FITCHBURG, Mass. – Phyllis R. (Delibertis) Christian, 93, a former longtime Fitchburg, Mass., resident, died Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2007, at a Bangor health care facility, after a brief illness. She was predeceased by her husband of 46 years, Vernard E. Christian, in March 1983; brothers, Roland, Sylvio and Manfred Delibertis; and sisters, Maria Castronova, Ida St. Germain and Mechelena Delibertis. She leaves two sons, Rodney V. Christian and his wife, Elaine B., of Naples, Fla., and Fredric V. Christian and his wife, Linda A., of Rehoboth, Mass.; one daughter, Pamela M. Doiron and her husband, Kenneth, of Bangor; one sister, Adele Faro of Aptos, Calif.; seven grandchildren, Lynn, Laura, Michelle, Matthew, Marc, Christian and Cara; five great-grandchildren, Cameron, Mallory, Alexandra, Griffin and Nolan; several nieces and nephews. Mrs. Christian, along with her husband, owned and operated Christians on the corner of Main and Day Streets in Fitchburg, Mass., for 22 years, retiring in 1975. She was a member of St. Bernard’s Parish for more than 50 years, the Daughters of Isabella, Jeanne D’Arc Circle, the Emblem Club and attended Fitchburg, Mass., schools. She was a volunteer for many years at Burbank Hospital, Fitchburg, Mass., and Catholic Charities, Fitchburg, Mass. Mrs. Christian grew up on Granite Street, Fitchburg, Mass., and was an excellent cook who loved to entertain family and friends. She also liked to shop and was known for her sense of style. She was born March 4, 1914, in Vinchiaturo, Italy, and came to this country with her late parents, Vincenso and Anna (Savastano) Delibertis at the age of 6 months and lived in Fitchburg, Mass., until 2005, when she moved to Bangor. She made many friends at Stillwater Health Care Center and enjoyed singing in the choir. Calling hours will be held 9-11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 29, at Smith-Mallahy-Masciarelli Funeral Home, 243 Water St., Fitchburg, Mass., where the funeral will be held and a Mass 11 a.m. at St. Bernard’s Church, 240 Water St., Fitchburg, Mass. Burial will be held after at St. Bernard’s Cemetery, Fitchburg, Mass. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Retirement Fund, 99 Church St., Leominster, MA 01453 or Stillwater Health Care Center, 335 Stillwater Ave., Bangor, ME 014401 or may be left at the funeral home. For further information, please go to www.masciarellifamilyfuneral homes.net.
PHYLLIS R. (DELIBERTIS) CHRISTIAN
