Phyllis Caligaris

Phyllis M. (Lanza) Caligaris passed away on February 4, 2024, at U Mass Memorial Hospital at the age of 90 years old. 

Phyllis was born on January 8, 1934, in Leominster, MA, the only child of the late Philip and Mildred (Montagna) Lanza, and lived in Leominster until moving to Fitchburg in 2009. 

She attended St. Anne's Academy in Marlborough, MA, and graduated from Bridgewater State College, in 1955, with a BA in Physical Education.

She married the love of her life Candido Caligaris, who predeceased her in 2012, after 58 years of marriage. 

They spent the first 3 years, of married life in Livorno, Italy, while her husband served in the Army; they spent those memorable years traveling throughout Europe and visiting relatives in Rome and Northern Italy. Phyllis and her husband were third-generation owners of the former Monty's Garden Restaurant, where they reared their six children in the restaurant industry. 

Phyllis was a member and volunteer of the Leominster Historical Society, the Fitchburg Sons of Italy, and a member and volunteer of the Health Alliance Hospital Guild. She and Connie were a charter member at  Sholan Farms. She was also a member of St. Anna's Parish. 

Her most enjoyable moments were in the company of her family and friends, whom she attributes to her longevity. She was also passionate about the New England Patriots and loved watching them play on Sundays at her son's house.

She leaves her six children, Lynn Vorse and her husband Robert of Leominster, their children, Sasha Fortunato of Armonk, NY, Scott Caponi of Boston, Nicholas Caponi, and his wife Samantha of Westminster, and Robert Vorse and his wife Lauren of Leominster,: Sandra Osborne and her husband Richard of Leominster, and their children, Olivia Osborne of RI, and Richard Osborne Jr,  of Leominster: Leslie Frechette and her husband Robert of Saunderstown, RI; their children, Justin Frechette and his wife Jasmine of Boston, and Alaina Reardon of RI, Steven Caligaris and his wife Deborah of  Worcester , their children, Felicia Caligaris of Marlbrough, Juliana Hatch and her husband Nathan of RI, Steven Caligaris and Maxwell Caligaris of Worcester, Brian Caligaris and his spouse John Linnon of Westminster, Christine Caisse and her husband John of Myrtle Beach, SC, their children Lauren Bourgeois and her husband Kayne, of SC and Hayley Caisse of Fitchburg; nine great-grandchildren, Aria and Estella Fortunato, Brynn Rose Vorse, Lilliana Reardon, Emmett Grant Caligaris, Alessia Hatch, Karson Bourgeois and Nico and Sofia Caponi.

A calling hour will be held on Saturday, February 10, 2024, from 9:00 - 10:15 a.m. in the Brandon Funeral Home, 305 Wanoosnac Road, Fitchburg, MA 01420. A funeral mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. St. Anna's Church, 199 Lancaster Street, Leominster, MA 01453. Burial will follow in St. Leo's Cemetery, Lancaster Street, Leominster, MA 01453.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Montachusett Veterans Outreach, 268 Central Street, Gardner, MA 01440.

To leave an online condolence please visit. www.brandonfuneral.co

Kevin J. Mack, Walter C. Taylor, and Melissa A. McQuaid, funeral directors