Sylvia C. (Farese) D'Angeli

Sylvia C. (Farese) D'Angeli, of Waltham, formerly of Watertown, died at her home surrounded by her family on Monday, October 31, 2022. She was 97.

Sylvia was born in Watertown on April 21, 1925, the fifth of eleven children of Raffaela (DeLeo) and Angelo Farese. Raised and educated in Watertown, she was a graduate of Watertown High School. A natural caregiver, Sylvia's aspirations for and acceptance to nursing school were waylaid by the passing of her father and two eldest brothers during World War II. Ironically (or possibly not) multiple descendants went on to become nurses.

Her fastidiousness, gregarious personality, radiant smile, and quick wit made her a welcome and successful fixture in the hospitality industry as waitress, hostess and manager at establishments including but not limited to Giovanni's in Framingham, the Chateau in Waltham, and Bald Peak Country Club in Wolfeborough, New Hampshire.

She was a voracious reader, active in several book clubs until her final months, with a thoughtful, curious mind. Sylvia was a longtime member of the Watertown Women's Club. A sports enthusiast, Sylvia was a loyal Boston sports fan, and a devoted follower and attendant at her grandchildren's track, hockey, lacrosse, field hockey, marathon, and soccer endeavors.

Commitment to family was her greatest joy – from her ten siblings, her devoted marriage to Joseph D'Angeli, her six children (among them her son, David, who passed at thirteen months), and without question – her nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren (five sets of twins among them). She leaves an immense legacy of love, respect, and inspiration. Beyond family, she leaves countless friendships, including a special bond with her best grade school friend that endured into their 90's.

Sylvia was gracious, dignified, appreciative of all she had, and a true light to all around her. Until her final days, she carried herself like a woman many, many years younger than she was. Her demeanor, enthusiasm, wit, and especially her warmth and love will be sorely missed by family, friends, neighbors, and - notably - people she may have only met once or twice.

She was keenly aware and appreciative of her long, healthy life, surrounded by love and frequently expressing gratitude for those gifts. Surrounded by her entire family on what would unknowingly be her final – and celebratory - weekend, when asked if she needed anything, she replied "all I need is here."

Wife of the late Joseph D. D'Angeli († July 16, 1985) she leaves her children, Susan Shaw (Paul) of Belmont, Diane D'Angeli (Andres Matos) of Greenwich, Connecticut, Joseph D'Angeli, Jr. of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Elizabeth D'Angeli (Michael LoGuidice) of Boston, and Christine Hall (Kevin) of Billerica. She also leaves her grandchildren Michael Shaw (Molly Ellis), Emily Shaw (Evan Fried), Alex and Nicole Matos, Christina Severin (Garvin), Michelle and Joseph D'Angeli, Domenic and Patrick Hall; her great-grandchildren, Joey, Sunny, Oscar, Gus, Christian and Gianna; several nieces and nephews, and brother, Thomas Farese (Suzanne) of Delray Beach, Florida. Sylvia was preceded in death by her son, David D'Angeli, brothers Romeo, Jesse, Vincent, Jude and Angelo Farese, and sisters Viola Antinarelli, Stella Hines, Joanne Connolly and Marie Burrell.

Family and friends will honor and remember Sylvia's life by gathering for calling hours at The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham on Friday, November 4th from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Her funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, November 5th at The Church of St. Joseph, 130 Common Street, Belmont at 10 a.m. Burial will follow at Mount Auburn Cemetery, Cambridge.

Memorials in her name to More Than Words, 242 E Berkeley St, Boston, MA 02118 (www.mtwyouth.org) or Muscular Dystrophy Association — USA
National Office,161 N. Clark, Suite 3550, Chicago, Illinois 60601 (www.mda.org)