Maria C. Fiorelli, 85, of Holland, MI, former longtime Shrewsbury, MA
resident, passed on March 29, 2026 peacefully at home after a long illness, surrounded
by family.
She was predeceased by her loving husband of 35 years, Lt. Col. Joseph “Jerry” C.
Fiorelli (USAF), and dear sister-in-law, Angela Fiorelli of Martha’s Vineyard MA. She is
survived by her beloved children: Patrick DeHertogh of Medway MA, Fran (Joe) Cilella
of Holland MI, and Tina DeMember of Merrimack NH. She is also survived by her three
cherished grandchildren Joseph DeMember of Miami FL, Alexa (Allen) Potter of Boston
MA, and Jenn Cilella of Holland MI.
Maria was born in 1940 in Antwerp, Belgium. She spent her childhood enjoying both
bustling city-life and time spent biking around the quiet countryside with family. As a
young woman, she traveled to Vancouver, Canada seeking new adventures and to
further her education in business management. She later returned to Belgium and there
she met the love of her life, Jerry Fiorelli. Maria moved to the United States in 1963,
where she and Jerry started their family together.
After several years of military relocations and Jerry’s retirement, they returned to
Shrewsbury, MA. Maria became the payroll clerk for the Shrewsbury School Department
and a committed member of her community. After many years of dedicated service,
Maria retired in 1999.
Maria travelled extensively, enjoying multiple African safaris, an expedition to South
America with Jerry, and many trips to Europe for adventures with family and friends.
She treasured the beauty and diversity of nature from the back woods of Maine, to the
ocean of Martha’s Vineyard, the mountains of Vancouver, and the wonder of Victoria
Falls in Zimbabwe.
In 2006, she moved to Holland, MI. She deeply valued the local Dutch culture and was
a frequent volunteer at The Bridge downtown. Maria spent many hours outside tending
to her flower gardens and savoring time spent with her friends, family, and loved ones.
A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, April 8th, 2026, from 1:00pm to 2:00pm at Dykstra Funeral Home – Mulder Chapel, 188 West 32nd Street, Holland, MI
Visitation will be at 1:00 Wednesday, April 8th, 2026.
Maria will find her final resting place beside her husband, in Shrewsbury, MA.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to the Salvation
Army, 104 Clover Street, Holland, MI 49423 or Hospice of Holland, 270 Hoover Blvd,
Holland, MI 49423.
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