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Lynch - Cantillon Funeral Home, 263 MAIN Street, Woburn, MA (2025)

12/12/2025

JOHN J. “JACK” ABREU JR. – a lifelong resident of Woburn, passed away peacefully at home on December 9th, surrounded by his family, at seventy-one years of age. He was the beloved husband of 44 years to Mimma M. (Maurer) Abreu.

Born in Woburn, Jack was a graduate of Woburn High School, Class of 1972. He continued his education at Boston State and Northeastern University, earning his bachelor’s degree in engineering. Jack dedicated over 40 years of service to the Department of Defense at Raytheon, proudly contributing to the Patriot Missile Program. His colleagues respected him deeply for his integrity, precision, and unmatched work ethic.

Jack’s life was filled with the simple joys he loved most. A daily newspaper reader, he never missed an issue of the Boston Herald or the Woburn Daily Times. He enjoyed golf, fishing, ice fishing, hockey, and anything outdoors. His lawn was kept with meticulous pride, and his devotion to his dogs—especially his beloved German Shepherd, Gus—his family, and New England sports, particularly the Boston Bruins, was unwavering.

A former soccer and Pop Warner coach, he guided his sons and their teammates with patience and heart. Jack loved the Three Stooges, never missed a single event for his children and grandchildren, and was known for offering unsolicited but always excellent advice. A gifted, animated storyteller, Jack brought humor and warmth everywhere he went.

Jack was the cherished father of Alyson Deane, her fiancé Matt Born, John Abreu III and his wife Darnyel, all of Billerica, and Justin Abreu of Ohio. He was the treasured “Grampy” of Laila, Isabella, Briella, Delilah, and Jayce, who were the pride of his life.

Jack is survived by his siblings, Paul Abreu and his wife Jeanie of Florida, and Joanne Doherty and her husband Bob of Woburn. He was the dear brother-in-law of William Maurer and his wife Debbie of North Carolina, and Glenn Maurer of Woburn. A devoted uncle, he is also survived by Shannon Doherty, Paul Abreu Jr., Jeffrey and Christopher Doherty, Elizabeth Bonavita and her husband Matthew, Kaitlin Needham and her husband Patrick, Mike Lauria and his wife Laura, and their children, Nicholas and Alex. He was predeceased by his niece Kristen Abreu.

The family wishes to extend their deepest gratitude to their niece, Shannon Doherty, whose love and constant support guided Jack and all of them through the most difficult moments of their lives. They will be forever thankful. Shannon will always be family, and they love her dearly.

Jack leaves behind many lifelong friends who will forever cherish his loyalty, humor, and steady presence.

A Funeral Service will take place on Thursday, December 18th at 11 a.m. in the Lynch-Cantillon Funeral Home, 263 Main Street, Woburn. Burial will be held at the convenience of the family. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to calling hours on Wednesday, December 17th from 4–7 p.m. in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made in Jack’s memory to: German Shepherd Rescue of New England P.O. Box 299 Wayland, MA 01778

12/11/2025

JOSEPH “JOE” CROWLEY JR. – a lifelong, active resident of Woburn, passed away peacefully at the age of 86 on Tuesday, December 9, 2025. Joe passed away in the way that he lived his life, with joy, faith and an unwavering happiness in his heart. He was surrounded by the beloved people in his life and even at the very end of his life well-lived, he was smiling.

Joe was born in Woburn in 1939 to a strong and loving family who built their family values on faith, loyalty and working hard. His family spent every Sunday at St. Charles, where he was an altar boy and a dedicated parishioner. Eventually Joe graduated from Keith Academy in Lowell, then attended Boston College.

In his 20s, Joe coached football and baseball, ultimately serving as the little league and pop warner president multiple times for multiple years. He was an ever-present face in almost every single Woburn activity that supported Woburn youth, and was a beloved figure for many kids. Today, people remember Joe fondly as a coach and will often say that he had a positive impact on their lives. Joe is best known for ice hockey in many capacities. In the late 1960s, Joe grew impatient with the lack of an organized ice hockey program in Woburn, which was an increasingly popular sport for many kids. As such, Joe founded Woburn Youth Hockey which remains to this day, a thriving organization nearly 50 years later. Joe was an active and proud member of several civic organizations such as the Lions Club and served on the Woburn Recreation Commission.

Joe was an educator. He taught math at the Kennedy Junior High throughout the tumultuous 1960s and at McCall Middle School in the 1970s. He was a very popular teacher gaining the respect of all colleagues and students. Often times, kids sought him out for counsel and advice even when they were not his students due to his high level of compassion and kindness.

In 1969, Joe ran for Woburn School Committee and won his first term. He was a strong advocate for the schools, and had an innate ability to navigate difficult situations and approach problems with a level-head and intelligent demeanor. One city official remarked about Joe, “he was a man of integrity, if he asked for something for the schools, we knew it was legit.” Joe was not afraid to have public spats with other city officials about the funding of the school department, particularly in times of economically tough years. He went on to serve 38 years on the School Committee.

In 1974, when Joe was 35 years old, Joe met a beautiful young redheaded store clerk named Audrey Devlin at the Towne Book Fair in the south end. Audrey was a serious, studious bookworm and Joe was a dynamic, popular bachelor who divided his time between coaching and indulging in shenanigans at Kitty’s Restaurant in North Reading with other members of the Lions Club. Sparks flew between Audrey and Joe, and six weeks later, the couple got married at Saint Barbara Church on March 23, 1974. At that point, Joe changed his bachelor lifestyle, traded in his red convertible for a station wagon and soon welcomed his daughters Megan and Ellen into the world. Joe and Audrey went on to enjoy a 51 year marriage and lived on Middle Street in Woburn.

In the early 1990s Joe left the education profession a started a real estate brokerage company called Crowley Real Estate, while raising two highly active teenaged daughters. Crowley Real Estate became a small, thriving real estate company, which employed many people and merged into Century 21 Crowley. Joe worked long and hard hours to make the company successful and to support his family, often at the risk to own personal health and wellbeing.

After Joe’s very reluctant retirement from politics and real estate in his late 70s, Joe was often sought-after for civic engagement and volunteer opportunities. He enjoyed leadership roles on the Woburn Historical Society, and was a founding president of the Woburn Community Education Foundation. Even then, Joe was not just a passive member of these causes, but took leadership roles and enjoyed active commitment to important things into his early 80s.

Above all else, Joe was a dedicated family man and a wonderful son, brother, husband, dad uncle, and papa. He loved to spend time and try new things with Audrey and had many memorable vacations to Aruba, the Cape, and his beloved Maine. He was truly Audrey’s best friend. Audrey, perhaps, was the only person who could tear him away from watching Friday night Red Sox games and simultaneously rooting against the Yankees in every way, shape, and form.

The main source of joy and contentment in his life was raising his two daughters, and offering unfettered adoration to their children, Joseph, Erin, Brooke, Gabby and Calvin. Joe’s life changed forever in 1997 upon the birth of his first grandson, Joseph. The love for his grandchildren had no bounds. There is no question that the pride in his grandchildren helped “Papa” manage the worst times in his life. Joe did everything in his power to make his grandchildren’s lives better. He supported all of their dreams and hopes and offered them the greatest gifts of unconditional love and wisdom.

Speaking of wisdom, Joe frequently offered unsolicited advice to everyone and anyone in his family (or not in his family) on just about any conceivable life issue, including obscure teenage relationships and drama, career, personal health, and somehow, slyly, made it seem like it was not unsolicited advice. He was also very often, right. Chances are good that many of you reading this have been on the receiving end of a Joe Crowley Advice Session.

He never missed an event for his grandchildren, and there were many. Even against all odds, in the last months of his life, when he was certainly not feeling well, Joe could be found limping very slowly and carefully unto basketball courts in order to “show up” for his youngest grandson, Calvin. Even then, he would be quick to inform the basketball coach that he was ready to jersey up if needed, never abandoning his charm and humor.

But besides Joe’s long list of accomplishments, things both named here and omitted as it will take too long, Joe was a good man who was a joy to be around and to know. He is the type of person you meet once and are assured the world is a good place. He had a way about him that put people at ease. Joe had a dry, smart sense of humor that displayed intelligence and a quick wit. He believed in and lived kindness, acceptance, honesty and integrity and our hearts ache for this enormous loss. He will never be forgotten. Beloved husband of Audrey (Devlin) Crowley. Cherished father of Megan E. Crowley and her fiancé Rick Abreu of Wi******er, and Ellen A. Crowley and her husband Joe Koltun of Woburn. Dear brother of David Crowley and his wife Mary, Janice J. Wright and her late husband Thomas, all of Woburn; and the late Elaine Bradley and her late husband Daniel. He was also predeceased by his late son-in-law, Jay Gratton. Dear brother-in-law of George Devlin and his wife Susan of Wilmington. Loving grandfather of Joseph D., twins Erin C. and Brooke C. Gratton, all of Wi******er, and Gabby and Calvin Koltun of Woburn. Joe is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, colleagues, and friends.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, December 15th at 10 a.m. in St. Charles Church, 280 Main Street, Woburn. Interment will follow at Woodbrook Cemetery, Woburn. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to calling hours at the Lynch-Cantillon Funeral Home, 263 Main Street, Woburn, on Sunday, December 14th from 2–5 p.m. Remembrances may be made in Joe’s honor to the Woburn Community Educational Foundation, P.O. Box 581, Woburn, MA 01801, or to the Woburn Historical Society, 7 Mishawum Road, Woburn, MA 01801.

12/04/2025

Priscilla Marie Audette – a 70-year resident of Woburn – passed peacefully in her sleep on November 29th at the remarkable age of 100. “Babs” was preceded in death by her beloved spouse of 75 years, Albert Audette.

Born and raised in southern Illinois, Priscilla was the youngest of five sisters, all of whom lovingly called her “Babe,” as she was the baby of the family. In 1945, at age 20, she met Al at a USO dance, and within months the two were married. When Al confessed, he wasn’t fond of the nickname Babe, he began calling her Babs—an endearment that stayed with her for the rest of her life. Shortly after marrying, they moved to his hometown in Rhode Island to begin their new life and raise their family.

When her children were young, Babs devoted herself to being a homemaker, giving her family stability, warmth, and unconditional love. She enjoyed an array of creative hobbies, including baking, knitting, crocheting, sewing, counted cross-stitch, and later, scrapbooking with friends at the Woburn Senior Center. As her children grew older, Babs took on various roles outside the home. Some of her most fulfilling work came later in life as a volunteer with the Busy Bees at Woburn Rehab. She cherished the friendships she made there and took great joy in creating the monthly favors distributed to patients and helping at the annual bazaar.

Babs will be deeply missed by her children: Sharon Flynn and her husband Rodney of Woburn; David Audette and his wife Nancy of Arizona; and Debra Cook and her husband Donald of Tewksbury. She was a devoted “Gam” to Sheri Baker, Jeffrey Audette, Jonathan Audette, Lauren Cook, Amy Lynn, and Christine Cook, and the adored Great-Grandmother of Grace Audette, Annabelle Audette, Jaxon Audette, Flynn Baker, Chloe Lynn, and Emma Lynn.

She was preceded in death by her four sisters: Irma Huber, Dorothy Schaefer, Eleanor Hahn, and Helen Beaumont. She is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to pay their respects on Monday, December 8th from 9:30–11 a.m. at the Lynch-Cantillon Funeral Home, 263 Main Street, Woburn. Interment will follow immediately at Woodbrook Cemetery, Woburn. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of one’s choice in Priscilla Audette’s memory.

12/03/2025

FREDERICK C. PEARY JR. – a lifelong resident of Woburn, died peacefully on December 1st, with his family by his side, at the age of seventy-eight. He was the beloved husband of 53 years to Sheila (Sullivan) Peary.

Born and raised in Woburn, Fred was the second of nine children born to the late Frederick C. and Eleanor (Johnson) Peary. A graduate of Woburn High School, Class of 1964, Fred proudly enlisted in the United States Navy at the age of eighteen. He served as a Seabee, completing two tours in Vietnam—a period of service he carried with deep pride throughout his life.

Following his military service, Fred worked as a welder before beginning a long career as a project specialist with Digital and then Hewlett-Packard. Fred had a strong work ethic, sometimes having up to three jobs at a time. In addition, he was a well-known and longtime bartender at the Woburn Elks #908, where he worked for many years before retiring in 2012.

In his free time he enjoyed filling his days with his family. His five daughters, 14 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild were his greatest joy. He was always up for dancing with the kids, attending all their sports, dance recitals and award ceremonies while proudly wearing one of his many “Papa” shirts. He wasn’t a man of many words, but he was quick to smile and enjoyed a good joke. When Fred wasn’t working, or spending time with his family, you would find him at the Elks enjoying the company of his many lifelong friends. Fred worked hard to love and support his family all his life and in the end his family worked hard to give him the best care during his extended illness. He said his final goodbyes in the home that he loved, surrounded by the people that loved him the most.

Fred was the loving father of Julie-Anne Bacon, her partner Jay Parker of VT, Denise Danizio, her husband John of Woburn, Jaclyn Verrow, her husband Scott of Woburn, Alyson Sovie, her husband Jamie of Woburn, and Kathleen Peary, her fiancé Eric McNamara of Woburn. Cherished “Papa” to Nicole Carlson, her husband Michael, Casey and Ashley Danizio, Kyle, Sarah and Lindsey Bacon, Ethan and Calli Verrow, Kenneth, Lillian and Ellanora Sovie, and Addison, Ava and Olivia McNamara. Treasured great-grandfather of Macklin Carlson.

He was the dear brother of Patricia Powers of CT and Theresa Glendenning of TX, and was predeceased by Lanie Allen, Chris Jewer, Ellie Dodge, Joanne Peary, and Steven Peary. He is also survived by his brothers-in-law Bill Jewer, Bob Allen, and Bill Dodge, as well as many loving nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends.

His Funeral Mass will be celebrated in St. Charles Church, 280 Main Street, Woburn, on Tuesday, December 9th at 10 a.m. Burial and military honors will follow in Woodbrook Cemetery, Woburn. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to Calling Hours in the Lynch-Cantillon Funeral Home, 263 Main Street, Woburn, on Monday, December 8th from 4–7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made in his memory to the Disabled American Veterans.

12/03/2025

Alfred V. “Al” Carbone, of Salem, NH, formerly of Woburn, passed away peacefully on November 22, 2025, at the age of ninety-two.

Born in East Boston to the late Vincent M. Carbone and Antonietta M. (Capone), Al was raised in Woburn and was a proud graduate of Woburn High School. From a young age, he developed a deep appreciation for the outdoors and especially loved hunting. He also cultivated a lifelong passion for photography, a talent that would become central to both his personal and professional life.

A true jack of all trades, Al had an inventive mind and was always creating, fixing, or imagining something new. Before beginning his lifelong work in public service, he honorably served in the United States Army and Merchant Marines, a chapter of his life he was deeply proud of.

Al dedicated many years to the City of Woburn as a firefighter, serving his community with courage, reliability, and quiet pride. Alongside his service, he worked for decades as a photographer for the Woburn Daily Times, capturing countless moments in the life of the city he loved so dearly.

He was the cherished father of Alan Carbone and his wife Jeanne of Salem, NH; Daniel Carbone and his wife Marianne of Danvers; Brian Carbone of Salem, NH; and the late Lynne Carbone. He was the dear brother of Janet Carbone of Maine and the late Peter Carbone and Vincent Carbone. Al was the adored grandfather of eleven and great-grandfather of eight, all of whom brought him tremendous joy.

A man of quiet warmth, devotion, and steady integrity, Al will be remembered for his love of family, his creativity and inventive spirit, his photographs that preserved the stories of his community, and his lifelong commitment to service.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated in St. Charles Church, 280 Main Street, Woburn, on Saturday, December 6th at 11:30 a.m. Burial will follow in Woodbrook Cemetery. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to calling hours prior to the Mass, from 9:30–11:15 a.m., in the Lynch-Cantillon Funeral Home, 263 Main Street, Woburn, MA 01801.

12/01/2025

Barbara R. Lancelotta – a lifelong Woburn resident – passed away peacefully on November 27th at the age of 82. She was the beloved daughter of the late Henry and Ruth Lancelotta.

Barbara grew up in Woburn and proudly called the city her home throughout her life. She spent many years working as a manager at the Houghton Mifflin book binding company, where she built lasting friendships. She also enjoyed working part-time as a hairdresser, always happy to do the hair of family, friends, and neighbors. Her chair became a place of conversation, laughter, and genuine care.

Barbara found joy in life’s simple pleasures. She was a devoted Red Sox fan and a true fan of all New England sports. In her younger years, she spent time horseback riding, and her father, Henry, taught her how to play golf. The two spent many wonderful years together on the golf course. Barbara cherished coming home from work to one of her mother Ruthie’s home-cooked meals, which she especially loved. She cherished time with family during the holidays, enjoyed playing cards, and always looked forward to trips to the casino and buying scratch tickets. A warm and gentle soul, she adored animals and spent many happy years participating in a local bowling league.

Barbara was lovingly supported throughout her life by her close cousins, Maureen Delcore and the late Sam Valente. In recent years, she was especially cared for by Sam’s daughters, Cindy and Rosemarie. Though her family circle was small, she was surrounded by relatives and friends who cared deeply for her. She will forever be remembered for her kindness, gentile humor, and generous spirit.

All are invited to pay their respects from 9:45–10:45 a.m. on Thursday, December 4th at the Lynch-Cantillon Funeral Home, 263 Main Street, Woburn. A graveside prayer service will follow at 11 a.m. at Calvary Cemetery, Wi******er. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made in Barbara’s memory to the American Parkinson Disease Association.

12/01/2025

FRANCES J. “FRAN” (OLIVER) AMARI – of Woburn, passed away peacefully on November 26th, at ninety-two years of age, surrounded by the love of her family. She was the beloved wife of the late Robert “Bob” Amari.

Fran was born in Woburn and raised in Wi******er, oldest of four children born to the late William J. and Gertrude “Sis” (Callahan) Oliver. She attended St. Mary’s School and was a proud graduate of Wi******er High School.

On September 21, 1954 in Paris, France, Fran married the love of her life Bob Amari. Their early married years were spent living at the Air Force base in Paris, where Fran held a secretarial position. Upon Bob’s discharge from the service, they settled in Woburn, raising their five children. Over the course of 53 wonderful years, they shared countless memories, including a return trip to Paris, France to celebrate their 35th wedding anniversary.

Fran made her home in Woburn for over 60 years. Once her children were grown she began a long and fulfilling career working 17 years for the City of Woburn. She began her career as secretary to the Headmaster at Woburn Memorial High School. She then went to work at Woburn City Hall at the Board of Health and Assessors Office. She was known for her warm smile, her kindness, and the genuine care she brought to every interaction.

Family and friends were at the heart of Fran’s life, from backyard gatherings at the pool, monthly “Club” gatherings with her high school friends, vacations to Hampton Beach with extended family. In later years, she spent summers at Highland Lake in Washington, NH and became a “snowbird” in West Palm Beach, where she formed many close friendships and many treasured memories. Fran embraced each season with joy. Holidays—especially Thanksgiving—were always celebrated surrounded by family and friends.

Her love and friendships were unconditional. She will always be remembered and cherished by all who were blessed to know her. One thing she would always say was “life is for the living”. So, in memory of Fran, book the trip, spend time with family and friends and always laugh and smile when remembering her.

Fran was the beloved wife of the late Robert M. Amari. She was the cherished mother of Robert Amari and his wife Imani of Ocala, FL; Linda Mancini and her husband David of Burlington; Denise DeLong and her husband John of Woburn; Stephen Amari and his wife Shelley of Amherst, NH; and Michelle Trodella and her husband Vincent of Woburn.

She was the dear sister of the late William Oliver Jr., Barbara Plummer and Thomas Oliver. Fran was the loving grandmother of Marchelo Amari, Amari Williams; Mark, Nicholas, and Gregory Mancini; Melissa McMahon, Jessica and Michael DeLong; Courtney McNeil and Brian Connors; and Lindsay and Nicole Amari. She was the proud great-grandmother of six and is also lovingly survived by many nieces and nephews.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated in St. Charles Church, 280 Main Street, Woburn, on Tuesday, December 2nd at 10 a.m. Burial will follow in Woodbrook Cemetery. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to calling hours from 8:30–9:45 a.m. in the Lynch-Cantillon Funeral Home, 263 Main Street, Woburn.

Remembrances may be made in Fran’s honor to the Tanner Ta Ta Foundation, 100 Tower Office Park, Unit F, Woburn, MA 01801.

11/26/2025

MARY E. (DOLAN) SMITH – of Woburn, died peacefully on November 23rd, with her family by her side, at the age of ninety-seven. She would have celebrated her 98th birthday in February.
Born and raised in Chelsea, Mary was the cherished daughter of the late Walter J. and Viola (Kaulback) Dolan. She was the middle child, with an older brother Walter, and a younger sister, Eleanor. Mary had many friends and was a proud graduate of Chelsea High School. She enjoyed playing softball and remained competitive her entire life.
Mary married the love of her life, Walter A. Smith (Wally), an Army veteran, who was also born and raised in Chelsea. Together they devoted their lives to raising and nurturing seven children. Once her children were in school, Mary began working in the Woburn Public Schools as a lunch lady, spending the majority of her career at Woburn High School, where she was warmly regarded by staff and students alike.
Independent and strong, Mary continued to drive until very recently. She and her husband Wally shared a love of travel and dancing, making countless memories together throughout the years. The family spent many cherished summers in Old Orchard Beach, Maine, and Mary especially treasured her trips to Disney World and her “girls’ weekends” with her daughters.
Mary loved games of all kinds—Rummikub, Bingo, Left Right Center, cribbage, mahjong, and cards—and was an avid reader. She enjoyed PBS and British television, often relaxing with a good book or one of her favorite shows. She loved a sparkling clean home, and while she took great pride in keeping things immaculate, she was the first to admit she did not enjoy cooking. Above all, Mary was a woman of deep faith. A devoted Catholic, she prayed the rosary daily and lived her life with grace, gratitude, and quiet strength.
She was the beloved wife of the late Walter A. Smith. Devoted mother of Mary Ellen Ray and her husband David of Reading; Walter A. Smith Jr. and his wife Karen of Lowell; Kathleen A. Thompson and her late husband Michael of Townsend; Therese V. DeSilva and her husband Joseph of NJ; Robert M. Smith and his wife Susan of IL; Lisa M. MacDougall and her husband James of Haverhill; and the late Mark F. Smith and his wife Patricia of FL. Loving grandmother of Matthew, Timothy, Caitlin, Sean, Ian, Connor, Peter, and Claire; and great-grandmother of Brendan, Conor, Jesse, and Charlie. Dear sister of the late Walter J. Dolan Jr. and Eleanor F. Driscoll. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated in St. Charles Church, 280 Main Street, Woburn, on Wednesday, December 3rd at 10 a.m. Burial will follow in Woodbrook Cemetery, Woburn. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to calling hours in the Lynch-Cantillon Funeral Home, 263 Main Street, Woburn, on Tuesday, December 2nd from 4–7 p.m.

11/24/2025

Debra Ann Wade, age 68, of Woburn, passed away surrounded by family and loved ones on November 22, 2025 at Care Dimensions Hospice House in Lincoln, MA.

Debbie was born in South Boston to James and Rita (Carroll) Wade.

Debbie loved to socialize and was always happiest surrounded by people. She always enjoyed going to dances, cooking classes, music therapy and art with Riverside or Nupath. She also loved attending every family party or special event. She looked forward to her annual trips to Aruba with her parents and going out to eat at her favorite restaurants with her favorite waitstaff, especially the 99. Wherever Debbie went she was sure to make new friends and to keep everyone laughing. She was a bright spot in the lives of everyone who loved her.

Cherished daughter of the late James F. and Rita M. (Carroll) Wade. Devoted sister to Donna Smith and her husband Michael, James Wade, and William Wade and his wife Noelle. Adored aunt of her nieces and nephews, Karrie Smith, Michael Smith Jr. and his wife Briana, Cameron Wade, Sarah Chalker and her husband Patrick, Jessica Wade, and Jennifer Wade, her grand niece and nephew, Lillie Smith and Michael Smith III. Loving niece to John Barrett Jr., Judy Micciche, Elizabeth Micciche, Stella Albison and the late Joan Barrett, Nunzio Micciche, and Joseph Micciche.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated in St. Charles Church, 280 Main Street, Woburn, on Monday, December 1st at 11:30 a.m. Burial will follow in Woodbrook Cemetery. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to calling hours prior to the Mass, from 9:00–11:15 a.m., in the Lynch-Cantillon Funeral Home, 263 Main Street, Woburn, MA 01801. Remembrances may be made in honor of Debra to NuPath, 147 New Boston Street, Woburn, Ma 01801 or Riverside Community Care, 270 Bridge Street, Suite 301, Dedham, MA 02026

11/24/2025

Frances T. “Chicky” (DeStefano) Cuzzupe, a longtime resident of Woburn, passed away peacefully on November 21, 2025, surrounded by her loving family, at the age of ninety-eight.

Born and raised in Boston’s North End, Chicky was one of seven children born to the late Angelo and Marianna (Coppola) DeStefano. A proud graduate of Girls’ High in Boston.

At a very young age she began sewing, working alongside her father in the family tailor shop after school and on weekends. It was there that she mastered the craft that would become the hallmark of her life’s work.

In 1948, Tony Cuzzupe spotted “the prettiest girl in the North End” walking down the street. Two years later, in 1950, Chicky and Tony were married. Around that time, her father sold her the family tailor shop, and together Chicky and Tony ran their business for more than 40 years, providing excellent service to their North End customers. They were endlessly proud of their Italian heritage and the community they served.

Chicky was beloved for her gentle humor, her quick wit, and her famous “Nana jokes,” which she shared with all who knew her. She was exceptionally crafty—always sewing, or creating something by hand. She loved puzzles, card games, and any activity that brought her together with the people she cared about most. She enjoyed bowling for many years on Wednesday mornings as a member of the Brunch Bunch Bowling League at the Woburn Bowladrome. Even into her 90’s she bowled without the “bumpers” and could still beat her grandchildren.

She was the devoted wife of the late Anthony L. “Tony” Cuzzupe, with whom she shared many wonderful years until his passing in 1997. She was the cherished mother of Lorraine Fortino, her husband Jack of Woburn, Anthony Cuzzupe, his companion Dawna Bishop of New Hampshire, and Robert Cuzzupe and his wife Mary Jane of North Grafton. Chicky was the beloved sister of Pasquale “Pat” DeStefano of Melrose and Sr. Mary Leonora DeStefano of New Jersey, and the late John DeStefano, Mary Ferrara, Josephine Giso, and Phyllis Barbuzzi. She was the devoted grandmother of Lisa Cyr, her husband Kevin, Michael Fortino, his wife Kate, Jeana Spivak, her husband Mike, Andrea Cuzzupe, Christopher Cuzzupe, his wife Elizabeth, and Mary Teresa Tyndall, her husband Brian. She was the adored great-grandmother of Robert, Jack, and Brendan Cyr, Nora and Emma Fortino, and Elliot Spivak. She is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. Her family would like to thank the staff at Sunrise Senior Living in Burlington for the compassionate care given to Chicky over the last four years.

Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated in St. Charles Church, 280 Main Street, Woburn, on Saturday, November 29th at 10 a.m. Burial will follow in Woodbrook Cemetery, Woburn. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to Calling hours in the Lynch-Cantillon Funeral Home, 263 Main Street, Woburn, on Friday, November 28th from 4-7 p.m. Remembrances may be made to honor Frances to the North Bennet Street School at 150 North St., Boston, MA 02109-1405 or NBSS.edu

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