Maria "Kelly" Scimone Rizkalla

PELHAM, NH - Maria “Kelly” Scimone Rizkalla, aged 67, passed away peacefully at home on August 29, 2023. Born in Brooklyn, NY, Maria was the daughter of the late Frank Scimone and Susan Prowker-Scimone-Watson.

Maria grew up in Tyngsboro, MA. She attended UMass Lowell as an art major where she enhanced her inherent creative skills. She went on to pursue a career as an Optician and was the owner of a successful sunglass store in Nashua, NH. and a thriving optical business with her husband Richard in Salem, MA.

Maria was happiest when she was surrounded by family and friends. She loved being at the beach and working in her beautiful gardens. She was an incredible listener and could always find the positive in any story. Her humor and wit as well as her eternal optimism were always evident, even throughout her most recent battle. She was truly a warrior, and an inspiration to many who would often seek out her advice, always encouraging them to reach for the stars and implement a plan to pursue their dreams.

Maria leaves her husband and best friend of 31 years, Richard J. Rizkalla, Jr., her sister Michelle Nichols and niece Alexa of New Mexico, and brother Stephan Scimone of AZ. Maria also leaves her cousins who were more like sisters – Lori Woods, Wendy Odabashian, Earlene Laurin and their families.

Maria also leaves her mother-in-law Gloria Rizkalla, late father-in-law Richard J. Rizkalla, Sr., Sisters and Brothers in law Judith A. Shaughnessy and her husband James of Worcester, and Pamela M. Reilly of Holden MA, John T. Reilly, Sr., and Steve G. Rizkalla and his wife Melissa of Rutland MA, and many loving nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to gather with Maria’s family on Tuesday, September 5th for visiting hours from 9:30 to 11:00 AM, in St. George Orthodox Cathedral, 30 Anna Street, Worcester with a funeral service immediately following at 11:00 AM with the Very Rev. Fr. Milad Selim, Dean of the Cathedral officiating. Burial to follow at Hope Cemetery, Worcester.

In lieu of flowers and if you wish to make a donation in Maria’s memory, please do so at Dana Farber Cancer Institute via http://Danafarber.myplannedgift.org and/or to St. George Orthodox Cathedral Endowment Fund, 30 Anna St, Worcester MA, 01604.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the nurses and caregivers at Visiting Angels and Amedisys Hospice Care of Bedford NH.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Philip G. Haddad, Jr. of Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main St, Holden MA.

To share a memory or offer condolences, please visit her tribute wall.

MAY HER MEMORY BE ETERNAL