Florence Fedora Fedele, a lifelong resident of Wellesley, passed away on Sunday, January 19, 2025 at the age of 102. Born in Wellesley December 31, 1922, she was the beloved daughter of the late Albert and Matilda (Raspelli) Fedele. Dear sister of the late Paul V. Fedele, Rose P. Fedele, Alexander M. Fedele and Salvatore A. Fedele. She is survived by her loving daughter Susan M. (Fedele) Chin and husband Benjamin B. Chin of Wellesley. She was the cherished "Nonnie" to Daniel and Michelle Chin, and beloved aunt, great aunt, cousin and friend.
"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails." - 1 Corinthians 13:4-8
There's no word that could encapsulate Florence more than the word 'love'. Her life was devoted to persistent, daily love of her family. Through 102 years of blessing and hardship, she always cared for, encouraged, forgave, and accepted those dearest to her, and she had compassion toward everyone without exception.
In her early years, Florence lived above the family grocery store. A generous communal spirit was instilled in her very young. During the Great Depression, her family would try their best to make sure their customers—their neighbors and friends—would have food to eat. Up to the most recent years, Florence loved to talk about how everyone came in the store and smoked around the fireplace. Relationships were everything.
For many decades, Florence worked in stationery stores. She loved helping people and organizing, decorating the displays and building relationships with regulars and coworkers. She enjoyed all the little things of life, and was organizing in her own room until age 99.
Florence always said that there were three happiest days of her life: when her daughter was born, when her grandson was born, and when her granddaughter was born. She always taught her family to enjoy the simple pleasures of life. She loved drawing, watching talk shows and soap operas, and enjoying her favorite foods, such as macaroni, ice cream, and sandwiches. She was an amazing mother and Nonnie. There is so much more to say about her—how amazing and faithful a daughter, sister, aunt, and friend she was. How she never gave up on anyone. How she showed everyone around her how to always be patient and kind and how to always, always, always go with the FLO.
Funeral Mass will be celebrated Monday, January 27th at 11AM in St. John the Evangelist Church, Wellesley followed by interment in Calvary Cemetery, Waltham. An hour of visitation will be held immediate prior to the Mass from 10-11AM in the Church.