Virginia "Jean" (DeSantis) Proia, longtime Newton resident, passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her loving family on August 16th. She was 95 years old.
She was the loving daughter of Luigi and Bessie DeSantis.
Beloved wife of the late Larry D. Proia. Devoted mother of JoAnn Gallant and her husband Arthur, Dianne M. Proia, Sandra Lickiss and her husband George, and David Proia and his wife Dawn.
Jean is predeceased by siblings & in-laws: Alice Battista & her husband Dominic, Albert DeSantis & his wife Sylvia, Edward DeSantis & his wife Lucy, Anna Leger, Viola Lucas, Mary Marston, Dorothy McCullough, & Brothers-in-Law Joseph Proia Jr. & Rocco Proia.
She was a cherished grandmother to Arthur Joseph (Joe) Gallant and his wife Stacey, David (DeeJay), Christopher, Ashley, Brian and Dustin Proia.
She also leaves behind her in laws Emil Leger, Philip & Sonia Proia, Lucy and Leah Proia, & Dianne Proia as well as many nieces, nephews, and her goddaughter Brenda (Leger) Swift
Jean loved living in Nonantum - especially the annual Feast of St. Mary of Carmen, Christmas tree lighting, and Memorial Day Parade celebrations. She was also a founder and active member of the City of Newton Retired Employees Association (CNREA).
She enjoyed playing board games with her children & grandchildren, traveling, flying, boating & camping, and watching old reruns of Perry Mason, Beverly Hillbillies and many more old time shows. She loved life & wasn’t afraid to try new experiences.
Above all she was a dedicated mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, great aunt, godmother friend to many.
She treasured time spent with her family & friends and will truly be missed.
Visiting hours Tuesday, Aug. 20 from 2-4 and 7-9pm in the Magni Funeral Home, 365 Watertown St, Newton and again Wednesday morning at 9AM 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.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Viriginia's name are appreciated and may be made to: The St. Mary of Carmen Society, P.O. Box 95094, Nonantum, Ma 02495, or to the John M. Barry Boys & Girls Club of Newton, 675 Watertown St, Newton, MA 02460,