Maria Crain, 1948–2025, was ‘devoted, selfless and nurturing’

Maria Adele (Cristofori) Crain, of Waltham, passed away unexpectedly in her home on Sunday morning, Dec. 7 2025. She was 77.

Born on May 6 1948 in Waltham, she was the daughter of the late Caldo J. Cristofori Sr. and Angela (DiGregorio) Cristofori. She was a proud graduate of Waltham High School, class of 1966, and was given the key to the city for outstanding academic performance. Shortly after graduating high school Maria married Stephen Crain, with whom she shared 23 wonderful years. Maria left Waltham to move to Virginia while Stephen served in the military and supported him during his service. Upon returning to Massachusetts, she made Waltham her lifelong home.

Maria was always putting her family first. After starting her family, she decided to enter the workforce again and took an entry level position at BayBank. Through hard work and determination she rose to the position of assistant VP to her department. She retired in 1997.

Devoted, selfless and nurturing, Maria spent her retirement years as a full-time caretaker for her mother and Aunt Adeline. Caring for others came naturally to her, and Maria’s family meant everything. She was a devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, aunt, cousin, and the proudest nana/nina to her grandchildren. To her three children she was not only their mother but their best friend and constant source of strength and love.

Maria treasured every moment spent with her grandchildren, from taking care of them to watching them grow. Other joys in her life were having breakfast with her dear friends and family, daily conversations with her cousin Patricia, shopping excursions where she always found a good bargain and cozy afternoons watching the Hallmark Channel with her puppy Zoe. She had a lifelong passion for singing and always could be heard around her home and in the car. She loved to light up the dance floor with her brother Al, and they made family occasions something special with their dancing routine. Maria’s smile could light up a room and brought joy wherever she was, and her warmth, kindness and unwavering devotion to the people she loved will be remembered by all who knew her.

She is survived by her devoted and loving children, Angela C. McCarthy and her husband Daniel of Marlborough, Stephen M. Crain II and his wife Christine of Waltham, and Jennifer M. DeVito and her husband Darren of Wakefield; her cherished grandchildren Derrick, Sydney, Anthony, Audrey, Domenic, Mattison and Grace; her beloved dog Zoe; and her dear sister in law Margaret “Midge” (Fahey) Cristofori.

Maria was predeceased by her parents Caldo and Angela and her dear siblings Caldo C. Cristofori Jr and Alfred “Al” Cristofori.

Those who wish to pay their respects to Maria and her family can do so in the Brasco & Sons Memorial Funeral Home, 773 Moody Street, Waltham on Friday Dec. 12 from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. Family and friends are welcome to gather and celebrate Maria’s life on Saturday morning, Dec. 13 at 10 a.m. at the funeral home followed by a mass of Christian burial at Sacred Heart Church, 311 River Street, Waltham at 11 a.m.