Francesca Solari

Francesca (Accorto) Solari, 83, passed away peacefully on Monday morning, March 2, in the comfort of her Burlington home, surrounded by the love of her devoted family.

Born in Gaeta, Italy, she was the cherished daughter of the late Erasmo and Maria (Alfano) Accorto. Raised along the sun-washed shores of her beloved hometown, Francesca carried the beauty, tradition, and spirit of Italy with her throughout her life. As a teenager, with courage and determination, she immigrated to the United States in search of opportunity, bringing little more than her talent, her work ethic, and her deep love of family.

A gifted seamstress, Francesca quickly found work in Boston's bustling garment industry. It was there that a coworker introduced her to Cesare Solari, a fellow Italian immigrant. Their introduction blossomed into a romance that would endure for more than fifty years, a partnership rooted in love, respect, and shared heritage.

In the mid-1960s, when Cesare suggested leaving the city for a quieter life in the country, Francesca thoughtfully agreed. Together they moved from Boston to the small town of Burlington, settling into what would become their forever home, a place filled with laughter, tradition, and the aroma of home-cooked Italian meals.

After many years in the garment district, Francesca decided to channel her talent into something of her own. She began sewing from a small shop in her basement, pouring her heart into every stitch. Her exquisite craftsmanship and attention to detail quickly earned her a loyal following. As word spread, demand grew, and she eventually opened her own storefront, the "Golden Needle Bridal Boutique" in Billerica. There, she became known not only for her remarkable skill, but for the warmth and pride she brought to every bride and family she served.

As a first-generation Italian immigrant, Francesca infused her home with the richness of the old country. Traditional recipes were prepared without written instructions, guided instead by memory and instinct. Homeopathic remedies were shared with conviction; her children grew up knowing which vegetables cured headaches and which herbs soothed upset stomachs. They carried lovingly prepared lunches to school, meals unfamiliar to classmates and sometimes even teachers, but always made with devotion. In Francesca's home, food was love, and both were abundant.

Though she built a beautiful life in America, Gaeta remained forever in her heart. She often returned for months at a time, joyfully re-immersing herself in the culture, language, and seaside rhythms of her youth. Those trips renewed her spirit and strengthened the ties between generations.

Francesca cherished life's simplest and most meaningful pleasures: time spent gathered around a full table, the laughter of her grandchildren, heartfelt conversations with dear friends, and the comfort of family close by. Her pride in her heritage, her fierce love for her family, and her generous heart defined her life.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her brother Pasquale Accorto.

She is survived by her loving husband, Cesare Solari of Burlington, their children, Julie Russo and her husband James of Burlington, Sandra Sorenson and her husband Jeffrey of Burlington, and Cesare Solari and his wife Jennifer of Pleasanton, CA., her sister, Anna Savani of Naples FL and Andover, her grandchildren, Dario, Francesca, Christopher, Michael, Claudia, Jeffrey, Ava, Jake, Dante and Gianna, great grandchildren, Thomas, Dylan, Benjamin, Lucas, and three more on the way, as well as several nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend her Funeral Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, March 7, at 10 AM, at St. Margaret Church in St. Veronica Parish, 111 Winn St. Burlington, MA 01803. Burial will follow in Pine Haven Cemetery, Burlington. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to St. Judes at www.stjude.org. Arrangements are by Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, Burlington. Condolences to her family may be made at www.sullivanfuneralhome.net