Thelma M. Cruciani, 87 of Needham and Marlborough passed away on Friday, 1 November 2024. Born 6 March 1937 in Boston, MA, Thelma was the daughter of the late Angelina Martinello. Thelma had four siblings, sisters Rita Mallar, Lorraine Provost and Jeanne Frotten and brother Buster Moscone, all of whom predeceased her. Thelma was married to the late Anthony (Tony) Cruciani for 54 years and she resided in Needham for over 50 years. Thelma worked several jobs in Needham including over a decade at the popular Calvert's clothing store. Thelma and Tony were both excellent dancers and in their younger years they enjoyed dancing to big band and ballroom music. In their retired years Thelma and Tony were often seen together walking in Needham and spending time at the Needham Senior Center. Thelma was an avid reader who enjoyed biographies of political figures and celebrities and she also enjoyed preparing her delicious lasagna and stuffed shells for her grateful family. Thelma was passionate about her family and interests and enjoyed a good political debate as well as being very fond of cats and entertained her family with her whimsical feline drawings.  Thelma is survived by her daughter Donna Shaw and her husband, Chris, son Anthony Cruciani Jr. of Cambridge, and Stepdaughter Karen Hetzel & her husband, Tom of North Easton.

Visitation will be held in The Eaton Funeral Home, 1351 Highland Ave, Needham, on Thursday, November 7th from 10-11am, followed by a funeral home service at 11am. Interment will follow at the Gardens Cemetery, West Roxbury.  In lieu of flowers, donations in Thelma's name may be made to Broken Tail rescue, PO Box 60296, Worcester MA 01606 ( www.brokentailrescue.org )