Carmela Maria (Defilipo) Cerri, age 94, formerly of Lincoln and Stoughton, died on January 14, 2025, surrounded by her family and friends. Candy was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and a devoted and loyal friend.

Born on May 12, 1930 in Rumford, Maine to Giuseppe (Joe) and Ines Defilipo, Candy was raised in Readville, Massachusetts, as the oldest of three girls. One sister, Maria Falcione, lives in Canton, Mass. Her younger sister, Ida Hanlon, predeceased her.

Carmela married Theodore Cerri on June 8, 1952, the week before he was deployed to Korea. Their marriage has been a daily celebration ever since.

Candy and Ted raised two children in Stoughton, Mass, and, at age 40, she obtained her first driver's license and a degree in early childhood education. Candy worked as a teacher and as a director at The Creative Preschool in Stoughton for 15 years. She adored her students, and they adored her in return, often staying in contact for decades, sending her photos, letters, and cards.

Candy kept beautiful flower gardens and was fond of birds, especially chickadees. She loved to cook. No one ever went hungry in Candy's house. Meals were always prized moments to share company and love. Her gnocchi, cappelletti, and turkey stuffing were family favorites.

Candy was a president of both the Fieldbrook Young Women's Club (1960's) and the Stoughton Historical Society (1995-1999).

Candy is survived by the love of her life, her husband of 72 years, Theodore Cerri, and their two children: Jo Ann Cerri England (Dan England) and Michael Cerri (Judith Campos): her six grandchildren: Genevieve Rudolph (Andy Meisenheimer), Domenic Cerri (Mary Beth Grewe), Camila Campos-Cerri, Daniela Acosta Campos, Marie England Doe (Nic), and Theodore England; and her great grandchildren: August Rudolph, Eliana Acosta-Lopez, Isabel Grewe-Cerri, Raphael Grewe-Cerri, and Adeline Meisenheimer.

A private celebration of life will be held later this year. Interment will be at the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Winchendon.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes contributions to Good Shepherd Community Care, 160 Wells Avenue, Newton, Massachusetts 02459. Providing hospice and palliative care to our communities since 1978.

Arrangements are entrusted to Dee Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Concord.