Aldona Lydia Robertson (Zunaris), also known as Donna and affectionately known as Moy to her family and friends, passed away peacefully at her Milton home surrounded by her family on January 4, 2023.
Born to immigrant Lithuanian parents Anna Neveira and Martin Zunaris, Aldona grew up in a poor hard-working family during the Great Depression and quickly learned how to make the most of what little she had. Possessing a great passion for travel and adventure, she joined a group of travel- ing sales people as a young adult traversing the country selling magazines. A fellow salesperson in this group, Thom Robertson, soon became her husband, marrying at St. Peter’s Lithuanian church in 1951.
Aldona was proud of her Lithuanian heritage and taught her family to in- corporate the Lithuanian culture and traditions into their lives. She was proud of being a mother and invested herself fully in her four children, sharing her endless talents and passions with them. Above all, she taught them the importance of strong values, education, respect for all fellow human beings, and love of animals and family.
Although she was widowed at 36 years old, her courageous independence, fierce determination, inner strength and physical endurance were what kept her going no matter what obstacles stood in her way. Absolutely nothing stopped her from ensuring that her four young children had the adventures and life experiences that would shape them as adults; forever grateful for the lessons and memories they now share.
Aldona had a flawless sense of style and keen artistic eye, finding fulfillment and friendship in several creative pursuits including painting, sewing, interior design, cooking and crafting. She also had a phenomenal talent for ballroom dancing and worked as a dance instructor from an early age continuing into her later years until physical difficulties forced her to hang up her dancing shoes.
As her children grew, Aldona was able to expand her horizons further, traveling to places far and near, always returning with stories rich in history and culture and reflective of her fearless spirit and character. Even as age slowed her down, she never missed an opportunity to sing, laugh or share her observations, and opinions, with others.
While she was unconventional at times, much of her charm was linked to her unwavering pursuit of a wide assortment of fascinating ideas that her children accepted as “normal”. Most who knew her would agree she was one of a kind... a true force of nature! Always up for a good time, she never refused an invitation to celebrate with family and friends, vacation in Naples, attend the theater or dine at one of her favorite restaurants.
Possessing the utmost integrity, she will be remembered for her sharp wit, uncanny wisdom, curious mind, quick sense of humor, fierce loyalty, creative spirit, and of course her strong ideals and beliefs. Her grace and en- during love have left an indelible mark on the lives she touched and her family will cherish and carry forward the life lessons and countless memories they built together.
Aldona never lost her zest for life. Described as a legend by many, Aldona passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, in the Milton home where she raised her children ... determined to do things her way to the very end.
Dear wife of the late Thomas (Thom) Robertson and sister to the late Edward Vito Zunaris.
Devoted mother to Donna Lee Robertson and her longtime partner Bill Raymer of Milton, Dale Byrne and her husband Bob of Canton/Duxbury, Thom Scott Robertson and his wife Robin of Hopkinton, and Deirdre (DeeDee) McWalter and her husband Rob of Bedford.
Loving grandmother to Brendan, Kristen, Brian, Catherine, Aleia, Jillian and Ryan. Proud great-grandmother to Rosie, Olivia, Blayke, Dorothy and Trey. Family was everything to Moy and she felt privileged to include Peter Tufts and his wife Lisa, and Mary Woodleigh and her partner, Rob Amendolaro in the later years of her life.
Relatives and friends are invited to a visitation from 1-2 pm at St. Peter’s Lithuanian Church at 75 Flaherty Way, South Boston on January 21, 2023. A Funeral Mass will take place at 2 pm at the same location.
A Celebration of Life will take place at 4pm following the Mass. We invite all who shared in Aldona’s life to come celebrate her legacy.
Moy’s wish was to have her life remembered and celebrated with food, drink, music and laughter!
In lieu of flowers, for those who wish, donations would be appreciated in Aldona’s memory to St. Peter’s Lithuanian Church or the Milton Animal Shelter.
• St. Peter Lithuanian Church (Please specify to Aldona’s memory in notation box on donation page) OR mailed to St. Peter, PO Box 270799, South Boston, MA 02127.
• Milton Animal Shelter OR mailed to Milton Animal Shelter, 181 Governor Stoughton Lane, Milton, MA 02186.