Ariana D. Magnifico, 57
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Ariana D. "Ann" Magnifico, 57, of Bay State Road died Friday, April 9, 2010, at Berkshire Medical Center in Pittsfield after a yearlong battle with cancer.
Born in North Adams on Sept. 22, 1952, daughter of Joseph P. and Barbara T. Pinsonneault Magnifico of North Adams, she attended the former St. Joseph's School there, graduating with the class of 1970. She earned her bachelor's degree in English from Assumption College in 1974.
Ms. Magnifico was employed by GE in Pittsfield as an illustrator and editor until her division was taken over by General Dynamics. She left to pursue her passion in the healing arts at the Kripalu Center in Lenox.
She became a reiki master and teacher and then obtained her license as a certified massage therapist, followed by specializations in Trager, craniosacral, positional-release therapies as well as structural evaluations. Through this, she was able to educate, heal and comfort many, something she had always strived to do.
Besides her parents, she leaves a sister, Lynn Magnifico Senecal of North Adams; two nephews, Stephen P. Senecal and his fiancee, Cheryl Woytowicz, and Ryan J. Senecal; Candida Rufo Chilson; aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. She also leaves her four beloved cats, Sylvestor, Battina, Jack and Smudge.
FUNERAL NOTICE — There will be no calling hours or services per Ms. Magnifico's request. A "Celebration of Life" will be held on Sunday, April 18, at the Eagles Hall in North Adams from noon to 4.
Donations can be made to the American Cancer Society Relay for Life Pittsfield Chapter, of which she was an active and passionate survival chairman. Donations may be sent in care of Flynn & Dagnoli Funeral Home, Central Chapels, 74 Marshall St., North Adams, MA 01247.