Below is an obituary from Nichols Funeral Home:
TEWKSBURY, MA — Evelyn A. Olivari (Balzotti), age 91, of Tewksbury, formerly a longtime resident of Wilmington, passed away peacefully on October 20, 2026.
Born in Boston on April 16, 1935, Evelyn was the cherished daughter of the late Caesar and Elizabeth (Fulginiti) Balzotti. Raised in a large and loving Italian family, she shared a special bond with her parents and siblings, whom she loved dearly. She attended Boston schools and graduated from the High School of Practical Arts in Roxbury, where she learned many valuable life skills.
Evelyn’s love story began while she was selling balloons at a feast in Boston’s North End, where she met a handsome young soldier, Robert J. Olivari. The two hit it off immediately and were married just three months later. When Robert was called to duty and stationed in Germany, Evelyn joined him overseas, where they made their home and began a lifetime of adventures together. One of their favorite memories during their time in Germany was meeting Elvis Presley; they remained fans throughout their lifetime. During their time abroad, they traveled to Italy and Ireland, creating wonderful memories along the way.
Following Robert’s discharge from the Army, the couple settled in Boston to be closer to family and welcomed two beloved daughters, Elizabeth and Teresa, who were the apples of their mother’s eye. Evelyn and Robert shared many wonderful years together, surrounded by family and friends, until Robert’s untimely passing in 1985.
Evelyn had a special gift for making everyone feel welcome. She created a warm and loving home where family, friends, and even strangers were made to feel like family. After moving to Wilmington, she quickly became a cherished member of the community and fit right in with her neighborhood. She was an active parishioner at St. Thomas of Villanova Church and enjoyed participating in the Women’s Club.
Evelyn was also a member of the Sons of Italy, never missing a meeting and always volunteering her time to make meatballs or scoop ice cream during the yearly Fourth of July Event. She especially enjoyed volunteering with the AIM group each week, cooking and serving meals to seniors and individuals with special needs. Always generous with her time and talents, Evelyn was happiest when helping others. She could often be found working behind the counter at Elia’s Country Store in Wilmington, where she enjoyed chatting with customers and greeting everyone with her characteristic kindness and courtesy.
An adventurous spirit, Evelyn loved traveling with her husband, family, and friends. She enjoyed many cruises and looked forward to annual vacations at Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire and Old Orchard Beach in Maine. Wherever Evelyn went, laughter and good times were sure to follow.
Above all, family was the center of Evelyn’s world. She loved cooking for everyone and gathering her loved ones around the dinner table. She made every holiday special and never missed an important event in the lives of her daughters, grandchildren, or great-grandchildren. Evelyn especially cherished her roles as Nana and Nonnie. She delighted in spending time with her grandchildren and was always ready for a new adventure, whether apple picking in the fall, holiday shopping, heading to the beach in the summer, Thanksgiving weekends, Christmas Holidays, grandchildren’s lunches, attending recitals, sports, gymnastics; she would do anything to make them happy.
A wonderful neighbor and a true friend to many, Evelyn looked forward to outings with her girlfriends whether they were shopping, out to breakfast or lunch, or taking in a show or trip with the Senior Center or Recreation Department, she was always up for a good time. She looked forward to her “Friday night crowd” adventures out to dinners, Red Sox Games, plays, or an evening at one of their homes, they had so much fun throughout the years.
Evelyn always went out of her way to help anyone in need, no matter the time of day or night. With her endearing personality, beautiful smile, and heart of gold, she touched countless lives. Her love for her family and friends was unconditional, and she will forever be remembered as an extraordinary mother, Nana, Nonnie, and friend. Her warmth, generosity, and loving spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
Evelyn was the beloved wife of the late Robert J. Olivari; devoted mother of Elizabeth Jones and her companion, Jim Iarrobino, of Londonderry, NH, and Teresa Enos and her husband, Robert, of Tewksbury, MA; and her cherished son-in-law the late Eddie Jones. Loving Nana of Taylor Hewson and her husband, Rich, Alexandra Proulx and her husband, Dan, Felicia Enos, and Bianca Ruelas and her husband, Tyler; and cherished Nonnie to her great-grandchildren, Keegan, Maeve, Delaney, River, Sawyer, Wren, and her newest edition, Aurora.
She was the dear sister of Joseph Balzotti and his wife, Bonnie. Evelyn also held a special place in her heart for her godson, Nicholas Ansaldi, his wife, Meg, and their daughters, Gina and Melissa. She is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, and dear friends.
Evelyn was predeceased by her parents, Caesar and Elizabeth Balzotti; her siblings, Michael Balzotti, James Balzotti, Salvatore Balzotti, Katheryn Mikutajcis, and Marie Keely.
Family and friends are invited to attend visiting hours at Nichols Funeral Home, 187 Middlesex Ave. (Route 62), Wilmington, MA, on Sunday, October 25, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.
All are welcome to gather at the funeral home on Monday, October 26, at 9:30 a.m., followed by a Funeral Mass at St. Thomas of Villanova Church, 126 Middlesex Ave., Wilmington, MA, at 10:30 a.m. Interment will follow in the family lot at Woodlawn Cemetery in Everett, MA.
Donations in Evelyn’s memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
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