Anita Gemma Arria passed away peacefully at home in the company of her loving family. She was 88. Born in Everett and raised in Boston’s West End she was the daughter of the late John S. and Albina (Lanzillo) Lepore. Anita’s family moved to Somerville where she graduated high school. She went to work with John Hancock Insurance and then once married, she focused on raising her family. Anita loved cooking and keeping her house spotless. A generous woman who had the strength and love to raise eight children, Anita enjoyed spending time with her family and many friends. She was proud of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. After her children began to establish their own lives and families, Anita embarked on a new career as a teacher’s aide with the Somerville Public Schools. At the Winter Hill Community School and throughout the system she is remembered for her kindness.
The beloved wife of the late Thomas P. Arria, Sr., she was a devoted mother to Thomas P. Arria, Jr. of Stoneham, Mary Hurd and her husband William of Jackson, NJ, Charles S. Arria and his wife Ann P. of North Reading, Paul F. Arria and his wife Francesca of Burlington, John A. Arria and his wife Marie C. of Wilmington, Anna Gullage-Tompkins and her husband William Tompkins of Wilmington, Jeanna Carroll and her husband Paul of Medford, and David J. Arria of Georgia. She is also lovingly survived by 19 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, October 15th in St. Raphael Church, 512 High Street, Medford, at 11 AM. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Services will conclude with burial at Puritan Lawn Memorial Park, Peabody.
Please observe social distancing protocols.
In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in Anita’s name to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Pl., Memphis TN 38105-9959.