Florence R. Alessandri
1919 – 2019
SPRINGFIELD – Florence R. Alessandri, 100, passed away on August 29, 2019 at her home. Born in the family home on Armory St. in Springfield on February 6, 1919, she was the daughter of the late Celestino and Artavilla (Perazzola) Alessandri. She worked in Springfield factories making clothing during WWII and also at the Springfield Armory for 2 years. Before her retirement in 1981, Flo was employed for 27 years at Carando Meat Specialties. She loved making ceramics, bowling and working in her garden, often weeding and pruning from the time she got home from work until dark. She was an expert in sewing, knitting, and crocheting and enjoyed sharing her knowledge with anyone who wanted to learn. Her family will fondly remember the pride she took in making her homemade pasta and the various Italian cookies she made during the holidays. For 25 years, Flo also was a member of the Our Lady of Hope Line Dancers. Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her sisters Yolanda Welch, Madeline Alessandri, Columbia Jones and Joanne Wojtowicz. To cherish her memory, Flo leaves her brother Charles Alessandri of Watsonville, CA; sisters Nina Gelzines of Agawam and Cecilia Alessandri of Chicopee as well as many nieces and nephews and their families. Family and friends are invited to gather on Thursday, September 5, 2019, from 4-7 PM at Forastiere Funeral Home, 45 Locust Street, Springfield, MA. Funeral services will be held on Friday, September 6, 2019 beginning at 8:45 AM at the funeral home followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 10 AM at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, William Street, Springfield, MA. Burial will be in St. Michael’s Cemetery. Memorial contributions in Flo’s memory may be made to the American Foundation for the Blind, 1401 South Clark Street Suite 730 Arlington, VA 22202. For more information, please visit www.forastiere.com