Violet 'Dolly' Finamore

Violet Finamore did not know that life would deal her such challenges at such an early age. But she also learned that in adversity lied the wonderful gifts and opportunities for love, laughter and happiness. Widowed at the young age of 33 she raised five children on her own and masterfully succeeded in the dual role of mother and father. She never let widowhood define her and learned to adapt and overcome the challenges of being a single parent.

Her husband, Leonard V. Finamore, died in 1960. As a new resident of Waltham she knew that she needed to provide for her family in ways in addition to the often under appreciated full time role as a home maker. Dolly worked for years in the cafeteria's at Waltham High School, John F. Kennedy Middle School and the Douglas MacArthur Elementary School. And she did all of it with a smile!

Violet 'Dolly' Ambrosino was born June 3, 1927 in East Boston a daughter of Italian immigrants Alphonse and Genevieve (D'Amore) Ambrosino. Raised in Revere she was a graduate of Revere High School. Shortly after marriage to Revere native Leonard V. Finamore they moved to Waltham in 1958.

Dolly died Wednesday, February 27, 2019 in a room over-filled with physical presence and love at Newton-Wellesley Hospital after a brief illness. She was 91.

Instilled with the blessing of faith at a young age she relied heavily on her beliefs. It guided and sustained her throughout both the happy and sad moments of life. She was an active and familiar face at Our Lady's Parish. Dolly learned that happiness was the best dance partner and would look forward to her Friday nights out with friends. An invitation to the movies was a regular for Dolly and friends. The recent Grammy awards were confirmation that she had seen most of the movies of those awarded. She's now met Elvis and introduced herself as his # 1 fan from the other side. 'Betty Boop' was a familiar figure in her house on Hibiscus Avenue and nothing made Dolly more happy than preparing dinner, Italian her specialty ….any night of the week for those who were hungry and available. A well-deserved Manhattan was her preferred sip when those whom she loved gathered around her table.

In addition to her husband, Leonard (1960) she is predeceased by their daughter, Annette Finamore (2002) and her siblings, Mary Alba, Louis, Anthony and Phillip Ambrosino; her sister-in-law, Margaret Ambrosino and brother-in-law, Donald Finamore

She leaves her children, Stephen P. Finamore (Janet) of Hillsdale, New Jersey, Leonard V. Finamore Jr. (Donna) of S. Weymouth, Violet St. Cyr (Raymond) of Waltham, Vincent Finamore of Walnut Creek, California; her grandchildren, Sara Finamore, Christina Landers (Kevin), Michael Finamore, Corinne Finamore, Laura Randall (Kenny), Nicole Finamore, Kelly Keefe (Connor), Michelle Richard (Andrew) and David St. Cyr; great-grandchildren Janessa, Jayden, Jesse, Violet, Thomas and Stephen; her siblings Frederick Ambrosino of Revere, Alphonse Ambrosino (Mora) of Winthrop, Gail Hagstrom (Donald) of Revere; her sisters-in-law Melba Belmonte of Melrose and Virginia Curley (Joseph) of California; also survived by many nieces & nephews.

Family and friends will honor and remember Violet's life by gathering for calling hours in The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham on Friday, March 1st from 4 to 8 p.m. and again at 9 a.m. on Saturday morning before leaving in procession to Our Lady Comforter of the Afflicted Church, 880 Trapelo Road, Waltham where her Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Burial will follow in Woodlawn Cemetery, Everett.

Memorial donations may be made to JDRF – New England Chapter, 60 Walnut Street, Wellesley Hills, MA 02481or American Cancer Society, 125 S Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02130.