Below is an obituary from Nichols Funeral Home:
WILMINGTON, MA — Arlene A. Dambrosio (DeMarco) age 85, of Dracut, formerly a longtime resident of Wilmington, passed away peacefully on July 30, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.
Born on July 14, 1941, in Melrose, Massachusetts, Arlene was the beloved daughter of the late Anthony and Wilfreda (Farnell) DeMarco. She was raised and educated in Wakefield and proudly graduated from Wakefield High School with the Class of 1959.
In 1966, Arlene married the love of her life and best friend, Joseph Dambrosio. Together they shared more than 57 wonderful years of marriage before Joe’s passing in 2023. They began their married life in Malden before settling in Wilmington in 1973, where they made their home on Marcia Road for more than 50 years while raising their three wonderful daughters. Arlene and Joe embraced their community, and the neighbors they met along the way became lifelong friends and extended family.
Arlene created a home that was filled with love, laughter, and endless hospitality. Her door was always open, and family and friends knew they would be welcomed with warmth, kindness, and a delicious meal. She had a remarkable gift for making every gathering feel special and took great pride in hosting holidays, decorating for every occasion, and bringing loved ones together around her table.
Family was always at the center of Arlene’s life. She was a devoted wife, a loving mother, and an extraordinary grandmother who adored her six grandchildren. She raised her family with unconditional love, led by example, and encouraged each of them to pursue their dreams. Whether attending school events, dance recitals, concerts, or sporting events, Arlene was always there, proudly cheering on her daughters and grandchildren. To them, she was not only their biggest supporter but also one of their closest and most treasured friends.
Some of Arlene’s happiest memories were made during family vacations. She looked forward each summer to traveling through the White Mountains of New Hampshire, exploring Vermont, enjoying annual trips to Canobie Lake Park, and creating unforgettable memories with her entire family during a once-in-a-lifetime vacation to Walt Disney World in Florida.
After raising her daughters, Arlene returned to the workforce and quickly became a familiar and friendly face throughout the community. She enjoyed working in the Wilmington High School cafeteria, where she formed special bonds with many students and was always looking out for them. She later worked as hostess and manager at Stelios Restaurant in Wilmington before joining Filene’s Department Store in sales. Wherever she worked, Arlene earned lasting friendships through her genuine kindness, strong work ethic, and heartfelt desire to make others feel welcome.
One of the greatest joys of her later years came when her daughter opened Wilmington Dance Academy. Known affectionately as “Miss Arlene,” she became a beloved teacher’s assistant and helper, delighting in working with the children and helping create beautiful dance recitals. She was incredibly proud of every dancer and always generous with her encouragement and praise.
In her spare time, Arlene enjoyed taking daily walks with Joe, followed by a cup of coffee or an occasional trip to the casino to test her luck. She loved traveling with family and friends, especially cruising and exploring Italy. She was also a lifelong fan of Days of Our Lives and rarely missed an episode.
Arlene will be remembered for her gentle spirit, infectious smile, unwavering kindness, and selfless love for others. She was the favorite aunt, a cherished cousin, a loyal friend, and, as so many lovingly described her, “the glue that held both sides of the family together.” Her compassion, generosity, and unconditional love touched everyone fortunate enough to know her. Her beautiful legacy will live on in the hearts of her family and friends forever.
Arlene was the beloved wife of the late Joseph Dambrosio; the devoted mother of Lisa Cataldo and her husband, Jim, of Dracut, Laura Osgood and her husband, Adam, of Wilmington, and Maria Trouville and her husband, Frank, of Dracut; and the loving “Grandma” of Kelsye and husband Justin, Kirstin and fiancé Owen, Joey, Carlena, JP, and Mollie. She was the dear sister of the late Eddie DeMarco and his wife, Dottie, of Haverhill, and the late Nancy Szymanski and her husband, Walter, of Terre Haute, Indiana. She was also the beloved sister-in-law of Alice Itrato of Medford, the late Catherine Nicholas and her late husband, Bill, the late Mary Koerber, and the late Louise Donahue and her late husband, Jim. Arlene is further survived by many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends, especially Sylvia Griggs, Carla Osgood, Gay Cataldo, the late Roberta Palino Caruso and Rosemary Murphy.
Family and Friends will gather at Nichols Funeral Home, 187 Middlesex Avenue (Route 62), Wilmington, on Thursday, August 6, at 9:30 a.m., followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m. at St. Thomas of Villanova Church, 126 Middlesex Avenue, Wilmington. Interment will follow in Wildwood Cemetery, Wilmington. Visiting hours will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday, August 5, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Arlene’s name may be made to Shriners Children’s Boston, 51 Blossom Street, Boston, MA 02114; the American Parkinson Disease Association, P.O. Box 61420, Staten Island, NY 10306; or the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, P.O. Box 91891, Washington, DC 20090-1891.
To leave a message of condolence for the family, please visit our website at www.nicholsfuneralhome.com.
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