Marie Gatto died on September 21, 2015 at 90 years of age and her children knew exactly what was supposed to happen at her funeral.  She had given them clear instructions on who would sing what songs, who would serve as pall bearers, even what she was to wear.  She left a card in her bible that listed her favorite readings.  In recent years, her long time fear of animals was transformed into joy at the sight of her two “grand dogs” and they needed to be involved in her services somehow.  “Maybe you can put fake bow ties on them or something,” she proclaimed through her laughter.  A generous meal was to be provided afterwards and a breakfast needed to be given at some point just for her church family.  She had started each day with them at morning mass for many years.   For at least 40 years she had admonished her family that there would be no gladiolas at her funeral.  They represented death to too many people.  She wanted something more celebratory, colorful and tasteful.  The flowers, like her, should be dignified, and stylish - not gaudy.  The whole thing should be warm, inspiring and joyful.   “Now don’t go overboard on me though!  What do I really need?” she would say with a quick flick of her wrist.  She would go to the ends of the earth for you, but never wanted to others to trouble themselves for her. 

None of these instructions came as a surprise.  This is how Marie Gatto lived – she always had a plan and made sure every detail was in place.  There would be plenty of food.  At the end of the meal, there should be enough leftovers to look as if no one actually ate.  Everyone should go home with a doggy bag, like the weekly meals she prepared for her children that fed you all the way until your next visit.  You just had to make sure you brought back the Tupperware!  There must be a celebration that’s loud, joyous and goes several hours longer than you anticipated.  If you did it right, no one should want to leave.  Even at the time of her death, she had a plan to make sure everyone felt cared for, included, loved and nourished. 

Marie Gatto was a petite woman with a fiery spirit and gentle heart that drew people to her.  She always had a story to tell, often with her self-deprecating sense of humor.  She found joy in the daily absurdities and blunders of life and was never too proud to share her own.  The simple pleasures of being human were abundant for her.  In her later years when her Lifeline alarm would accidentally go off and emergency crews would storm into her home, she asked them to stay for coffee and cookies.  “You’re here.  You might as well sit down,” she would say. 

Marie was the epitome of generosity, humility and faith.  She worked for many years at her son Vincent’s business, Reading Physical Therapy.  She wanted nothing more than to create warmth and order in the office.  She loved greeting patients, listening to their stories and enjoyed the many relationships she formed there. 

She was a proud member of the St. Agnes Parish family in Reading for 50 years.  She participated in discussion groups, prayer meetings, committees and found joy, comfort, love and hope there.  If anyone spoke well of another church, she would boldly proclaim, “I’m sorry.  There’s just no place else like St. Agnes!” 

Marie’s lessons about integrity, honesty, generosity, family and faith live on in her three children – Vincent Gatto, Jr. and his wife Nancy of North Andover, Anne Brennan and her husband James of North Andover, and John Gatto and his husband Arthur Shirk of Malden.  She leaves three grandchildren that were a powerful source of pride for her:   Peter Gatto, Andrea Gatto and Lauren Brennan.  She is predeceased by her husband Vincent Gatto, Sr.  Marie said that nobody had a better brother than hers – Anthony Sacco and his wife Joan of Revere.  She is preceded in death by her sisters Jessie Flagg and Evelyn Femino.  She leaves countless friends and relatives, including many nieces and nephews that she held dear.

Relatives and friends may visit at the funeral home on Thursday, Sept. 24th from 4-8pm. Marie's services will begin at the funeral home on on Friday, Sept. 25th at 9am. Her Funeral Mass will be held in St. Agnes Church, 186 Woburn St., Reading, MA at 10am. Interment follwing her Funeral Mass to be held in Charles Lawn Cemetery, Reading. The family requests that in lieu of flowers donations may be made in Marie's memory to St. Agnes Parish, 186 Woburn St., Reading MA or Mission of Deeds, 6 Chapin Ave., Reading MA  01867.  

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