Anna Coppola, aged 85, passed away peacefully at home on April 13, 2025, surrounded by her loving family and friends.
She is survived by her sister Teresa Calcagni, her brothers, Mario Battista and Alfredo Battista, her 4 sons and (spouses) Bruno (Sharon), Paolo (Michelle), Roberto (late Laurie) and Angelo (Melinda), her 5 adoring grandchildren Daryl (Amy), Emily, Matthew, Domenic, and Caterina, and 3 cherished great-grandchildren, Giada, Lorenzo and Tyler.
She is predeceased by her loving and devoted husband of 61 years, Loreto “Larry” Coppola, her parents Umberto and Elena Battista, her sisters Loreta Proia, Linda Buffone, Maria Deodati, and her brother Domenico Battista.
Born on July 30, 1939 in Fontana Liri Italy, Anna was 13 when she immigrated to the US accompanied by her brother Mario. She lived with her Aunt in Hastings-on-Hudson, NY, before moving to Newton, MA where she resided for the rest of her life.
As a young woman, Anna cared for her brothers before she found employment at Raytheon in Watertown and finally retired after a long career in food service at the Newton Public Schools. Her favorite vocation by far and the one most important to her was that of devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother.
A woman of strong faith, Anna was a devoted lifelong parishioner of Our Lady Help of Christians Church, where she could often be found attending services. She also would never miss marching in the Saint Mary of Carmen Society Annual Festival every July.
Anna’s deep love of family and friends and her passion for cooking made her a happy and gracious hostess. There was always space at her kitchen table for friends and relatives who stopped by. In late summer she could be found canning the vegetables her dear Larry would grow in their garden. She especially enjoyed making her signature dishes like Sunday sauce, gnocchi and homemade pastas. Her love of Italian culinary creations extended to teaching others who showed interest. Nobody could quite replicate her superb final results, though.
Anna also enjoyed Cape Cod vacations and she loved to play Scoba and Tombola with family and friends. Generous with her resources and her advice, she was in her element when in the company of family (and friends who became family). Her sociable—sometimes feisty and sharp!— nature and her wonderful laugh left an indelible mark on many who knew her. She instilled strong family values and leaves a beautiful legacy. She was the beating heart of her family, a source of endless wisdom, joyous humor, and love. Anna will forever be remembered for her generosity, her cooking, her love of life, and her unwavering devotion to her family!
In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to Our Lady Help of Christians Church in Newton, MA or The St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, in memory of her.
Visiting hours in the Magni Funeral Home, 365 Watertown St, Newton on Tuesday, April 22 from 4-8pm and again Wednesday morning, April 23, at 9:15am before proceeding to Our Lady Help of Christians Church, 573 Washington St, Newton for a 10:30am Funeral Mass. Burial to follow at Newton Cemetery.