MIAMI, Fla. — Marie Galardi Cuffe, born in 1927, passed peacefully and with grace at home on April 9, 2016. A native of Malden and Lynn, she was born into a loving Italian family headed by her parents Giovanni and Vincenza (Jennie) Galardi and alongside her loving siblings, John Gale, Richard Galardi and June Chislett. She was the first woman in her family to graduate high school and became an RN, working obstetrics and head nursing positions before leaving to marry and raise her own family. She was the devoted, beloved wife of 49 years to Philip J. Cuffe. Together they raised three, loving and much-loved, sons, Barry, Dana and Kevin.
Marie moved to Miami, Florida in 1971 and resumed her nursing career. She loved nursing and was passionate about proper protocol and excellent patient care.
The good doctors loved her, the bad ones feared her.
Her favorite job was, however, being a mother. She was a friend and second mother to her sons’ friends and her home was always filled with people, laughter and delicious homemade Italian food and desserts. In later years, she traveled around the globe to her children and seven grandchildren, Eric, Stacy, Alexander, Cameron, Jamie, Danil and Luca Cuffe.
She will be remembered as someone who had strong opinions, was a ready listener, provided endless medical advice, and never, ever, complained. Though small in stature, she was a force to be reckoned with. She had a wonderful life and gave a little something special to all whose lives she touched.
Donations: Sloan Kettering Cancer Institute.
