Gladys A.

"Dolly" Destefano

It is with heavy heart that we announce the passing of Gladys A. (DiFiore) "Dolly" DeStefano of Saugus, formerly of Chelsea, MA.  She passed away peacefully on Monday April 15,  2024 after a brief illness while being cared for at Care One in Peabody, MA.

Dolly was born in Salem MA on January 2, 1936, and was a long-time resident of both Chelsea and Saugus, MA .

Dolly is survived by her beloved husband of 68 years Gerald "Jerry" DeStefano of Saugus.  She was a loving and devoted mother to her children, Robert and his wife Anne of Lynn, MA, Donna and her husband Thomas Wood of Raymond, NH, and Richard and his wife Leah of Saugus, MA.  She was the cherished grandmother of Jessica, Daniel and his wife Kristina, Eric and his wife Sarah, Kevin, Richard Jr, Michael, Taylor, Ryan, and Rebecca and her husband Darin.  Loving and adored great-grandmother of Cole DeStefano, Marleigh, Elliot, and Samuel DeStefano and Charlotte DeStefano, Francesca Conlon.

Dolly was the beloved daughter of the late Serifino and Gladys V. (LeRoy) DiFiore and was also predeceased by her siblings; Theresa K. Zenga, Maria Iantosca, and Serifino J. "Jessie" DiFiore.

In her lifetime, Dolly she was a graduate of Chelsea High School and enjoyed cooking, decorating her home for the holidays, hosting elaborate Christmas parties but most of all being around her family.  She thoroughly enjoyed volunteering as a lunch mother at Our Lady of the Assumption School and was dedicated for several years with the Williams School PTA.

Relatives and friends are most kindly invited to attend a memorial gathering to honor Dolly's life on Wednesday, April 24, from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. in the Welsh Funeral Home, 718 Broadway, Chelsea.  A service of remembrance will be held during the visitation at 6:00 PM.  Services will conclude in the Funeral Home.