Beverly - Beverly - Maria L. Pelonzi of Beverly passed away Friday, July 25th at the St. André Health Care in Biddeford, Maine.

Born in Beverly, she was the daughter of the late honorable Thomas Bussone Sr and Gemma (DeSantis) Bussone and the wife of the late Gerald (Jerry) Pelonzi, who was her partner in life and business as a restaurant owner until his death in 2002.

Maria received a degree in education from Salem State College in 1964 and went on to work as a math teacher at Briscoe Jr. High in Beverly. At the time of her passing she was a restaurateur in Ogunquit, Maine. where she became lovingly known as the "Hat Lady of Ogunquit."

Maria enjoyed her time with friends at Beverly Friendly Garden Club, Lake View Ladies Golf team and Iron Maiden Golf Team at Wenham Country Club. Maria spent years wintering in Florida where she made a strong bond with many people who became her "winter family". Maria's love for family and friends, coupled with her positive attitude will be a lasting memory for those she loved.

Maria is survived by her son, Anthony (Tony) Pelonzi of Danvers and his fiancé Wendy Marresse, her brothers, Thomas Bussone II of Beverly, Edward T. Bussone and his wife Martha (Thompson) Bussone of Beverly, her childhood friend and sister-in-law Judy (Pelonzi) Egan and her husband, Thomas Egan of Danvers, sister-in-law, Patricia (Pizello) Pelonzi of Salisbury. In addition, Maria was a loving aunt to many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews. She was predeceased by her brother-in-law, Alphons Pelonzi.

A special thanks to the staff at St. André Health Care for their compassionate care of Maria.

Her funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Mary Star of the Sea Church, 253 Cabot Street, Beverly, on Monday, August 4th, at 10:30 a.m. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Visiting hours at the Campbell Funeral Home, 525 Cabot Street, Beverly, on Sunday, August 3rd, from 1 to 4 p.m. Burial will be at St. Mary Cemetery, Beverly. Contributions may be made in Maria's memory to a Charity of your choice. Information, directions, condolences at www.campbellfuneral.com.