Simona Maria Teresa (Casolari) Molinari

WORCESTER - Simona Maria Teresa (Casolari) Molinari, 95, of Worcester, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 9, 2025 at home, surrounded by her loving family.

Her husband of 35 years, Dr. Pietro F. Molinari, died in 1991. She was predeceased by her brothers Filiberto Casolari and Riccardo Casolari.  She leaves her daughter, Barbara T. Molinari-Bates, and her husband Mark of Westborough; her son, Roberto R. Molinari, and his wife Julie of Boston; and her four grandchildren, Gina and Nicole Bates and Jack and Claire Molinari.  Simona was born in Milan, Italy, daughter of Guido and Carmela (Calafiore) Casolari.  She came to the United States in 1964 when her husband was offered a position at Mason Research Institute in Worcester. 

Prior to meeting Pietro, Simona worked in a boutique near the Duomo in Milan. She loved her birth city of Milan, and over the years shared many stories of her youth in the city.  Milan is also where she met the love of her life, Pietro. 

Simona was an amazing mother, grandmother, and wife, passionate about her family first and foremost. She loved spending time with her grandchildren and they with her. Simona was a talented artist, seamstress, and cook. She took up Rosemaling, a traditional Norwegian folk art, in the 1980s and quickly demonstrated an extraordinary talent for this form of painting. Cooking was one way in which she shared her love for her family, whether it be homemade tortellini at Christmas or chicken cutlets for anyone who stopped by. Simona lived her life to the fullest and took joy in the small pleasures of life. She will be missed by all who knew her.

Calling hours will be held Friday, December 12, 2025 from 10:30 – 11:30 am at Rice Funeral Home, 300 Park Ave, followed by prayers at 11:30 and procession to Rural Cemetery, Worcester.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Simona to Sterling Animal Shelter, 17 Laurelwood Rd, Sterling, MA 01564 (sterlingshelter.org) or Blood Cancer United (formerly the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society - LLS)  (bloodcancerunited.org).