Maria Jane Aurilio-Rea

Maria Jane Aurilio-Rea, age 64, passed away on January 4, 2025, at Sturdy Memorial Hospital in Attleboro, Massachusetts surrounded by her loving family. Born in Norwood, Massachusetts on February 27, 1960, she was the daughter of Nicholas A. and Elizabeth "Betty" J. (Baker) Aurilio. 

Maria was raised in Walpole, Massachusetts along with her sisters. After her graduation from Walpole High School with the class of 1978, Maria began a career in payroll and later, office management. Maria remained in Walpole when she started her family. 

Family was everything to Maria. She was a proud mother who cherished time with her children, especially as they grew older and set off on their own adventures. She looked forward to get togethers with her sisters, especially when she had the chance to be a fun and silly aunt to her niece and nephews. Holiday gatherings, themed parties, or a cup of coffee and conversation – whatever the occasion, Maria found joy being with those she loved. 

In her free time, Maria enjoyed creating; carving, drawing, painting, knitting, and crocheting. She once built a loom so that she could learn to weave, using alpaca wool that she spun into thread herself. Her artistic soul was matched by her curious mind. An avid reader, Maria spent countless hours devouring biographies and books on history. She loved watching documentaries about different cultures and religions, often sharing interesting facts that she learned from them. Maria’s love for history and her inquisitive nature inspired her to delve into genealogy, tracing her ancestors back to their roots. She found details in books and documents, but also in stories from relatives, which she treasured. Maria enjoyed music, and was perhaps the number one Todd Rundgren fan in the state. She had a whimsical side, playing the prankster and never turning down an opportunity to wear a quirky costume. She found fun and beauty in the mundane, decorating her home with a variety of unique collections, each item telling a story.

Loving mother of William Cruickshank and his wife Alice Gurney of Edinburgh, Scotland, Steven Cruickshank and his girlfriend Taylor Tanguay of Waterford, Connecticut, and the late Elizabeth Dillman.

Cherished sister of Dotty Alexander and her husband Bill of Raynham and Liz Lennon and her husband David of Norton.

Aunt of Mark Alexander and his wife Chelsea, Nicola Alexander and her fiance Paul Bohrer, Daniel Lennon, and Nicholas Lennon. Great-aunt to Ellie Alexander and Oliver Burnett.

Also survived by her Son-In-Law Trevor Dillman, many cousins and extended relatives, as well as her beloved cat, Barry, and multiple grandcats.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Maria's visitation on Sunday, January 12th, 2025, from 2:00 - 4:30 pm in the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole. A funeral home service will follow at 4:30 pm.

Interment will take place privately at Terrace Hill Cemetery in Walpole.

Maria’s family kindly requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Maria's name may be made to the MSPCA. Maria was an animal lover, who rescued multitudes of animals over the years, from cats and dogs, ferrets and bearded dragons, to finches and cockatiels, and a poorly behaved, but well-loved dog, named Nomar. Donations in Maria’s memory can be made using the following link: https://www.justgiving.com/page/maria-aurilio-rea