Bambina A. "Bambi" (DiTomaso) Weiss, 69.

HOLDEN Bambina A. "Bambi" (DiTomaso) Weiss, 69, of Holden, passed away peacefully Saturday, October 10th, 2009 in her home, surrounded by her loving family, after a long courageous battle with cancer.

Bambi is survived by her beloved husband and partner of 42 years, William A. Weiss; her two devoted children, Mark A. Weiss and his wife Ann of Needham, Laura A. Weiss of Holden; a cherished granddaughter, Allie; her Aunt, Mary Caccavelli, many cousins and a host of dear friends. She was born in Fairhaven, a daughter of Anthony J. and Filomena (DiPietro) DiTomaso. She graduated from Ascension High School, earned her degree in education from Anna Maria College and her Masters Degree from Assumption College. She grew up in Worcester and has lived in Holden for the past 30 years.

Bambi worked over 30 years for the City of Worcester School Department as the Home & Hospital Director before retiring in 2001.

She was a member of St Mary's Church, Jefferson, MA. After her initial diagnosis 16 years ago she began supporting the American Cancer Society's "Relay for Life". Over those years her team, "Bambi's Brigade" raised more than $150,000 for cancer research. She was a member and past Princess of the Red Hat Society Holden Chapter, an active member of the Anna Maria College Alumni Association, a member of Delta Kappa Gamma National Honor Society, the MTA, the NEA and the Retired Teachers of Worcester.

Bambi was a gentle woman who cherished her family and was devoted to her friends. They were her inspiration to carry on the fight to live. She was happiest in the kitchen cooking her specialties. Bambi was an exceptional person in that her illness became a source of added strength which enabled her to reach out with added compassion to those who were in need.

The funeral will be held Wednesday, October 14th at the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St. in Worcester with a Mass at 11:00 a.m. at the church of St. Mary's, 114 Princeton St. in Jefferson. Burial will follow in Sacred Heart Cemetery, Milford. Friends and relatives are invited to visit with the family, Tuesday, October 13th from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society "Relay for Life", 350 Plantation St., Worcester 01604 or to Commonwealth Hematology and Oncology, 299 Lincoln St., Worcester. The Weiss family would like to extend a sincere thanks to the Commonwealth Doctors and staff for the kindness, care and compassion they extended to Bambi during her illness.

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