Mary Jane Di Massa

Mary Jane (Monska) Di Massa, 95, of Masonic Village at Elizabethtown, formerly of Huntingdon Valley and Philadelphia, passed away peacefully Thursday September 11, 2025. She was the loving wife of the late Louis J. Di Massa, Sr. with whom she celebrated over 64 years of marriage. Born in Philadelphia, PA, she was the daughter of the late Jennie (Zalli) and Spiro Monska.

Mary was a graduate of Kensington High School in Philadelphia, held a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics from Goshen College in Indiana, and a Teaching Certificate from Temple University. She taught mathematics for over a decade, starting at Wolf Lake in Indiana, but primarily in the Philadelphia School District where she met her husband, before resigning to devote her time to her family. She continued to teach part-time as well as tutor for many years.

Mary was a reserved pensive soul who had an unexpected wit. She quietly went about excellence in many facets of her life. She declined a nursing scholarship to pursue her love of mathematics, a field few women enjoyed. She was also a remarkable athlete, particularly talented in volleyball, basketball, and softball, and was even recruited for the All-American Girls Baseball League. She declined tryouts and instead became the first woman in her family to attend college. She was a fantastic cook, made her own clothes, and was often a leader in organizations to which she belonged. While she never strived for the limelight, she was incredibly observant, and when you least expected it, she would surprise you with a comment that triggered a belly laugh. A devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, she always gave of herself for the betterment of her family. Her favorite thing to do was either something she had never done before or something that would make someone else happy. She will forever be remembered as the one who organized everything, got it all done to perfection, and then simply smiled in contentment as everyone enjoyed themselves.

Surviving are a son Louis J. Jr. husband of Carmen Catanea-Di Massa and a grandson Viktor all of Rivalta di Torino, Italy; and a daughter Dr. Diane D. Di Massa, wife of John Danby of Marstons Mills, MA. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by a brother Peter Monska, and two sisters Clara Monska and Lorraine Monska.

Memorial services will be private and interment will be in Washington Crossing National Cemetery, Newtown, PA beside her husband.