Obituary of Mary Diane Ciampa

     Mary “Diane” Ciampa, a retired hairdresser, passed away after a long illness on Saturday night, November 3, 2018. She was 76 years old.  Diane was born and raised in Somerville.  She was one of 7 children born to the late Howard M. and Mary Leah Martell.  She was a graduate of Somerville High School as well as attending hairdressing school at the urging or her mother, who saw that Diane may have had a talent for.  Hairdressing school was a very important part of her life;  not only did she learn a skill in a profession she enjoyed, but she also met the person who would prove to be her true soulmate, a fellow classmate Michael Ciampa.  They were married in 1964 and settled in Stoneham in 1965.  Michael’s parents, who were also hairstylists, owned 5 beauty shops, called Fred’s Salons.  Being a family business, Diane and Michael were called to work in whatever locations needed assistance.  Her favorites were the shops in West Medford and Billerica.  She took a break from the salons when she became a mother.  She then ended her career working for Mario’s in Stoneham.  After formally retiring, family and friends would come by her home when they needed their hair styled.  It was hard for her to say no to anyone and kept cutting hair even with the constant pain of her rheumatoid arthritis. 

     Diane was a person devoted to all her family,  she was always there for everyone including caring of her mother in her later years as well as caring for her husband, Michael when he was ill.  She was always there to help her daughters in whatever they needed.  She was a supportive and loving mother, who enjoyed going shopping and lunch with her girls as well as watching over her grandchildren when her daughters worked.  She was also a fun and loving “Mimi” to her 3 grandchildren.  She took them on little adventures to the park with Papa, Chuck E. Cheese, shopping, long rides, and countless other fun and exciting exploits.   Diane and Michael loved going on cruises to warm weather destinations with their friends.  In 2006, they took their entire family on a cruise and after Michael’s passing, she once again packed up the family and did one last cruise.  Seeing her children and grandchildren smile and laugh made Diane’s life complete.  As the devastating effects of rheumatoid arthritis made her final years difficult, it was her daughters and grandchildren whom cared for and sustained her until she could go no further. Diane leaves her family with cherished memories that will remain in their hearts and minds forever and can never be forgotten.

          Diane was the beloved wife of the late Michael R.  Loving mother of Danielle Peacock of Stoneham and Michelle Puleo & her husband Chuck of Woburn. Proud grandmother of Samantha & Nicholas Puleo and Michael Peacock.    Sister of Howard Martell, Jr. of Naples, Florida, Elaine Fowler of Derry, NH, Timothy Martell of North Andover and the late Grace Madden, Brian and Raymond Martell.   Sister-in-law of Debbie and Peggy Martell.  Diane is also survived by her best friend for many years Mary Bucci.    Visiting hours will be held at the Edward V Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., BURLINGTON (Exit 34 off Rt. 128/95 Woburn side) on Tuesday, Nov. 6 from 3-7 p.m.   Funeral Services and Burial will be private.   Flowers and memorials in Diane’s name may be made to the Rheumatoid Arthritis Foundation, 8815 Conroy Windermere Rd., Suite 309, Orlando, FL 32835  www.helpfightra.org