Below is an obituary from Nichols Funeral Home:
WILMINGTON, MA — Maria Assetta, age 75, of Wilmington, MA, formerly of Saugus, MA, passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by the family she loved so dearly in the early morning hours of September 12, 2026.
Maria was born on May 27, 1951, in Melrose, MA, to the late Angelo Calcagno and Barbara Calcagno (Aldrich). She was raised and educated in Saugus and Maria began hairdressing school while she attended Saugus High School. She graduated in 1969 and continued on co-op to receive her certification to become a hairstylist. In later years, she also completed a barber’s license. Being a hairstylist was her passion.
The greatest chapter of Maria’s life began when she met the love of her life, James Assetta. They married on September 26,1970 in Saugus, MA, and embarked on a remarkable matrimonial journey together. After marriage they moved to Wilmington, MA, where they purchased their forever home. There they raised their two daughters and were blessed with wonderful neighbors who quickly became life long friends. Maria and James shared an unbreakable partnership and would have celebrated 56 years of marriage this September 26th. Maria took immense pride in turning their house into a true home filling it with love, kindness, warmth, great meals and cherished memories.
Over her dedicated cosmetology career, she was known for her talent, efficiency and warm personality which made her a favorite among her clients and colleagues. Maria took pride in serving her family, friends and clients throughout her fifty years in the industry. During that time she formed deep bonds with countless regular clients who became great friends.
During the 1980’s Maria took a break from the salon to become a part of a family business. She helped turn a lifelong passion for food and people into a cornerstone of the Reading, MA, community. Reading Bakery and Deli was more than “just a storefront” It was bustling neighborhood hub where Maria greeted customers with a warm spirit and some of the most delicious bread, food and pastries.
Maria enjoyed so many things; Chocolate, music, entertainment, performing arts, cooking, baking, gardening, sewing, house projects, re-finishing furniture, crafting with friends, shopping, ceramics classes back in the day as well as working a Home Interiors business. She loved spending time with family and friends often for a Sunday meal, vacations, cookouts, or a simple cup of tea. She found endless joy in spending time with her granddaughters.
Maria is survived by her devoted husband James, her loving daughters Renée Carleen and her husband Hans Carleen, and Julie McGonigle and her husband James McGonigle IV, and beloved granddaughters Jacqueline, Michaela and Francesca; her brothers, Mario (Marsha) Calcagno, Angelo (Janet) Calcagno, Steven (Annette) Calcagno, David Calcagno and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Maria was preceded in death by her parents Angelo and Barbara Calcagno, and her brother Walter E. “Ed” Valentine.
Family and friends are welcome to gather for a Funeral Mass at St. Thomas Church, 126 Middlesex Ave., Wilmington, MA, on Saturday, October 10th at 10:30 a.m.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations in Maria’s memory be made to the DAV – Disabled American Veterans, P. O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301 or online at help.dav.org.
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