MaryJane L. Guzzardi, 90, Owned Ralph’s Restaurant

MaryJane L. (Scamporino) Guzzardi, 90, of Haverhill, passed away on Sunday, Dec. 10 surrounded by her family. Born in Haverhill on April 21, 1927, Guzzardi was the second of three daughters born to Guido Scamporino and Elisabetta “Alice” (Decristofaro) Scamporino. She graduated from Haverhill High School in 1946 where, like many of her peers, she served on the War Activities Committee.

Together with her husband and their two sons, Guzzardi owned and operated Ralph’s Restaurant for over 50 years. She had the gift of a green thumb, growing gorgeous azaleas, hydrangeas, and roses. She most enjoyed spending time with her family at their summer home on Cape Cod with daily excursions to the beach, outdoor concerts on Monday evenings, and fulfilling her passion for shopping. Passing down family recipes to her grandchildren filled her with joy, and many hours were spent hand making pasta and traditional Italian Christmas cookies.

Guzzardi was predeceased by her husband of 66 years, Ralph F. Guzzardi, as well as her son Robert Guzzardi and her sister Lucy Fiorentini.

She is survived by her son William Guzzard, and daughter Carol Selvaggio, loving grandchildren Michael Selvaggio, Alicia Selvaggio and her husband, Gino and Amy Selvaggio. Robert, Salvatore and Dante Guzzardi, a great-grandson and her sister Rosanne McKee.

The family would like to extend a message of thanks to her nurse Geri at Home Health VNA, Merrimack Valley Hospice, the wonderful nurses and staff at The Meadows at Edgewood and her private caregivers Jennifer and Barri.

At the family’s request, visitation and services were privately held at H.L. Farmer and Sons Bradford Funeral Home. Burial followed in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Haverhill. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Guzzardi’s memory to The Jimmy Fund, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284-9168, or to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, One Bulfinch Place, 2nd floor, Boston, MA 02114.