Avid painter, baker and reader
MELROSE — Jeanne Marie (DeLorenzo) Ferrara, a longtime resident of Melrose, died July 25 in the Kaplan House in Danvers after a long, courageous and well-fought battle with cancer.
Born October 23, 1947, in Salem, Jeanne moved with her family to Danvers when she was young. She graduated from Danvers High School and worked in various administrative roles throughout her career including at the Melrose-Wakefield Hospital and at Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary.
Jeanne was a lover of art, nature and gardening and was all about family. Her warm smile and incredible kindness and compassion could light up a room. She was an avid painter who worked across mediums to create beautiful pieces of art. Jeanne was also an avid baker and cook. Her famous calzones and Christmas cookies were always a hit with everyone. Reading was another passion of hers; she could easily get lost in a book.
In 1970, she met the love of her life John P. Ferrara with whom she shared 53 years of marriage. During their time together, they traveled extensively. Some of their favorite places to travel were in the southwest USA. Zion National Park in Utah was her favorite.
Along with her husband, she is survived by her daughter Christine Ferrara Dellamonaca of Leominster and son John C. Ferrara and wife Sarah of Danvers. She also leaves three beloved grandchildren: Gregory and Melissa Dellamonaca and Jason Ferrara. She leaves her sister Jacqui DeLorenzo of Beverly; brother Dana DeLorenzo and his wife Louise of Kennebunk, ME; and sister Donna Moulison and husband Kenny of Wells, ME. Jeanne was predeceased by her sister Debbie DeLorenzo-Geary of Salem; her brother John DeLorenzo of Danvers; sister Mary DeLorenzo of Danvers; father John DeLorenzo and his wife Eileen of Wells, ME; and her mother Anita DeLorenzo of Salem. Jeanne was fortunate to be loved by numerous beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and friends, all of whom will miss her deeply.
Jeanne’s family would like to thank the staff at Dana Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, as well as at the Kaplan House in Danvers, for their compassion and care during her illness.
Visiting hours were held at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St., Melrose on Thursday, August 1from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Mary’s Church, 4 Herbert St., Melrose at 11 a.m. Relatives and friends were respectfully invited to attend. Interment in Wyoming Cemetery, Melrose. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the charity of your choice or the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Jimmy Fund Way, Boston, MA at dana-barber.org/how-you-can-help/ways-to-give/make-a-memorial-or-tribute-gift. To sign online condolence, visit gatelyfh.com.
