Obituary of Maryann Arsenault

Maryann Theresa Arsenault, a woman of deep faith, devoted to her family, passed away after a very long illness on Monday morning, March 20th. She was 85 years old. Maryann was born in Chelsea, one of three children born to Chester and Bertha Czarniawski. She grew up in Chelsea in a community filled with Polish immigrants, their food and traditions. She graduated from Chelsea High School. In 1950, she married William Joseph Arsenault. In 1957, they settled in Burlington to raise their 6 children. Maryann was a stay at home Mom and spent her entire life unselfishly caring for her husband and their children. She was a Cub Scout leader and taught catechism at home when her children were young. She was a talented cook. There were always delectable aromas coming from her kitchen. When cooking, she never used a cookbook or measuring cup. All her measurements and ingredients were from memory. Maryann had a strong faith. She was ecstatic about the selection of Pope John Paul II as the first Polish Pope and later when he was chosen for sainthood. Her home included a shrine for Pope John Paul II and she prayed for all those she loved. Maryann loved animals. Over the years she had the more traditional pets, including cats, dogs and birds. She also had a few unique pets such as squirrels, rabbits, chinchillas, and even a small alligator. Maryann was the beloved wife of the late William J. Loving mother of Patricia Chase of Melrose, Joseph & his wife Tina of Billerica, Mary Ellen Chesney & her husband Gary of Chester, NH, Juliana Monis-Centauro of Billerica, Robert & his wife Claire of Burlington, and William C. of Tewksbury. Sister of Robert Czarniawski of Peabody and Chester Czarniawski of Wakefield. Also survived by 13 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. Maryann was lovingly cared for by Paula Conway, Nelson Escalon, Shayna Swanson, and Darlene Soda. Funeral from the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., BURLINGTON (exit 34 off Rt. 128/95, Woburn side) on Friday, March 24 at 9 a.m. Followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Margaret’s Church, 111 Winn St., Burlington at 10 a.m. Visiting hours will be held at the funeral home on Thursday from 4-8 p.m. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited. Interment in Pine Haven Cemetery, Burlington. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Maryann’s name may be made to the MSPCA Angel, 350 South Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02130 or www.mspca.org. For directions obituary & online guestbook see www.stmargaretburlington.org or www.sullivanfuneralhome.net