Grazia (Novia) Zizza

Grazia “Grace” (Novia) Zizza of Medford passed away at the age of 94 peacefully on Wednesday, November 5, 2025 — the feast day of St. Elizabeth, mother of John the Baptist — surrounded by her loving family. Grace was the devoted wife of the late Battista “John” Zizza, with whom she shared more than 68 years of marriage. Born in Anzano di Puglia, Foggia, Italy, she was the cherished daughter of the late Rocco and Vincenza (Cipriano) Novia. In 1947, following the end of the Second World War, Grace immigrated to the United States and married the love of her life three years later.

A proud and active member of the Madonna di Anzano Society for seven decades, Grace remained deeply connected to her family, her faith, and her Italian-American heritage. Her love, unselfishness, and quiet strength touched all who knew her—qualities she carried gracefully, even through illness. She raised a family while working for over four decades in Boston’s garment industry, including Forecaster of Boston. Her love was expressed in many ways: she prepared large family dinners, crocheted dozens of blankets for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and was always available whenever she was needed.

Grace is lovingly remembered by her children and their spouses: Elliott and Marie (deceased) Zizza of Marshfield, John and Donna Zizza of Medford, Josephine and Vincent Chiachio of Stoneham, Ricky Zizza of Medford, and Steven and Melissa Zizza of Stoneham. She also leaves behind nine grandchildren and their spouses —Eric Zizza, John Zizza, Lisa (Zizza) McSweeney, Nicholas Zizza, Christina Zizza, Andrea (Chiachio) Romano, Danielle Chiachio, Jessica (Chiachio) Falzone, and Olivia (Zizza) Cecchini—and eleven great-grandchildren: Emma, Elaine, Evan, Ava, Sofia, Joseph, Nico, Alessia, Mia, Liliana, and Siena.

She was the beloved sister of the late Euplio Novia of Medford, Stella DeMaio of Italy and Lucia Mastrullo of Australia, and leaves many dear nieces and nephews across the United States, Italy, and Australia.

Grace’s legacy of love, faith, and family will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her. Her funeral will be held from the Weir-MacCuish Golden Rule Funeral Home, 144 Salem Street, Malden on Wednesday, November 12, 2025 at 9:00 AM followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Joseph Church, 118 High Street, Medford at 10:00 AM. Visiting hours are on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM in the Funeral Home. Interment will take place at Oak Grove Cemetery, Medford. Donations in her memory may be made to Care Dimensions, 75 Sylvan Street Suite B-102 Danvers, MA 01923 or at caredimensions.org.

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