OBITUARY: Jean M. (Aloisi) Shibilia, 64

Below is an obituary from Nichols Funeral Home:

WILMINGTON, MA — Jean M. Shibilia (Aloisi), age 64, of Wilmington, formerly of North Reading, passed away peacefully on September 23, 2024, at home with her loving family by her side, following a brief but courageous battle with cancer.

Jean was born on October 28, 1959, in Medford, MA. She was the cherished daughter of the late Mario and Anna (Mercurio) Aloisi. Jean was raised in a large, loving Italian family in North Reading where she attended school and graduated from North Reading High School; Class of 1977.

Jean married Daniel Shibilia on September 19, 1982, and just celebrated their 42nd wedding anniversary. Jean and Dan lived in North Reading and Tewksbury for a short time before purchasing Dan’s childhood home in Wilmington, where they raised three wonderful sons. She was a devoted and loving mom who was at countless school and sporting events, ensuring she was the loudest parent in the crowd. Danny, Steven, and Marc grew to be fine young men with Jean’s guidance. She was thrilled when they chose three wonderful women to become the daughters she never had. Jean grew to have special bonds with Kelsey, Kelsey, and Christina. Jean’s world became even brighter when she took on the role as Nana. Joey, Riley, Mario, Vivien, Lucas, and Sophie were the light of her life. Jean’s grandchildren knew their Nana to be energetic, affectionate and silly; always ready to dance, chase or play with them. She never hesitated to crawl on the floor or get dirty to make her grandchildren happy. “Nana” was Jean’s most cherished title.

Jean’s work ethic was unmatched and she could be described as the “Energizer Bunny” – always on the go. She worked in the cafeteria for the Wilmington School Department for many years and also spent many evenings and weekends waitressing at the Piccadilly Pub in Tewksbury or Rocco’s Restaurant in Wilmington. Jean always greeted everyone with a smile, a warm hug, an infectious laugh or an extra scoop of ice cream; she was just fun to be around.

Jean retired this past year and found her new “happy place” in Laconia, New Hampshire where she enjoyed time with her family on Lake Winnipesaukee. Of course, she couldn’t actually sit still and got a part time job at the local breakfast diner and made fast friends with colleagues and patrons alike.

Jean will be fondly remembered for her charismatic and endearing personality, her thoughtfulness, and willingness to help anyone in need. She had a generous spirit and a heart of gold. Jean was a source of joy to her family, her friends, her co-workers, and complete strangers. Jean will forever be loved and missed by all who know her.

Jean was the beloved wife of Daniel J. Shibilia, loving mother of Daniel Shibilia Jr. and his wife Kelsey of Methuen, Steven Shibilia and his wife Kelsey of Shirley, and Marc Shibilia and his wife Christina of Bow, NH. Devoted Nana of Joseph, Riley, Mario, Vivien, Lucas, and Sophie Shibilia. Dear sister of Michael Aloisi and his wife Sandra of Burlington, Lucille Jones and her husband Daniel of North Reading, Vincent Aloisi of Mineral Bluffs, GA, Paul Aloisi of Londonderry, NH, Ann Malm and her husband Arthur of North Reading, Patricia Aloisi and companion Ted Beagen of North Andover. Jean was the special sister-in-law of Joanne Shibilia, and she is further survived by many wonderful nieces, nephews, and friends.

Family and friends will gather for Visiting Hours at the Nichols Funeral Home, 187 Middlesex Ave. (Rte. 62), Wilmington, on Sunday, September 29th from 2:00-5:00 p.m. All will gather at the Funeral Home on Monday, September 30th at 9:30 a.m. followed by Funeral Mass at St. Thomas Church, 126 Middlesex Ave., Wilmington, at 10:30 a.m. Interment will take place in Wildwood Cemetery, Wilmington.

Donations in Jean’s memory may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

To leave a message of condolence for the family please visit our website at www.nicholsfuneralhome.com.