Dolores Ferrari Agostinelli, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on April 18, 2024, at the age of 90. Born on January 20, 1934, in Framingham, Massachusetts, Dolores was the daughter of Arnoldo and Louise (Agostini) Ferrari, both from northern Italy. Known affectionately as ‘Lol’ by her close friends and family, Dolores embodied a spirit of joy and camaraderie from a young age. She spent her formative years together with her brothers Arnold and Charles. She graduated from Framingham High School in 1951, where she played basketball and formed lifelong friendships with teammates and classmates alike.
Following high school, Dolores earned a degree from Tufts’ Forsyth School of Dentistry and embarked on a career as a dental hygienist. Her passion for life extended beyond her professional achievements; she was an avid skier and golfer, celebrated for once achieving a hole-in-one. Dolores also possessed a profound love for classical music, playing the piano and attending symphony and opera performances regularly. She also was a sports fan following many teams.
Dolores cherished her time at the family’s summer camp in Maine, where she appreciated the beautiful sunsets, warm waters, and lengthy boat rides. It was there that she drew inspiration for her watercolor paintings, which continue to adorn the homes of family and friends. She also enjoyed driving her convertible MG sports car, adding a touch of thrill and adventure to her life.
In 1961, Dolores married Mario Agostinelli. Together, they built a modest home in Sherborn, MA, where they raised their four children: Peter, Carla, John, and Robert. Dolores was a remarkable cook, known for her Italian cuisine where many hours with the family were spent at dinner, often with spirited conversations. She and Mario provided their children with countless opportunities to explore the world, fostering a family environment filled with love, laughter, and learning.
Dolores traveled to Italy numerous times, accompanied by her husband, friends, and the entire family to visit relatives across the country, share in their traditions, and enjoy its beauty, architecture, art, and foods.
Her life was one of fulfillment and laughter; her sense of humor was subtle, and her wit was sharp. Her hobbies and artistic talents created a rich cultural backdrop for her family, helping turn many of her interests into cherished family traditions.
Dolores was predeceased by her parents, her beloved husband Mario, and brothers Arnold and Charles Ferrari. She leaves behind a legacy of love and kindness, survived by her children: Peter and his wife Maria (Moore) Agostinelli of Framingham, MA, Carla Goffe and her husband David of Fairfax, VA, John and his wife Lyn (Burke) Agostinelli of Franconia, NH, and Robert Agostinelli and his wife Kelly Fitch of Ashland, MA. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Enia (Agostinelli) Conti her husband Mario of Framingham, many nephews and nieces, extended family in Italy, and her grandchildren Sophia, Olivia, Luciano, Jenna, Amy, Peter, Emilia, Isabelle, Andre, and great-grandson Theo, with another great-grandchild on the way.
She was fortunate to have had the love and support of all of the nurses, aides, and staff at the Residence at Valley Farms in Ashland MA and Faith and Family Hospice, who were helpful, kind, and accommodating, and treated her like family.
Relatives and friends are kindly invited to a time of visitation on Saturday, May 4, 2024 at Norton Funeral Home, 53 Beech St. (Corner of Union Ave.), Framingham from 9:30 – 11:00AM, followed by her funeral service at 11:00AM at the funeral home. Burial will follow at St. Tarcisius Cemetery, 180 Winthrop Street, Framingham, MA .
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Micheal J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.
Chesmore Funeral Home