Marie Teresa (Tassinari) Azorian of Salem, NH, passed away on Christmas eve, December 24, 2017, at the age of 80. She passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family at the Elliot Hospital, Manchester, NH.

Born on June 7, 1937, in Boston, MA, to Ralph and Susan (Dell’Isola) Tassinari. Marie grew up in Somerville, MA, on Prichard Ave with her sisters, Joan, Barbara (deceased) and brother Anthony (deceased). Marie graduated from Burdett college and worked and retired from the Internal Revenue Service in the Criminal Investigation division with more than 25 years of service.

Marie is survived by her devoted husband, Al, and her four children, in order by age, daughter Laura McCarthy (husband Kevin) of Salem, NH; son Kenneth Azorian (wife Laura) of Merrimack, NH; daughter Karen Foden (husband Bill) of Derry, NH; and daughter Diane Coryea (husband Mark) of Atkinson, NH. She is also survived by her loving sister Joan Wolonsavich (husband Walter) of Stoneham, MA; and sister-in-law Peggy Tassinari of Tewksbury, MA. She is also survived by her 11 grandchildren, in order by age, Derek McCarthy, Nichole McCarthy, Marie Foden, Kristina Foden, Matthew Foden, Madalyn Coryea, Joshua Coryea, Tyler McCarthy, Samantha Coryea, Andrew Azorian, Nicholas Azorian. She also had three step-grandchildren, Erin Rogers (husband Dave), William Foden, Jr., and Gregory Smith; and three great-grandchildren, Anthony Foden, Jordan Gibson and Kiarra Gibson. Marie met her husband Al at McGovern’s Drive-In on a blind date; they married at St. Clement’s church in Somerville and have celebrated 59 blessed years together.

Marie loved going to the beach and vacationing in Hilton Head, SC, and Venice, FL, where she made many friends who she considered her extended family. Marie loved to shop and was an avid bargain hunter. She was an amazing cook making Italian dishes as well as her husband’s heritage of Syrian cooking and she passed her traditions and recipes to her children and grandchildren. When she was at home she spent hours gardening tending seedlings and creating beautiful perennial and vegetable gardens. Marie’s favorite time of year was Christmas time; she decorated every corner of her house in honor of Christ’s birthday. She collected over a hundred Department 56 Christmas villages throughout her life to leave to her children and grandchildren. Marie’s favorite love were her grandchildren and great-grandchildren who she loved to shower with gifts and cook for, she was their number one cheerleader always proud of each of them. She will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved her.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday, December 28th, 2017 from 4:00 to 8:00 PM at the Goundrey & Dewhirst Funeral Home, 42 Main Street, Salem, NH 03079. A funeral Mass will be offered at 10:00 AM on Friday, December 29th at St. Matthew Parish, 2 Searles Road, Windham. Burial will follow at Pine Grove Cemetery in Salem. 

 Service Information