America (Tomaselli) Cantone, 96, of North Andover, passed away peacefully on January 14, 2011, two days before her 97th birthday, surrounded by her loving family. She was the wife of the late Domenico Thomas Cantone and the daughter of the late Anthony (Tomaselli) and Maria (Urgone) Tomaselli.

America attended Methuen Public Schools where she excelled at mathematics. She worked for Grieco Bros. for many years until she retired.

She was named America because, as the daughter of Sicilian immigrants, “Mae” was the first of their children to be born in this country. She was a founder and first president of the Parent Teachers Association of Holy Rosary School in Lawrence. She was also a board member of the Greater Lawrence Community Action Council and the North Andover Council on Aging.

In her early married years, America was very active in Lawrence community activities particularily those concerning the well-being of children. In her later years, while residing in North Andover, Mae was very involved in programs and activities for the betterment of the elderly and loved to attend the Wednesday afternoon dances at the senior center.

Mae was a loving and dedicated mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who cared deeply for and took great pride in her family. Mae’s home was always the gathering place for her many siblings and their families as well as for her children and their friends. She could always be found there wearing a warm and welcoming smile while cooking some of her many famous Italian dishes.

Mae and her husband Tom shared their love of music, dance and family gatherings and could always be found breaking out into a waltz or a foxtrot no matter what the dance floor. She was a bright blossom on the family tree and will always be remembered for her love, commitment and devotion to her family.

She is survived by four children, Tina Cormio and husband Robert of Reading; Thomas I. Cantone and wife Elizabeth of Boxford; Anthony T. Cantone and wife Judith of Plaistow, NH; David M. Cantone and wife Eileen of Plaistow, NH; nine grandchildren Thomas Charles Cantone, Tony Cantone, Michael Cormio, Marc Cormio, John Paul Cormio, Christopher Cormio, Dominic Cantone, Vincent Cantone , Michael Cantone. Three step-grandchildren Adam Day, Gregory Day, Nicholas Day; four great-grandchildren Jonathan, Owen, Rocco, Maia and many generations of nieces and nephews.

Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday, January 18, 2011 from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Cataudella Funeral Home, 126 Pleasant Valley St., Methuen. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Michael’s Church in North Andover at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, January 19, 2011. Burial will be at Ridgewood Cemetery.