeral Home, 761 Mt. Auburn St., WATERTOWN on Wednesday at 9 am followed by a funeral mass at 10 am in St. Joseph Church, Belmont. Relatives and friends are invited to visit in the funeral home on Tuesday from 5:00 - 7:00 pm. In lieu of flowers please donate in memory of Nancylee to the resident activity fund at the Blaire House of Worcester; 116 Houghton St., Worcester, MA 01604. Please visit devitofuneralhome.com to view an online guestbook.