Mary A. Gosselin

WILMINGTON -- Mary A. (Fortunati) Gosselin, 101, a Wilmington resident, formerly of Somerville, who volunteered in the community, died unexpectedly, Friday, Sept. 9, at the Woodbriar Nursing Center in Wilmington. She was the wife of the late Hector Gosselin.

She was born in Somerville, daughter of the late Joseph and Theresa (Gerberti) Fortunati. She had lived in Somerville for several years before moving to Wilmington 25 years ago to be near her family.

Prior to retirement, Mrs. Gosselin was employed as a telephone operator.

She was a member of the Somerville VFW Ladies Auxiliary, St. Catherine's Sodality in Somerville, the Italian-American Historical Society and the Wilmington Women's Club.

Mrs. Gosselin was a volunteer for the Red Cross and the Salvation Army, the Wilmington Regional Health Center Oncology Dept., and the E.N. Rogers Memorial Soldiers Home in Bedford.

According to family members, when she was asked recently the secret of long life, she stated "Just....don't die!"

She is survived by her grandchildren and their spouses, Marsha (Cantrell) and Frank Hancock of Wilmington, Christopher and Tammi Cantrell of Chelmsford, Matthew Cantrell of North Reading, and Peter and Robin (Jay) Cantrell of Epping, N.H.; her great-grandchildren, Fayette (Hancock) Oakes, residing in California, Stephanie (Hancock) Sund of Atlanta, Deborah Hancock of Seattle, Ashley Cantrell of Chelmsford, Joshua Cantrell and Aaron Cantrell, both of North Reading, Kevin Cantrell and Katie Cantrell, both of Epping, N.H.

She is also survived by two great great-grandchildren, Hunter Oakes, residing in California, and Isabella Sund, residing in Georgia; a cousin, Nina Catani of Winchester; and several nieces and nephews.

She was also the mother of the late Fayette "Fay" Cantrell of Wilmington.