Maria Domenica Pace Barker

Maria Domenica Pace Barker was born in Orsogna, Italy on November 23, 1939. She was the daughter of late Nicolo Pace and Rosaria (DiPompo) Pace, loving sister of the late Joseph Pace Sr. and sister-in-law of Angela Pace, and the devoted mother of her son Paul Barker and his wife Michelle of North Reading, her daughter Nicole Fabiano and her husband Peter of Wakefield and her son, the late Stephen Barker. Maria was the proud Nonna of her beloved grandchildren Sabella, Gabrielle, Stefano and Sophia. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews and close, lifetime friends.

Maria was an Italian immigrant who came to America, with her father, in 1953 at the age of 14. She worked, attended school and became the main caretaker of the home, until her mother and brother came to America two years later. At the age of 22, Maria was married and had three children. Eventually, the family moved to Medford, which became Maria’s hometown for 40 years. In 1986, she opened Ristorante Nicole, in Boston’s North End, with the support and encouragement of her father and brother Joe. For more than two decades, Nicole’s had a reputation of being one of the “go-to” restaurants in the North End, hosting celebrities, dignitaries, clergy, and of course, a wealth of family and friends.  

Maria’s passion for cooking and entertaining was not simply reserved for her restaurant, as one of her greatest joys was hosting dinner parties and holidays at her Medford home. Maria was also a proud member of Saint Francis of Assisi Parish in Medford for many years as well as The Orsogna Women’s Club in Everett.

Maria’s true loves were her four grandchildren. She loved spending time with them, showing them how to cook and bake and sharing stories of “the olden days” growing up in Italy and coming to America.

Maria’s pride of being an Italian American was second to none. During her final years, she bravely battled Alzheimer’s disease, but she never forgot the unwavering love that she had for her family or that they had for her. 

In light of the COVID-19, all funeral services will be private. Please omit flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.