Obituary of Johanna Aurilio

Johanna M. Aurilio, a woman who loved her family, friends, and neighbors, passed away at her home surrounded by her family on Sunday afternoon, March 11, 2012. She was 72 years old. Johanna was born in Boston, the daughter of the late Joseph and Edna Berardi. She grew up in Somerville and was a graduate of Somerville High School. She married her husband Robert F. Aurilio and they moved to Burlington to raise their 2 children. Johanna, or as her family called her “The Queen” spent her life giving of herself to her family and friends. She loved her family more than life itself. Her home was her Palace and her kitchen was her throne. She expressed her love thru her food. Guests were always welcomed with the words “Did you eat yet” and have a seat at the kitchen table. No one ever left her home hungry that was even true for any repairman at her home on a service call, which always lasted longer than necessary. She loved to laugh, smile, entertain, and share your company. She was simply a fun person, who enriched the lives of all those she met. Johanna had a number of interests outside her kitchen. She was a member of the Neighborhood Red Hats. She enjoyed working around her flower gardens. She performed in the Knights of Columbus Minstrel Shows. She loved going on cruises with her husband and friends. She was proud of how she decorated and maintained her home. She liked anything that glittered or sparkled. She was truly a special person and will be deeply missed by all her family and friends. Johanna was the beloved wife of Robert F. Aurilo. She was the loving mother of Dianne Aurilio-Luther of Burlington & her fiancé Dennis Courtney and Robert C. Aurilio & his wife Dorothy of Billerica. Johanna was the twin sister of Maria Di Russo of Burlington and also the sister of Karl Berardi & his wife Mary of Bedford, NH. Grandmother of Tom Luther, Noelle DeFrancesco, and Robby Aurilio. Niece of Annie Schiappa of Burlington. Also survived by many cousins and friends. Funeral from the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., Burlington (Exit 34 off Rt. 128, Woburn side) on Thursday, March 15 at 9 a.m. Followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Malachy’s Church 99 Bedford St. at 10 a.m. Visiting hours Wednesday from 4-8 p.m. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Johanna’s name may be made to the Lahey Clinic Medical Center, c/o Philanthropy, (Direct Funds to the Sophia Gordon Cancer Center) 41 Mall Road, Burlington, MA 01805.