Maria (Capodanno) Sodano

Maria Sodano, age 87, passed away suddenly in Massachusetts General Hospital on April. 18, 2024. Maria grew up in a loving home first in Mirabella Eclano, Italy, and finally residing in Winthrop, MA. Maria took great pride in being a Homemaker, Wife and Mom. Born on Sept 4,1936 in Italy, she eventually followed other family members to Boston, Massachusetts in 1963 in hope of pursuing the good ole fashion ‘American Dream’.

Maria was one of four sisters; the crew included Maria, Assunta, Licia and Antonia. Her parents Michele Capodanno and Carmelinda Capodanno (Vitale) worked their entire lives to make sure their daughters never went needing anything. Maria’s only son, Carmine, gave her strength and support during the rough times, and laughter and joy all of the other times.

Maria was married on November 22, 1967 to Luigi Sodano. Although taking a different path to America, Luigi also immigrated to Boston from Battipaglia, Italy in 1964. They had one son, Carmine. Both Maria and Luigi only focused on one thing -paving the road, laying the foundation, for a better family life. Luigi came to Boston with no formal education, but had high work ethics; Maria came here also seeking just one thing -an opportunity to work hard and to better their lives. Luigi initially worked construction and eventually became a restaurant owner; Maria began her journey by working in a sweatshop as a dressmaker until she ventured on her own making alterations, dresses and custom wedding gowns.

Maria loved making her own outfits, she loved to garden and she absolutely loved watching Judge Judy (who doesn’t!). Maria enjoyed preparing huge meals for anyone that could be invited over for dinner. For exercise she would walk from her home in Winthrop to the supermarket in Revere just to buy a few small items -all along declining any offers for a ride. Maria never turned down a jelly or lemon filled donut -Kanes, Union Square, Honey Dew, BettyAnn’s, Medford Center were just a few old school donut shops which she frequented. She loved her double bubble percolator coffee maker, and she didn’t mind dipping bread in her red wine, and a mid day espresso with an apple fritter from Back Door Donuts was never refused.

Although small in numbers, Maria’s whole world revolved around her family, her husband Luigi and son Carmine. Maria is survived by her son Carmine, many nieces and nephew, along with aunts, uncles, several cousins, and close friends. While at times sacrificing her own needs, Maria only wanted one thing in life -for her family to be Happy & Healthy. She always put everyone else first, she never wanted a handout, she treasured her independence, she didn’t like doctors or medication, at whatever capacity she could offer -she only wanted to take care of others.

Family and friends will honor Maria's life by gathering at the Ruggiero Family Memorial Home, on Thursday, April 25th from 4:00 PM and 8:00 PM and again on Friday morning at 8:30 AM before leaving in procession to St. Michael the Archangel/ St. John the Baptist Church in Winthrop for a 10:00 AM funeral mass. Services will conclude with Maria being laid to rest at Woodlawn Cemetery in the Sheffield Mausoleum, in Everett. 

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in Maria's name to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital using this link, https://fundraising.stjude.org/site/TR?px=8378177&fr_id=154020&pg=personal.