Norma Iris Ayala
Well known and loved by many people in East Boston and Revere
Norma Iris (Torres-Miranda) Ayala of Revere, a long time resident of East Boston, passed away from a brief illness in the early morning hours of July 12, at the age of 71.
Born on July 24, 1945 in Puerto Rico, she was raised in an orphanage by nuns where she received her strong religious teachings. In 1966, she moved to the United States. Many of you may know her by her cheerful “Hellos” and “God Bless You.” She called everyone by either “Bella” or “Bello.” And you may have received a four leaf clover from her as she explained in her typed biblical interpretation that she had attached to the clover.
She served on the board of directors for the East Boston Area Planning Action Council, Inc. She volunteered as a greeter at the East Boston Neighborhood Health Center and she worked at Deaconess Hospital as a translator for the Hispanic community. She was well known and loved by many people.
She enjoyed the summer music series which takes place at the American Legion in Revere. She had looked forward each year for this summer music event. She enjoyed dancing, greeting friends, and the lively atmosphere. Last Sunday, on July 9, upon listening to the music, her desire was so great that she asked her daughter Ann to please wheel her in her wheelchair so that she could see old friends while participating in the event.
She will always be known for her loving and caring demeanor for everyone she met as well as for the abundant four leaf clovers she passed out to all who met her.
She will be mourned as a mother, grandmother, friend, and an always present member of the city and church communities.
As a mother. she will always be remembered as courageous, strong, loving, nurturing and as an independent survivor who had a heart after God. She always encouraged and blessed her daughters with the Lord and prayed with them and for them.
She was the beloved and devoted mother of Katherine Donaldson, Ann Vincenzo, Iris Santana (Aka Normita), Levia Grace Fox (Janette). Also survived by grandchildren, Paul Vincenzo, Christopher Wright, Andrew Right, Lexus Ayala, Lorne Donaldson, and Samuel Fox.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 22 at 12 noon at The First Congregational Church, 230 Beach St, Revere. Should any friends decide, a financial contribution will be greatly appreciated.
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Theresa Meads
Co-founder of the “Forever Young Group”
Theresa M. (Poto) Meads, a five year Middleton resident and a former longtime East Boston and Revere resident, passed unexpectedly on Tuesday, July 11 after being stricken at her home and taken to Beverly Hospital.
Born and raised in East Boston, she was a graduate of Fitton Catholic Central High School, Class of 1953. Theresa and her late husband, Stanley lived in East Boston, then moved to Revere for over 45 years before moving to Middleton about five years ago.
Mrs. Meads was a stay at home mom, serving and spoiling her husband and two sons daily. Her ability to spoil and indulge was not confined to her immediate family. Grandchildren, and now especially her dear great granddaughter, Mia Rose, have also been the recipients of her never ending love and attention.
Theresa thoroughly enjoyed her family. Among her epiphanies in life, five years ago, when she relocated to Middleton, she came upon St. Agnes Church in Middleton. This chapel-like Parish became a tremendous source of comfort, peace and joy for her and the rest of the family. Her late husband, Stanley J. Meads, who died on August 22, 2014, passed following a very long and agonizing period of declining health and without the nurturing and comfort that St. Agnes Parish and their community provided, the struggle would have been impossible. Her kindness and overwhelming generosity to St. Agnes is rather unique and inspiring.
The cherished mother of Gary J. Meads and his wife, Patricia of Revere and Mark M. Meads, the Proprietor of Rapid Flow, Inc. and his wife, Roberta of Middleton, she was the devoted grandmother of Amanda M. Meads and Mark A. Meads, both of Middleton; dear sister to Philomena Betano and her late husband, Roy of East Boston, Eleanor T. Hitchings and her late Husband, Kenneth of Revere. She is also lovingly survived by her sisters-in-law; Philomena “Philly” Meads of East Boston and Theresa Merino of Peabody. “GGT” also leaves her precious great-granddaughter Mia Rose, many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews and her dear friends, Rosemary “Buzzy “Russo” and her husband, Joseph of Winchester, and a special remembrance to Theresa’s late canine companion “Teddy.”
Funeral arrangements were by the Vertuccio & Smith Home for Funerals, Revere. Interment services were held privately.In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Restoration Fund at St. Agnes Church, 22 Boston St., Middleton, MA 01949-2199. For additional information, please visit www.vertuccioandsmith.com.