Anne Cynthia (Mattana) Kafina, formerly of Lincoln, died on Sunday, September 22, 2024, at Waltham Crossings following a period of declining health. She was 97, and at the end of her long life, continued to fiercely value her independence.
She was happily married to the late Martin Kafina for 35 years until his passing.
Born on August 6, 1927, Anne was the daughter of the late Giacinto and Domittela Mattana. She grew up in the Bronx, and was awarded the title of Miss Coney Island. She lived on 2nd Street in Park Slope for 30 years.
Anne enjoyed playing golf and tennis and admired her favorite baseball player, Joe DiMaggio. She loved the music stylings of Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin. Annual vacations to Lake Hopatcong in New Jersey brought her special joy, where she could be found boating and water skiing.
Anne was a dedicated volunteer at Emerson Hospital for 20 years. A selfless mother and excellent grandmother, she was regarded as the cornerstone of her family.
She leaves behind her devoted son, Dr. Martin J. Kafina and his wife Theresa of Lincoln; two grandsons, Dr. Martin D. Kafina and Christopher J. Kafina; and a nephew, Dr. Fred Podorf. Anne was preceded in death by her four siblings, Josephine, Jack, Rose, and Argia.
Family and friends will gather for Anne’s Funeral Mass at 11 a.m., Saturday, September 28 in St. Joseph Church, 142 Lincoln Road, Lincoln. Burial will follow at Lincoln Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Emerson Health Foundation, 133 Old Road to Nine Acre Corner, Concord, MA 01742 or to Rheumatology Research Foundation, 2200 Lake Boulevard, Atlanta, GA 30319.
Arrangements are entrusted to Dee Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Concord. For her online guestbook, please visit www.DeeFuneralHome.com.
