Angela G. Freni

Angela G. Freni, age 95, passed away peacefully at Nevins Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Methuen, MA on Monday, September 29, 2025. A lifelong Lawrence resident, Angela was born on November 6, 1929, to the late John and Josephine (Cavallaro) Freni. She attended Holy Rosary Grammar School and graduated from St. Mary High School, Class of 1947.

In her early years, Angela taught English as a second language to Italian kindergarten immigrant children at Holy Rosary School in Lawrence, MA. She spent her career at Graybar, retiring as the Regional Director for Payroll. She made many friends during her time there; especially Marie Ambesse, with whom she would speak to daily after her retirement.

A lifelong member of Holy Rosary Parish, Angela was a devout Catholic who attended Mass regularly and said the Rosary daily. She was a member of the St. Rita Sodality and a diehard supporter of the St. Alfio Society. She lived her life giving to others in need. If you needed anything, Angela would provide. Her diagnosis of macular degeneration many years ago, never slowed her down. She would walk to Mass on the weekends and walk to Mary Immaculate Nursing Home to make sure her resident friends had everything they needed to make their lives comfortable. She made twice yearly trips to the cemetery to be sure the final resting places of loved ones were filled with flowers.

While she learned the art of growing African violets from her mother, Angela preferred to be outside in her garden. She could be found most warm mornings tending to the many vegetables she grew to distribute to the family.

Family was of the utmost importance to Angela. She loved spending time with her many cousins and traveled the country to visit with them. Although Angela did not have children or nieces and nephews of her own, she was affectionally known as "Aunt Angela" to multiple generations of cousins, attending holiday gatherings and birthday parties whenever she could. Her presence will be deeply missed.

In addition to her parents, Angela was predeceased by her brother Benjamin Freni and his wife, Constance.

She is survived by many loving cousins; especially Charles and Sandra Carlin of Sanford, ME, George and Helena Carlin of Methuen, MA, and Thomas and Christen Harrison of Andover, MA who cared for Angela during the last few years of her life.

The family would like to thank Pat Ferguson, Eucharistic Minister at Holy Rosary Shrine, for bringing Angela the Sacrament of Holy Communion when she was too weak to attend Mass, as well as her special neighbor and friend, Agnes Sonday, who took wonderful care of Angela if the need arose. In addition, the family extends their gratitude to the staff at Mary Immaculate Nursing Home, Nevins Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, and Haborside Hospice for the care and support they provided Angela over the last few months.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Angela's memory to the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind, c/o Chief Financial Officer, 40 Broad Street, Boston, MA 02109.

Per Angela's request, there will be no Calling Hours. A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, October 10, 2025 at 10:30 am at Cataudella Funeral Home, 126 Pleasant Valley Street, Methuen, MA. Burial to follow at Immaculate Conception Cemetery.