Magdalene “Maggie” Schaefer Sorrentino, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and friend, passed away on Saturday, April 27, at age 90.

She was born and raised in New York City and made her home for the past 58 years in Newtown. She was an active member and daily communicant at St Rose Church.

Maggie lived simply and with a tremendous sense of gratitude for what truly mattered in life. Predeceased at a young age by her adored husband Jack, she kept her life focused on family and faith and worked hard to raise her four children as a single parent. Maggie beamed in the presence of her grand and great-grandchildren, who meant the world to her.

Born to German immigrants, she embraced her husband’s Italian family and learned to make some serious meatballs. She was a gifted cook and single-handedly hosted many wonderful holiday gatherings for her extended family. The most productive tomato plants were always hers, and many a baby blanket was crocheted by her loving hands.

Maggie’s ability to always find joy even in the midst of difficult times was a beautiful life lesson to all who knew her.

She was and will continue to be a tremendous role model, inspiring those who met her with an independent, can-do attitude.

She is survived by her four children, John Sorrentino (Karen Ownbey), Barbara Sorrentino (Bert Polito), Marie Fortunato (Frank), and Joanne Kelsey (Greg); seven grandchildren, Marisa, Michael, Meredith, Daniel, Samuel, Benjamin, and Humbert; and seven great-grandchildren.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at noon Friday, May 17, at St Rose Church, 46 Church Hill Road in Newtown, with burial at St Rose Cemetery, followed by a gathering of family and friends.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in Maggie’s honor to FAITH Food Pantry of Newtown (www.newtownfoodpantry.org).

Funeral arrangements are in care of Honan Funeral Home, 58 Main Street, Newtown.