CAMDEN - Mrs. Filomena Ferraiolo, 84, passed away at the Sussman House, Tuesday, February 27, 2018.  She left this world peaceful, radiant and surrounded by the love and admiration of her family.

The youngest of four children, Filomena was born in Cervinara, Italy, in 1933.  She was very proud of her hometown nestled under the Partenio Mountains in the Campania region of Italy. 

At the young age of 20, she came to America and worked as a seamstress in New Jersey.  She returned to Italy just two years later.  Soon after, she met her husband Vincent, who had to chase off a flock of suitors to court her.  Vincent eventually married the prettiest girl in town.  They decided to make a future in America and arrived at Ellis Island on the fourth of July 1959. 

After settling in Camden, Maine, she raised four children together with her husband while building a successful construction company.  She had boundless energy and was very strong and independent. It was not unusual for her to drive to New Hampshire to pick up construction equipment, bring her husband (and eventually sons) an espresso and food at work, rearrange the living room and still manage to have a homemade meal waiting for dinner. She was an incredible cook and baker. Her children always came home from school to a kitchen full of fresh baked brownies, cookies, pies and homemade pasta.  

Filomena developed Alzheimer’s several years ago and was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma in 2014. She battled these terminal diseases with such strength that the doctors were shocked at how well she did and for how long. She continued to joke and laugh, always with a twinkle in her eyes until her final days.  She was compassionate, tender, affectionate, funny and always the boss. She will be remembered as a giving woman, adored and cherished by her nearest and dearest. She is deeply loved and will be greatly missed; a true testament of a life well lived.   

Predeceased by her son, Franco 'Frank' Ferraiolo in 2016, Filomena is survived by her husband, Vincent Ferraiolo; son and daughter-in-law John and Tammra Ferraiolo; daughter Anna Ferraiolo; daughter and son-in-law Candida and Craig Schwartz and granddaughter Phoebe Ferraiolo. 

Visiting hours will be held from 5 to 7 p.m., Thursday, March 12, 2018 at Burpee Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street, Rockland.