Joanne ‘MiMi’ DeFelice
Outstanding Chelsea Resident
Joanne D. (Goffredo) “MiMi” DeFelice, a long time resident of Chelsea died at home on September 12 after a long illness.
Born in Boston and beloved by all, “MiMi,” as almost everyone called her, was very active in both her family as well as civic undertakings. She was past President of Zonta, a Eucharistic Minister as well as lector at St. Michael the Archangel Chapel, and Past President of both the Carter and Chelsea High School P.T A.’s
In 1966, she taught a defensive driving course for the Chelsea Chamber of Commerce under the auspices of the Massachusetts Safety Council. In 1967, she was selected as one of the outstanding civic leaders in the City of Chelsea by the Chicago based organization, Outstanding Civic Leaders of America.
A talented seamstress, she made uniforms for both the Chelsea High School cheerleaders and majorettes in the late 60’s. While working in the fabric division for Jordan Marsh, she was responsible for making clothing for their fashion shows as well as mannequins.
Not to sit idle for long, she and her dear friend, the late Marie Iantosca, started a wedding ensemble business named Giuseppe Originals. In years that followed, she worked with and appeared in many dance recitals. At her granddaughter, Gina’s dance studio, Dance, Inc. she spent countless hours behind the scenes and was given the beloved title of CIO, Chief Inspirational Officer.
She was the devoted wife of Joseph DeFelice; beloved mother of Rosemarie DeFelice and her husband, Joseph Fineran of Revere and Angela DiPerri and her husband, Ronald of Wakefield; dear sister of Francis Goffredo of Saugus, Robert Goffredo of New Hampshire, Joseph Goffredo of Stoneham, John Goffredo of Peabody, Marie Montville of New Hampshire, Michael Goffredo of Malden and the late Barbara Goffredo; cherished grandmother of Regina Colombo of South Boston, Ronald DiPerri II of California and Jessica Fitzgerald of Marshfield. She is also lovingly survived by her great grandchildren, Jack, Griffin, Julia and Declan as well as many nieces and nephews.
Funeral arrangements were by the Smith Funeral Home, Chelsea. Interment was at Woodlawn Cemetery, Everett. Expressions of sympathy in Joanne’s name may be made to St. Michael’s Chapel. To send a message of condolence, please visit www.smithfuneralhomes.com
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Jennifer Casaletto
Beloved mother
Jennifer A. Casaletto died in Chelsea on August 1.
The beloved mother of Janessa Herrera and her fiance, Gustavo Leon, of Chelsea, she was the grandmother of Nathan Leon, cherished daughter of Ruth (Malone) and her husband, Robert Miranda of East Boston and the late Allen D. Casaletto Sr.; sister of Ruth Casaletto of East Boston, Allen D. Casaletto Jr. of Saugus, Nikki Price of Wakefield and the late Steven Miranda, longtime companion of Christopher Tibbetts of Swampscott and is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Funeral arrangements were by the Magrath Funeral Home, East Boston. Committal was private. In lieu of flowers, donations to Jennifer’s family would be appreciated.
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Lydia Walata
Of Chelsea
Lydia (Belofsky) Walata of Chelsea died on September 12.
The beloved wife of Walter S. Walata, Jr., she was the loving mother of Cathy Surette and her husband, Joseph of Saugus and Mark Walata and his wife, Michelle of Arlington. She is survived by one loving grandson, Kristopher Surette of North Andover and two loving nephews, Paul Gisetto and his wife, Jean and Walter Begonis and his wife, Mary Ellen.
Funeral arrangements were by the Salvatore Rocco & Sons Funeral Home, Everett. Donations in Lydia’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association , 480 Pleasant St., Watertown 02472. roccofuneralhomes.com
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Jeanne Forgeron
RMV Retiree
Jeanne M. Forgeron, a 75 year resident of Revere, died on September 10 in her Chelsea residence following a brief illness. She was 85 years old.
Born and raised in Revere, she lived all her life in Revere before moving to Chelsea in 2002. She was a 1945 graduate of Revere High School and a devout parishioner of Immaculate Conception Church for all of her life. In 1958 she began a career with the Boston Registery of Motor Vehicles (Nashua Street) as a secretary and social liason. She retired in 2000 after more than 42 years of service. Jeanne forged many political and social relationships during her time at the Registry and maintained those friendships until her death.
She was the devoted mother of: Joan Forgeron of Chelsea, with whom she made her home, and the late William Forgeron and Jeanne M. Meade; the dear sister of Edith Rowland of San Francisco, California and the late Catherine Nagle, Bernice O’Hanley, Irene Cowhig, Dorothea Scanlon and John and Leo MacDonald. She is also lovingly survived by many nieces, nephews, grand nieces and grand nephews. She was the daughter of the late M. Angus MacDonald and Irene (McPike) MacDonald.
Family and friends are invited to attend a Memorial Funeral Mass on Saturday, September 21 in the Immaculate Conception Church (corner of Beach Street and Winthrop Avenue, Revere) at 11:30 a.m. Private inurnment will be in Woodlawn Cemetery at a later time. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to : Hospice of the North Shore & Greater Boston, 75 Sylvan St., Danvers, MA 01923. For more information, visit: www.vertuccioandsmith.com