Rachele (Mazzei) Torcia, 89, of South Windsor, CT beloved wife of the late Frank Torcia passed away peacefully Sunday, (January 24, 2010). She was born in Pianopoli, Italy daughter of the late Francesco and Angela (Fiorentino) Mazzei. She lived most of her adult life in Herkimer, NY, Hartford and South Windsor. She was predeceased by her siblings Francesca, Tommaso, and Antonio. Family meant everything to her and she cherished the moments cooking and spending time with them. She leaves behind her daughter Frances Pescik and her husband Michael, whom she made her home with in South Windsor, her sons Anthony and his wife Linda, Mario and his wife Cathy of Glastonbury and Thomas and his wife Paula of Newington. She was very proud of her beloved grandchildren �" Christina and her husband Tim, Elaine and her husband Ben, Jennifer and her husband Bryan, Matthew, Thomas, Allison, and Melissa. She also leaves behind her sisters-in-law Rachele Mazzei and Francesca Torcia both of Italy and Teresa Torcia of Herkimer, NY, and many nieces and nephews here and in Italy. Rachele was a retired employee of Hartford Hospital where she enjoyed working for many years. She loved going to the South Windsor Senior Center where she enjoyed socializing during lunch, making crafts, playing bingo, and going on various trips. She was a big fan of the UCONN Women's basketball team. Rachele had many friends at the center as well as in her neighborhood. Everyone who knew her enjoyed her laughter, joy and enthusiasm for life. The family would like to thank the dedicated staff at the Hebrew Home, the doctors and nurses at St. Francis Hospital and the numerous home health care aides for the wonderful care and compassion they gave Rachele during her final months. The funeral service will leave on Thursday, January 28th at 8:45 a.m. from the John F. Tierney Funeral Home, 219 West Center St. Manchester, for a 9:30 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at St. Margaret Mary's Church 80 Hayes Road South Windsor followed by internment at Mt. St. Benedict Cemetery, One Cottage Grove Road in Bloomfield. Calling hours will be on Wednesday, 5-8 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers memorial donations in Rachele's name may be made to the South Windsor Senior Center, 150 Nevers Road, South Windsor, CT 06074. For online condolences please visit www.tierneyfuneralhome.com.