Edith “Edie” Marjorie (Luna) Bilotta died peacefully in her sleep on March 9, 2023, at Villa Crest Nursing Home & Retirement Center, Manchester, NH at the age of 100. Born December 24, 1922 in Somerville, MA to Marion Augusta (Quail) Luna and Anthony Borges Luna. She shared 71 years of marriage with the late James A. (Jim) Bilotta and together they raised six children and cared for a number of foster children. Their first home was in Arlington, MA where Edie was a cub scout den mother. Next their growing family moved to Burlington, MA where they enjoyed front row seats to the annual 4th of July parade, among other community events and world travels. Edie had a lengthy career working for Jordan Marsh & Company prior to her retirement; after which a move to Morrill Pond in Maine inspired the production of painted wooden loons — a bird which mates for life, much like Edie and Jim. The soulmates ultimately lived the longest in Derry, NH and were members of St. Thomas Aquinas Church where Edie served in the Tabernacle Society.
A self-taught painter, Edie loved music, sewing, gardening, cooking, traveling, bowling, and more than anything, hosting large family gatherings with her children, extended family, and friends. For decades Edie and Jim collaborated to create and sell wooden toys and other crafts at area craft fairs, to the delight of all who were graced by their warm smiles and contagious laughter; always in abundance as Edie had a wonderful sense of humor.
Edie was a friend to, and loved by, countless family and friends. She will truly be missed.
She leaves her children Richard Bilotta and wife Terri, Stephen Bilotta and wife Andrea, Kenneth Bilotta and his partner, Annie Pare, and Marion Bilotta Case. Edie was predeceased by her sons, George Owen and Bill Owen, her sister Eleanor Wilhelmi and brother, Charles Luna. She also leaves her nephew and godson, David Wilhelmi and niece, Marie DeLuca and husband, Paul, and cousins Lenny Quail and his wife, Cami, and Susan Quail. Edie also leaves many treasured grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.
The family wishes to express heartfelt gratitude to Villa Crest Nursing Home staff for the exceptional care they provided over the final years of Edie’s life.
Calling hours will be held on Monday, March 20, 2023 from 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM at Peabody Funeral Home, 15 Birch St., Derry, NH. Funeral service to follow at 11:30 AM at the funeral home. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, consider a donation in Edie’s memory to a charity of your choice, and remember to live by the golden rule and treat others as you wish to be treated.