CIOLFI, PALMA Rita (Carchedi) of Norwood passed away peacefully on February 17, 2026, at the age of 95.

Beloved wife of 69 years to Herbert “Chuck” Ciolfi, Palma was a devoted mother to Nancy Gagnon and her husband Steven of Dennis, Marisa Roche and her husband John of Franklin, and John Ciolfi and his wife Christine of Medfield. She was the cherished sister of Anthony Carchedi and his wife Jan of Clinton, Frank Carchedi and his wife Susan of Plainfield, Indiana, and the late Joseph Carchedi and his wife Mary of Walpole. She was the loving daughter of the late John and Maria (Maiolo) Carchedi.

Palma was a proud and loving grandmother to Michael Anello, Melissa (Anello) Barrile, Joseph (Joey) Anello, Michelle Roche, Kelly Roche, Jennifer (Roche) Hosford, Christopher Roche, Nicole Ciolfi, Alyssa Ciolfi and Kristen Ciolfi, and a treasured great-grandmother to Charles, Tessa, Bella, Amelia, Colby, and Caden. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

Born in Filadelfia, Italy, Palma immigrated to the United States in 1946 at the age of 16, following World War II. She made the journey with her mother and younger brother Joseph to reunite with her father, John Carchedi, who had come to America years earlier and served in the U.S. Army. Several years later, Palma was blessed with two younger brothers Anthony and Frank, and she played an important roll in their lives as their doting older sister. As a young immigrant, Palma faced the challenges of a new language and an unfamiliar culture with remarkable determination. Through self-education, perseverance, and the guidance of her lifelong friend and confidant, Catherine Destito, she built a life defined by strength, resilience, and quiet grace. She became a proud naturalized citizen and resided in Norwood for most of her life.

Palma worked at the Plympton Press in Norwood for approximately ten years. From 1961 to 1978, she and her family owned and operated “Jenny’s Pizza,” a beloved small Italian restaurant in South Norwood that became a gathering place for many in the community.

She was a longtime member of the Sons of Italy Ladies Lodge, and the Catholic Women’s Club. A phenomenal cook, Palma delighted in preparing elaborate multi-course meals for holidays and family gatherings. Though she was a woman of few words, her quick wit and subtle humor often left those around her smiling. She was highly skilled in sewing, knitting and crocheting, and her beautiful handmade creations remain treasured keepsakes among her family and friends.

Above all, Palma’s greatest joy and deepest passion was her family. Her loving marriage to Chuck, her three children, ten grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and her extended family were the center of her world. She cherished every moment spent with them and always with Chuck by her side.

Visiting hours will be held on Monday, February 23, 2026, from 4–7 p.m. at the Kraw-Kornack Funeral Home, 1248 Washington Street, Norwood, MA 02062. A funeral service will be held from the funeral home on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at 10 a.m., followed by a Funeral Mass at 11 a.m. at St. Catherine of Siena Church. Burial will follow at Highland Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Palma’s memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or at www.stjude.org.

Palma will be remembered for her strength, devotion, quiet humor, and the enduring love she gave so generously to her family and friends. Her legacy will live on in the traditions she created and the lives she touched.