Southbridge : Mafalda Brunetta Donata (Tarquinio) Caiani, 90, of Fairlawn Ave., passed away on Saturday, August 22nd, after a long illness.

Her husband of 62 years, Tonino Caiani, passed away on August 4, 2020.  She leaves her children, Pietro I. Caiani and his wife Lori of Paxton, Rita P. Scranton and her husband Scott of Southbridge and Daniele Caiani and his wife Angela of Harrisville, RI; her three grandchildren, Cristian A. Caiani, Angela J. Caiani and her fiancé Joshua Berberena, and Lorenzo Caiani. Mafalda was predeceased by her five brothers, Giovanni Tarquinio, Vittorio Tarquinio, Remo Tarquinio, Elisio Tarquinio and Nunzio Tarquinio and her sister, Maria Tarquinio.

Mafalda was born on August 7, 1936 in Pescosansonesco, Abruzzo, Italy, the daughter of Vincenzo and Assunta (Amicangeli) Tarquinio. At the age of 20 she emigrated to Mar de Plata, Argentina, where she worked in a fishery before moving with her husband and at the time two children to the United States.

Mafalda worked at the American Optical Co. in Southbridge for over 30 years, retiring many years ago.  She enjoyed her life traveling to Italy every summer and spending her free time caring for her children and grandchildren. She showed her love through cooking homemade Italian specialties like pizzelles, raviolis and fan favorite gnocchi.  Malfalda made everyone who entered her home feel welcome and like they were family.

Her funeral will be held on Tuesday, August, 25th, from the Daniel T. Morrill Funeral Home, 130 Hamilton St., Southbridge, with a Mass at 11:00am in St. Mary's Church of the St. John Paul II Parish, 263 Hamilton St., Southbridge. Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery, Southbridge.  Calling hours in the funeral home will be held on Tuesday, August 25th, from 9:30 to 10:30am, prior to the Mass.