Clelia Maria (Gasbarro) Mackay

Clelia M. (Gasbarro) MacKay, 84, of Marblehead, Massachusetts passed away suddenly on December 29, 2023.

Clelia was born on July 10, 1939 to Severo and Yolanda (Colella) Gasbarro in Corfino, Italy. She lived the first nine years of her life in Corfino before moving to the United States. Clelia is survived by her loving husband Bill MacKay, her son Bill MacKay Jr., his wife Katie MacKay of Salem MA, her granddaughter Rory MacKay; her brother Francis Gasbarro and his predeceased wife Netta, of Bonita Springs, FL, her brother Anthony (Tony) Gasbarro and his wife Michelle of Moultonborough, NH, and many nieces and nephews including her beloved godson, Mark Gasbarro.

Throughout her life Clelia held many positions. After graduating from Leominster High School, she worked as a hairdresser, a paraprofessional in Westminster and Meetinghouse Elementary schools, and as a retail clerk at the League of NH Craftsmen in Meredith, NH. The things she valued most were her family and friends.

During high school, Clelia met the love of her life and waited four years for him to serve our country in the Navy. In 1961, Clelia married John (Bill) MacKay and had their only son in 1964. Cleila and Bill lived in Fitchburg briefly before building their dream home in Westminster on Wyman’s Pond. Many happy memories were made at their home, such as their annual Fourth of July pig roast and Thanksgivings each year. Clelia was an excellent cook who enjoyed feeding friends and family; her Christmas cookies were legendary.

Years later in 1996, Clelia and Bill permanently moved to their summer home in Moultonborough, New Hampshire, near the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee. There she enjoyed gardening, sailing with her husband in their sailboat Diablo, reading at the beach, and hosting family and friends during the summers.

Clelia cared deeply for people and through her love of cooking and joy in feeding people she volunteered at soup kitchens and for her church. She was an avid gardener and enjoyed growing much of the food she cooked.

Clelia was able to see and spend time with most of her family this past Christmas and celebrated her loving husbands 85th birthday in early December.

Calling hours will be Friday, January 5 at 10:00 am - 11:30 am at Richardson Funeral Home, 106 West Street, Leominster, MA. Mass will follow at 12:00 PM at St. Anna’s Church, 199 Lancaster Street in Leominster MA. A reception will follow at Il Forno Restaurant, 494 Electric Avenue, Lunenburg, MA.

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