June Rose Macina, 81, of Westerly, R.I., formerly of N. Stonington, CT, passed away unexpectedly on January 18, 2021 (unrelated to Covid-19).
She grew up in Queens, New York, and met the love of her life, John, at a dance in the city. They married soon after and spent an extraordinary 61 years together. They complimented each other perfectly. Family time, boating, traveling, cheering on the UConn Huskies women’s basketball team, and simply sharing each other's company were what they cherished most. Being by the water gave her peace and happiness. Many days were spent sailing their boat in Long Island Sound, enjoying the Seaside Beach Club, swimming in their pool, and visiting local lakes.
June was a woman of great character and integrity; she made a lasting impression on all who knew her and always put others before herself. She was beautiful, funny, loyal, kind, and generous. Her humor and cheerful nature drew you in. No matter who she came across, she made them feel loved and included. Her home was always open to family and friends with a table full of Italian food! Homemade meatballs, eggplant parmesan and pasta with garlic, oil & spinach were almost always found on her stove!
She will be remembered by many as the co-founder of the N. Stonington Night Classes. What started as a fundraiser for the Wheeler High School Class of 1981 senior trip to Disney World, was so well received by the local community that it continued for many years. She also enjoyed working the election polls where she had an opportunity to talk (with her NY accent) to just about everyone in town, whether they wanted to or not!
She was predeceased by her parents, Frank and Christine DeSimone, and sister Barbara Reed. She is survived by her sister-in-law, Dolores Martin; and her loving sister and friend, Frances Bayer, who growing up was always by her big sister’s side.
She will be dearly missed by her son Christopher and wife Kirsten; son Michael and wife Heidi; and daughter Lisa Underwood and husband Keith. Her cherished grandchildren, Kacie and fiancé Brian, Ryan, Nicholas, Alli, and Michelle were truly the lights of her life! She was heavily involved in their endless activities, and no matter the time or location, she could always be seen (and heard!) on the sideline of their sports games and in the audience of musical recitals and plays. She made each of them feel like they were the best athlete or musician the world had ever seen! Summers were spent at “Camp Grandma & Grandpa” doing field trips and making fun crafts together. Throughout the rest of the year, she made sure to call everyone throughout the week just to see how their day was going. We not only called her Mom and Grandma, but also Best Friend, Confidante and Therapist.
She loved being called Grandma, but she also took such pride in being called Aunt June by her many nieces and nephews: Kim, Daun, Candace, Kerri, Jaime, Douglas, Tommy, Anne Marie, Kenny, Cathy, Terri, Stephen, Paula, and all their children too!
May the heavens welcome their newest Angel! Until we meet again... WE ALL LOVE YOU!
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, services will be private. A celebration of life will be planned for a later date. In lieu of flowers please consider donating to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital through their website.