Concetta “Connie” Fama was born in South Boston, Massachusetts on September 16, 1920. Raised by a single mother, Connie, the eldest of four children, became her sibling’s caretaker at the age of 9 when the “Great Depression” hit. Her mother worked 2 jobs to keep the family going. Connie became a second mother to her brothers Leo and Carmen and her sister, Anna, all of whom are still living.

As she grew older, Connie, a petite 5’2" dynamo, was a force to be reckoned with. Always a leader at school, once she made up her mind on something, she went for it. It was no different when in her teens; Connie first set eyes on Michael “Rocky” O’Malley, a local football player. She told her girlfriends, “That’s the guy I’m going to marry”! When Mike met this sassy little person with her blue black hair, flashing dark eyes, great smile and strong personality, he fell head over heels in love and the next year they were married. Connie and Mike had four children, Joan, Michael, Eileen and Robert. They lived in Norcross Place in South Boston nicknamed O’Malley’s Alley by the neighbors, who used to tease that they knew when the O’Malley’s were home because they were either yelling or singing. (That Irish/Italian mix can be volatile.) Connie enjoyed 63 years of wonderful marriage until her beloved Mike passed away on the eve of the Millennium, December 31st, 1999.

A lifelong involved and committed member of her community and church, Connie became the president of every organization she joined; formed the first women’s auxiliary of the Knights of Columbus in South Boston and instituted the “Senior Trip” program for retired seniors paid for by the companies for whom they had worked. These few things are just a tip of the iceberg. She has truly dedicated her life to helping family, friends and her community. Also an actress, singer and dancer, Connie performed for years in local theater and church organization productions. She still loves to sing and remembers the words to all of the songs she sang.

Politics were also important to Connie. An ardent political activist, she volunteered in every local, state and federal election in Massachusetts from the mid 1940’s until 2000, working for such notables as Mayor James Curley, State Senator Billy Bulger, John F. Kennedy for both the U.S. Senate and President, and Mayor Ray Flynn, who later became ambassador to the Vatican. Connie passed this love of politics on to her children. In 2008, Connie left South Boston and moved to The Pointe at Kilpatrick in Crestwood, Illinois, to be closer to her children and grandchildren. In 2010, Connie had the thrill of a lifetime when she got to vote, for the first time, for her daughter, Joan Patricia Murphy, for her third term as Cook County Commissioner for the 6th District.

Although Connie has traveled often, both in the states and abroad, Las Vegas is her favorite vacation spot. She played poker and the slots until the wee hours of the morning. She still enjoys her trips to the casinos, where she usually wins, and playing Bingo, Pokeno and Wii bowling at The Pointe. In 2010, Connie traveled back to Boston to attend the 10th annual “Fama Family Fest”. As matriarch of the family, she presided over the festivities, telling stories, singing and laughing with the over 80 relatives that attended. In 2012, the reunion will take place in Crestwood, IL, at her daughter’s home.

At age 91, Connie still has an incredible zest for living and the ability to bring joy and laughter into the lives of those around her.