Some people pass through the world, and some people embrace it. Rosalie Pavia, a lifelong resident of Framingham, who died on Thursday, February 19, 2026, embraced it.
Born on March 29, 1929, to Rose (Pascucci) Trudeau and Edward Trudeau, Rosalie entered the world as an only child — but she would spend the rest of her life making sure she was never alone, and neither was anyone else.
She never met a stranger. She smiled at the world, and more often than not, it smiled right back.
Rosalie graduated from Framingham High School and went on to attend The School of Fashion and Design in Boston. Even as a young woman, her remarkable talent was evident — one of her original designs was selected to be featured in a New York Fashion Show, a recognition that reflected both her creativity and dedication.
She was an extraordinary seamstress, designing bridal gowns and sewing clothing for her daughters with loving precision. But her artistry extended far beyond fabric. She had an intuitive eye for beauty — rooms came alive under her touch. She didn’t simply decorate a house; she created a home.
And what a home it was.
It was a place of open doors and open arms. Neighbors stopped by freely. Friends gathered often. Everyone felt welcome.
Rosalie fell in love with her childhood sweetheart, Edward Pavia. Together they built a life grounded in partnership, hard work, and vision. They were married for 67 years. Long before it became popular, they flipped homes — blending her eye for design with his strengths in a way that made them an exceptional team. They balanced each other beautifully. In retirement, they split their time between Cape Cod and Florida, embracing the water, the warmth, and the simple joy of being together, making friends everywhere they went and leaving their mark on both communities.
Family was her heartbeat.
She leaves behind her three daughters: Lisa Verrochi and her husband Mark Verrochi, of whom she considered a son, of Hopkinton Ma. Beth Pavia Countryman and her husband Bill Countryman of North Topsail, NC; and Tara Pavia of Holliston MA.
She was the proud grandmother of six grandchildren: Nicholas Verrochi, Jennifer Verrochi, Meghan Donlin, Brenna Maguire, Emma Lynch, and Anthony Lynch.
She was also blessed with two great-granddaughters, Charlie and Delaney Donlin, who brought her immense joy and represent the continuation of her beautiful legacy.
Rosalie was frugal yet endlessly generous. Fiercely independent yet always available at a moment’s notice. Strong-willed but tender-hearted.
She loved the beach and being near the water. If there was music playing, she would be dancing. She lived life her way — unapologetically and joyfully.
Even in her final chapter, Rosalie continued doing what she had always done: making friends. The caregivers and companions who surrounded her loved her. Connection was her quiet superpower.
She showed us that giving does not require recognition. That hospitality is an art. That selflessness is strength. That family is everything.
Rosalie didn’t just raise daughters — she raised women who know how to love fiercely, gather people, create beauty, and stand strong in the world.
Her life was not defined by accolades — though she had them. It was defined by presence.
She created beauty.
She created belonging.
She created love.
And that love will continue — in every gathering, every shared meal, every dance in the kitchen, every thoughtfully arranged room, and every stranger turned friend.
If there is music where she is now, we know she is dancing.
Family and friends are invited to honor and remember Rosalie’s life by celebrating her Funeral Mass in St. Tarcisius Church, 562 Waverly St. Framingham, on Friday morning, February 27th at 11 o’clock. Interment will be private.
A proud member, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Rosalie’s name to the Framingham Heart Study, https://www.framinghamheartstudy.org/
To share a memory with Rosalie’s family, kindly visit www.nortonfuneralhome.com
McCarthy, McKinney & Lawler Funeral Home