Susan L. Carmody

Susan Fitzpatrick Carmody (Pfleger), age 86, a long-time resident of Wilmington, passed away peacefully at home on December 3, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

Born on November 7, 1939, in Cambridge, MA, Susan was the cherished daughter of the late Frank S. and Catherine F. "Fran" (Constantine) Pfleger. She grew up in Brighton, MA, as one of nine children in a large and loving Catholic family-an upbringing that shaped her generous spirit, deep faith, and profound love of family.

Susan moved to Wilmington in 1968, where she dedicated her life to raising her six children. She was a devoted and nurturing mother who loved unconditionally, encouraged tirelessly, and supported each of her children in all their endeavors. In 1999, she married her soulmate and best friend, Michael Carmody. Together, they made their home in Wilmington, where "Papa Michael" quickly became an integral and beloved part of the family. Their years together were filled with love, laughter, and countless cherished memories.

One of Susan's greatest joys in life was becoming "Gigi" to her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She attended every sports game, school event, recital, first communion, confirmation, graduation, wedding, and special celebration-always present, always proud. She especially treasured time spent babysitting the great-grandchildren, cuddling the babies, and hosting family gatherings. Susan had a gift for making every holiday special and her home was always filled with warmth, happiness, and the beautiful chaos of a large, close-knit family.

A dedicated and hardworking woman, Susan spent over 30 years with the Marshalls Distribution Center in Woburn, where she worked her way up to Human Relations Manager. She loved her work and the people she worked alongside, many of whom became lifelong friends and an extension of her family.

Susan and Michael shared a love of travel, visiting many states across the country before exploring Ireland and islands throughout the Caribbean including the Bahamas and Bermuda. Aruba became their favorite destination, a place they visited two to four times each year, always eager to welcome family and friends to share their slice of paradise.

Susan will be fondly remembered as a beautiful woman inside and out, with impeccable style, a heart of gold, and an open door for all. She had a natural gift for decorating, a keen eye for detail, and an unmatched talent for making people feel welcomed and loved. Susan was kind, generous, and always ready to lend a hand. Her legacy of love, selflessness, and family devotion will live on forever in the hearts of those she touched.

Susan was the beloved wife of Michael Carmody; devoted mother of the late Susan Fitzpatrick, Patricia Aprile and her husband Robert of York, ME, the late James Fitzpatrick and his wife Janice, Michelle Minghella and her husband Mark, Deborah Fitzpatrick, and Lois Daley and her husband Stephen, all of Wilmington. She was the loving "Gigi" to Daniel and Kristen Aprile, John and Leanne Aprile, James Fitzpatrick and fiancée Ariel, Jaclyn and Matthew Polasek, Matthew and Shannon Minghella, Christopher and Cheryl Minghella, Nicole French, Phillip and Elyssa Minghella, John Parella, Catherine and Bill Helsinki, the late Charles Minghella, Robert Townsend, Thomas Townsend, Peter Daley, Michael Daley, Stephen Daley, and to her great-grandchildren Nolan, Tegan, Isabella, Colton, Logan, Lincoln, Caley, Lily, Landon, Liv, Owen, Chloe, and Mason.

She was the dear sister of Charles Pfleger and his wife Karen of Nashua, NH, and Mary Elliott of Gilford, NH. She was predeceased by her siblings Janet Bruni, John Pfleger, Lois Doyle, David Pfleger, William Pfleger, and James Pfleger. Susan was the sister-in-law of Janis Carmody of Reading, Cheryl and Michael Deveau of Brush Prairie, WA, the late Joseph Carmody, and Eileen Carmody of Brentwood, NH. She is further survived by many special nieces, nephews, and friends who deeply loved her.

Family and friends are invited to Visiting Hours at the Nichols Funeral Home, 187 Middlesex Ave. (Rte. 62), Wilmington, MA, on Thursday, December 11th from 4:00–7:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, December 12th at 10:30 a.m. at St. Thomas of Villanova Church, 126 Middlesex Ave., Wilmington, MA. Please go directly to the Church.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Susan's memory may be made to the Wilmington Community Fund, with "Food Pantry" noted on the memo line, mailed to P.O. Box 147, Wilmington, MA 01887.