Published in the May 21, 2018 edition.
WAKEFIELD — Lena A. “Palmira” Peach, 81, a longtime resident of Wakefield, died Saturday, May 19, at her residence.
Born in Avellino, Italy on August 16, 1936, she was the daughter of the late Luigi and Carmella (Della Polla) Perillo.
Lena was born and raised in Italy before moving to the United States with her family at the age of 12. The family first settled in the North End of Boston before making their home in Wakefield.
While walking around Lake Quannapowitt with her sister in 1956, Lena met the love of her life, John A. Peach. They were married in 1958 and began their family in Wakefield. Together they were members of St. Florence Church.
She loved to entertain family and friends at her home and enjoyed the opportunity to cook for them. She was also very philanthropic, crocheting hats for those in need and donating them to Lazarus House in Lawrence.
Above all, she cherished her family, most especially time spent with her grandchildren. Lena was the matriarch of the family.
She was the beloved wife of John A. Peach, with whom she shared 59 loving years of marriage. She was the loving mother of Diane Cahill and her husband Brian of Marblehead and Denise Peach and Patty Baker of Townsend. She was the cherished sister of Connie Cooney of Wakefield, Mary Ann Forsyth of Peabody, Linda Furrier and her husband Mike of Reading, Nancy Mahoney and her husband Bob of Wakefield, and the late Louie Perillo. She was the adoring grandmother of Nicole, Erin, and Megan Cahill and Matthew Baker. She is also survived by her sister-in-law Cindy Perillo of Kennebunk, Maine; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Her funeral will be held from the McDonald Funeral Home, 19 Yale Ave., Wakefield on Thursday at
9 a.m. followed by a funeral Mass in St. Florence Church, 47 Butler Ave., Wakefield at 10 a.m.
Interment, Forest Glade Cemetery, Wakefield.
Visitation for relatives and friends will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
