Published in the October 6, 2017 edition
MALDEN — Mrs. Norma A. (Tontodonato) Pyzynski, a longtime resident of Malden, passed away peacefully at the Tufts Medical Center in Boston, at age 89.
Norma was born in East Boston, one of eleven children of the late Louis and Camille (Cardinale) Tontodonato. She was raised in East Boston where she graduated from high school. After attending secretarial school, Norma began her working life at a printing company in Boston where she was introduced to a foreman named Joe. On May 14, 1961 Norma was married to Joseph Pyzynski in East Boston, and they settled in Malden to raise a family.
Norma was a refined woman who practiced proper etiquette and treated those around her with all due respect. However, she had a great sense of humor, loved a good joke, and could write a witty limerick in a matter of minutes. She loved shopping at Filene’s, attending the opera, or was a frequent visitor of the Museum of Fine Arts, and Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. After staying home to be with her daughters, she returned to work as an Executive Assistant at the Department of Defense.
Smart and with a love for the English language, she proudly completed the New York Times crossword puzzle every day in pen! She taught her husband how to tango, and loved antiquing, foreign films, and free concerts in Harvard Square. She was a voracious reader with a beautiful singing voice, and could talk about any topic and all current events. She will be lovingly remembered.
Norma was the beloved wife of 56 years to the late Joseph J. Pyzynski who passed just 36 hours prior to Norma. Devoted mother of Lisa Pyzynski and her longtime partner Mustapha Rhouat of Beverly, and Susan Pyzynski of Somerville. Dear sister of Nicholas Tontodonato, Anthony Tontodonato, John Tontodonato, Joseph Tontodonato, Albert Tontodonato, Maria Spert, Eleanor Infantino, Phyllis Chiarello, Alfred Tontodonato, Edward Tontodonato. Also lovingly survived by many nieces and nephews.
Funeral Services are private. Interment in Puritan Lawn Memorial Park, Peabody. Gifts in Norma’s memory may be made to the Anti-Defamation League, 40 Court St., #12, Boston, MA 02108. For online tribute visit RobinsonFuneralHome.com
