Carmela "Milly" (Gazzana) Freni

Mrs. Carmela "Milly" (Gazzana) Freni, a resident of Saugus and formerly longtime of Arlington, passed away on Saturday, August 10, 2013, at the Leonard Florence Center in Chelsea, at age 99. She was born in Boston on March 17, 1914, one of eight children of the late Joseph and Frances (Barbarino) Gazzana. Raised in the West End of Boston, she married Anthony Freni, Sr. on December 1st 1946, and they settled in Arlington to raise their children. She resided in Arlington for many years before moving to Saugus to be closer to her family. Carmela or "Milly" as she was lovingly known, enjoyed several lifelong pleasures. She loved knitting, crocheting, and sewing. She was a great cook and loved gathering with her family. When she was younger, growing up in the West End, she developed a love of music by attending concerts on the Esplanade. Throughout her life, she loved singing and always enjoyed watching Arthur Fiedler perform. She cherished her family, and will be lovingly remembered by all she knew. Milly was the beloved wife of the late Anthony J. Freni Sr. with whom she shared 41 years of marriage. Devoted mother of Marilyn Ziolkowski and her husband Eddie of Melrose, J. Kevin Freni of Stoneham, and the late Anthony J. Freni, Jr. Dear sister of the late Jack, Josephine Rioux, Joseph, Carmen, James, Mary Visconti, and Peter. Cherished grandmother of James Ziolkowski and his wife Deadra of Hampton Falls, NH, Steven Ziolkowski and his wife Sharon of Georgetown, and Tara Spear and her husband Barry of Reading. Loving great-grandmother of Braxton, Chaz, Tanyon, Jed, Justin, Carena, Alyssa, Kevin, Ashley, and Scott. Also survived by many nieces and nephews. Relatives and friends will gather in honor of Milly's life for visiting hours at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose on Tuesday, August 13 from 9-11AM followed by her Funeral Service celebrated at 11AM. Entombment will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery, Everett. Gifts in Milly's memory may be made to the Salvation Army, 25 Shawmut Rd., Canton, MA 02021.