Joanne ‘MiMi’ DeFelice
Outstanding Chelsea Resident
After battling a prolonged illness, 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, nearly everyone knew her simply as “MiMi.”
Her involvement in the community and family life was remarkable. She served as past President of Zonta, functioned as a Eucharistic Minister and lector at St. Michael the Archangel Chapel, and held the position of Past President of both the Carter and Chelsea High School P.T.A.’s
During 1966, she instructed a defensive driving course through the Chelsea Chamber of Commerce, operating under the Massachusetts Safety Council’s direction. The following year, 1967, she received recognition as one of the outstanding civic leaders in the city of Chelsea, selected by the Chicago-based organization, Outstanding Civic Leaders of America.
Her seamstress talents were evident throughout her career. During the late 60’s, she created uniforms for Chelsea High School cheerleaders and majorettes. Her employment in Jordan Marsh’s fabric division involved designing clothing for fashion shows and constructing mannequins.
She and her close friend, the late Marie Iantosca, established a wedding ensemble business known as Giuseppe Originals. Subsequently, she participated in numerous dance recitals, working behind the scenes. At her granddaughter Gina’s establishment, Dance, Inc., she earned the affectionate designation of CIO, Chief Inspirational Officer, dedicating countless hours to the studio.
Joseph DeFelice was her devoted husband. She leaves behind beloved children Rosemarie DeFelice and her spouse Joseph Fineran of Revere, and Angela DiPerri and her spouse Ronald of Wakefield. Her siblings include 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. She was the cherished grandmother of Regina Colombo of South Boston, Ronald DiPerri II of California and Jessica Fitzgerald of Marshfield, with great grandchildren Jack, Griffin, Julia and Declan. Numerous nieces and nephews also survive her.
The Smith Funeral Home in Chelsea handled arrangements. Interment took place at Woodlawn Cemetery in Everett. Those wishing to express sympathy may direct contributions to St. Michael’s Chapel. Condolences can be sent through www.smithfuneralhomes.com
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Jennifer Casaletto
Beloved mother
On August 1, Jennifer A. Casaletto passed away in Chelsea.
She is survived by her beloved daughter Janessa Herrera and her fiancé Gustavo Leon of Chelsea, as well as grandson Nathan Leon. Her cherished parents were Ruth (Malone) and her husband Robert Miranda of East Boston and the late Allen D. Casaletto Sr. Her siblings include Ruth Casaletto of East Boston, Allen D. Casaletto Jr. of Saugus, Nikki Price of Wakefield and the late Steven Miranda. She was the longtime companion of Christopher Tibbetts of Swampscott and leaves behind many nieces and nephews.
The Magrath Funeral Home in East Boston managed funeral arrangements. Committal services were private. Rather than flowers, the family would appreciate donations made in Jennifer’s memory.
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Lydia Walata
Of Chelsea
Lydia (Belofsky) Walata, a Chelsea resident, passed away on September 12.
She was the beloved wife of Walter S. Walata, Jr. and loving mother of Cathy Surette and her husband Joseph of Saugus and Mark Walata and his wife Michelle of Arlington. 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, survive her.
Salvatore Rocco & Sons Funeral Home in Everett handled the arrangements. Contributions in Lydia’s memory are encouraged to the Alzheimer’s Association, 480 Pleasant St., Watertown 02472. roccofuneralhomes.com
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Jeanne Forgeron
RMV Retiree
Jeanne M. Forgeron was 85 years old when she died on September 10 at her Chelsea residence following a brief illness. A 75 year resident of Revere, she relocated to Chelsea in 2002.
Raised and born in Revere, she spent her entire life there before the move. She graduated from Revere High School in 1945 and remained a devout parishioner of Immaculate Conception Church throughout her life. Her professional career began in 1958 with the Boston Registery of Motor Vehicles (Nashua Street), where she worked as a secretary and social liaison. Following more than 42 years of service, she retired in 2000. During her tenure at the Registery, she cultivated numerous political and social connections that she maintained until her passing.
She is survived by her devoted daughter Joan Forgeron of Chelsea, with whom she resided, as well as the late William Forgeron and Jeanne M. Meade. Her siblings included Edith Rowland of San Francisco, California and the late Catherine Nagle, Bernice O’Hanley, Irene Cowhig, Dorothea Scanlon and John and Leo MacDonald. Many nieces, nephews, grand nieces and grand nephews also survive her. She was the daughter of the late M. Angus MacDonald and Irene (McPike) MacDonald.
A Memorial Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, September 21 at Immaculate Conception Church (corner of Beach Street and Winthrop Avenue, Revere) at 11:30 a.m. Family and friends are invited to attend. Private inurnment will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery at a later date. Rather than flowers, remembrances may be directed to Hospice of the North Shore & Greater Boston, 75 Sylvan St., Danvers, MA 01923. Additional information is available at www.vertuccioandsmith.com