Christine Mercugliano, loving mother, devout Catholic, prolific poet, pianist, and “miracle cancer patient” passed away on April 15, 2026, shortly after celebrating her 90th birthday.

Born in New Haven, Connecticut to Carmela (Palluotto) Mercugliano, an Italian immigrant, and Frank Mercugliano, a first-generation American factory worker, she grew up in the city’s Italian-American neighborhood abundant with extended family – and where she developed a lifelong delight for Italian pastries. By age nine, Christine began writing poetry …