Madeline (Nava) Golia, 87, of Hollis, NH, widow of Ralph Golia, passed away Friday evening, March 2, 2018, after a brief illness.
Mrs. Golia was born in New York, NY on October 19, 1930 to Italian immigrants, Teofilo and Eleanora (Miele) Nava. She was raised in New York City and was a graduate of Hunter College where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in education.
Madeline was a longtime teacher in the public-school system in New York City, and Assistant Principal at PS31 and later a Principal at PS1 in the Bronx until she retired.
She and her husband Ralph were married in 1953 and made their home in East Chester, NY, Montauk, L.I., NY and winters in Naples, FL. The couple shared 54 years together until his passing on April 13, 2007.
Her many interests include her love of Broadway and Opera, watching old movies, writing poetry, solving crossword puzzles and was a talented artist. She was an inspiration to her grandchildren and adored her great-grandchildren.
Members of her family include two sons and their wives, David and Brenda Golia of Hollis, with whom she has resided since 2005; and Ralph and Lynne Golia of Pennsylvania; eight grandchildren, Amanda Malamud and her husband Matthew, David Golia II and his wife Brieana, Daniel Golia and his wife Alicia, Megan Golia and her husband Robert Laraway, Allison Golia, Justin Golia, Sara Golia and Emily Golia; three great-grandchildren, Madeline Malamud, Lincoln Malamud and Benjamin Golia; a brother, Angelo Nava of New York; also nieces and nephews. Madeline was also predeceased by a brother, Giovanni “John” Nava.
There are no calling hours. Following cremation, A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in the Parish of the Resurrection, 449 Broad Street, Nashua, Monday morning, March 12th at 11 o’clock. Friends are invited to attend. The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, donations may be sent in her memory to DEA Survivor Benefit Fund, 2020 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Suite 659, Washington, DC 2006 or www.survivorsbenefitfund.org. Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE, 18 Lock Street, Nashua. (603) 882-0591. www.farwellfuneralservice.com