Obituary of Maria Rose Alimena

Maria Rose Alimena, beloved wife, mother and grandmother, passed away peacefully on November 24, 2022 at the age of 97 at her home in Rye, NY. She was grateful to have lived a long and rewarding life. She was born on May 23, 1925 in Everett, MA to A. Marino and Filomena Mazzone. She attended Everett Public Schools then graduated from Emmanuel College in Boston in 1947 with a degree in Biology.

She was married on September 8, 1951 to Dr. Benjamin S. Alimena, who predeceased her in 2019, and she lived most of her life in Rye.

Early in her career, she worked at The Rockefeller Institute in Manhattan. In addition to caring for her family, she gave piano lessons in her home to many students and taught Biology, and Anatomy and Physiology, at the School of the Holy Child in Rye, NY. After retirement, she continued to volunteer at the Manhattanville College Library and conducted cultural exchange programs over many years for newcomers at the Rye Free Reading Room.

She was an active participant of the Rye Seniors and served her community as a Eucharistic Minister at her parish, Church of the Resurrection. She was also a longtime member of the Rye Interfaith Committee

In addition to being an accomplished pianist who gave recitals and was the accompanist for theater productions and the glee club at her college, she enjoyed playing tennis and walking the boardwalk at the beach in Rye, and especially sharing her love for the natural world with her students at outdoor programs in the area.

Maria’s family was the most important aspect of her life. She is survived by her sons Paul (Judy) and their children Ben (Yasmine) and Chris, and Marc (Peggy) and their children Stephanie and Nicole, as well as numerous nieces and nephews, all of whom will miss her greatly but keep cherished memories of this special lady. She was predeceased by her sister Flora Joyce, and her brother Judge A. David Mazzone, and was close to and proud of both.

The family will receive friends at the Graham Funeral Home in Rye, NY on Friday December 2, 2022 from 4 - 7pm.  A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Saturday December 3, 2022 at the Church of the Resurrection.  Interment to follow at Greenwood Union Cemetery in Rye, NY.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to the Annual Fund for Holy Child or the Annual Campaign of the Rye Free Reading Room, two of Maria’s favorite organizations.