Pasqualina "Peggy" (Calabrese) Bonavita

Pasqualina “Peggy” (Calabrese) Bonavita, 92, a lifelong resident of Agawam, died Wednesday, September 11, 2019. Born in Agawam on April 15, 1927, she was the daughter of the late Luigi and Giovanni (Russo) Calabrese. Pasqualina is survived by two sons, Louis Bonavita and his wife Allison of Phoenix, AZ and John Bonavita and his wife Mary of East Longmeadow and her daughter, Nancy Bonavita of Ludlow; her grandchildren, Jennifer, Kevin, Julie, Mark, Katherine, and Benedetto Bonavita, Britany Pelletier, and David Paglia, as well as many nieces, nephews, other family members and friends. She was predeceased by her husband Benedetto J. Bonavita; a son Albert Bonavita and a daughter Bernadine Bonavita; a grandson, John, Bonavita; her sisters Philomena Albano, Nancy Barbero, Anna Bonavita, and Rose Raschilla and a brother, John Calabrese.

Peggy grew up in Agawam, moving to Springfield as a young adult before settling back into Agawam. She was a 40-year supporter of the Tavern Restaurant in Springfield and Westfield, where she was beloved by staff and customers. Peggy never shied away from hard work, whether that be helping her children, family, and friends, working on her family’s farm in Agawam as a child and adult, or staying active in the community. She also worked at Gilbert and Barker after high school before getting married. She was known for her incredible Italian cooking and hosting countless dinners at her home. She enjoyed travelling for much of her life and always loved playing cards with family and friends. Her family would like to thank the staff at Redstone’s Hanover unit in East Longmeadow for the devotion to Peggy in her final years.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated for Pasqualina at St. Michael’s Church, 128 Maple St., East Longmeadow, MA on Saturday, September 21 at 11:30 am. Burial will be held privately.

Nowak Funeral & Cremation Services of Springfield is assisting the family with all arrangements.

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