OBITUARY: Julia M. (Mariano) Sargent, 92

Below is an obituary from Nichols Funeral Home:

WILMINGTON, MA — Julia M. (Mariano) Sargent, age 92, of Andover, formerly a long-time resident of Wilmington, passed away unexpectedly on April 7, 2025, surrounded by her family.

Julia was born in Watertown, MA, on September 11, 1932; she was the cherished daughter of the late Antonio and Sarah (Mazza) Mariano. Julia was one of eight children who were raised and educated in Watertown.

Julia married “her sweetheart” Alan Sargent on November 19, 1960; the couple lived in Watertown for several years before settling in Wilmington in 1965 where they raised their five children. Julia’s family was her world; she was a devoted and loving wife, mother, and grandmother who made her family her priority. Her world became even brighter with the birth of her first great-grandchild last year.

Julia loved to share stories with her children and grandchildren of her childhood growing up in a large and loving Italian family on Dexter Avenue. Julia’s lifelong passion for gardening bloomed early in life, rooted in cherished memories of helping her father tend to their garden on Dexter Ave. Once she moved to Wilmington, she spent countless hours in her yard, tending to her flowers and plants and ensuring her yard was manicured. Her neighbors could easily attest – if you happened to drive by, chances are you’d see her out in her yard, gardening gloves on with a big smile on her face, and of course a cheerful wave hello to those passing by. Her garden is a reflection of her ability to seamlessly bring joy, brightness, and beauty into the world. The care Julia put into her garden mirrored the love and attention she gave to those in her life. In recent years, after she and Alan moved to their son’s home in Andover, her gardening continued. Even in her 90s, it was not unusual to see Julia out in the yard, planting flowers, pushing a wheelbarrow, raking leaves, or shoveling snow.

Julia was a selfless person who was happiest when she was caring for others. Her warm disposition and infectious smile will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Julia was the beloved wife of Alan Sargent, devoted mother of Frank Sargent and his wife Lori of Boardman, OH, Glen Sargent and his wife Kathy of Andover, Stacy Doucette and her husband Bobby of North Andover, Roy Sargent and his wife Marlene of Windham, NH, and Jean Sargent and her fiancé Andy Roketenetz Jr. of Wilmington. Loving “Grandma” of Joshua Sargent, Lindsey Sargent, Jesslyn Hunt and her husband Dustin, Brian Sargent, Katherine Sargent, Grace Doucette, Henry Doucette, Emily Sargent, Sarah Sargent, Ian Sargent, Leah Hanafin, Lauryn Hanafin, and great-grandson Charles Lambert. Dear sister of Daniel Mariano and his wife Patricia of Watertown, the late Philip Mariano and his late wife Vera, the late Angelo Mariano and his late wife Yolanda, the late Louis Mariano and his late wife Peggy, the late Joseph Mariano and his late wife Helen, the late Anthony Mariano and the late Mary Newton. Julia is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and their families.

Family and friends will gather for Visiting Hours at the Nichols Funeral Home, 187 Middlesex Ave. (Rte. 62), Wilmington, MA, on Sunday, April 13th from 12:00-2:00 p.m. followed by a Service at 2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Julia’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, a foundation dear to Julia’s heart, at Alzheimer’s Association, 320 Nevada St., Suite 201, Newton, MA 02460 or online at alz.org

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