Felicia Gazzara Passes Away

Felicia H. (Milewski) Gazzara, long-time resident of Reading, passed away peacefully at the Sawtelle House in Reading, her husband by her side and with the daily support of her family.

Born on October 2, 1937 in Syracuse, NY to Barney & Sophie Milewski, Felicia was one of three children including Stanley (deceased) and Bernadine. As an LPN and graduate of Smith College's Nursing Program, Felicia devoted her entire working career to various medical practices with her longest tenure at Dr. Bart Kellerman's office in Reading. In addition to a rewarding medical career, Felicia was the devoted wife of 60 years to her husband Peter and mother of their five children.

Felicia is survived by her husband Peter J. Gazzara, Sr.; Anna Marie (Gazzara) Grimes her husband Kevin and their sons Eric & Justin; Peter J. Gazzara Jr. his wife Lisa and their son Peter J. III; Michael Gazzara and his wife Karen and their children Jennifer, Nathan and Aaron; Karen (Gazzara) Vargus and her children Barry Jr. (deceased), Nicole and Jesse; and Rosanne (Gazzara) Hagan and her husband Barry. She is also survived by 10 great grandchildren whom she adored.

Beyond her family, her gardens and many pets, Felicia was equally happy spending time at her island on Bow Lake in NH. In her later years she would make the drive alone, then row out to the island and spend a stormy night reading her favorite novels. At the morning light she would welcome the loons nesting nearby. "Grandma's Island", as we lovingly call it, has been the center of Felicia's life for many decades and that legacy will continue.

A devout Catholic, Felicia worshipped at St. Agnes Parish. Visiting hours will be held Tuesday, August 29, 2017 at the Douglass, Edgerley and Bessom Funeral Home, 25 Sanborn St., Reading from 4-6 p.m. with a Funeral Service which will immediately follow at 6 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Turning Point, Inc., 5 Perry Way, Newburyport, MA.