Obituary of Ann Marie Kadilak

A full and loving life came to an end on January 29, 2026, when Ann Marie (Russo) Kadilak passed away after a long illness. A devoted and empathetic mother, sister, grandmother, aunt, and friend, Ann Marie will be missed by everyone who ever had the good fortune to know her.

One of two children born in Boston to Paul and Augustina Russo, Ann Marie enjoyed a wonderful childhood growing up in Arlington and was a graduate of Arlington High School, Class of 1965. She went on to earn her nursing degree from Winthrop Community Hospital and worked as a Licensed Practical Nurse at Symmes Hospital in her hometown of Arlington until she began raising her family. 

Ann Marie met her husband, Joe, when he was stationed at Hanscom Air Force Base in Bedford. A whirlwind romance blossomed, and they were soon engaged. She anxiously waited for Joe’s safe return during his deployment to Vietnam, and they were married shortly after. The two wed on August 4, 1968, while Joe was still in the military, and began their family in Arlington. In 1977, the family moved to their home in Burlington, where they created a lifetime of memories together.

Ann Marie ran her home with quiet strength and dedication, tending to her children’s needs, caring for their bumps and bruises, and driving them to countless activities and sporting events. She cherished the simple moments of motherhood. Something as modest as a bouquet of dandelions made her feel appreciated and loved. She was a wonderful cook, preparing traditional Italian dishes just as her mother had. 

She raised her children to be independent, kind, and charitable. While she managed the household, her husband Joe always stood beside her in all matters concerning their children. The family shared vacations to New Hampshire and Maine, along with many trips to Pennsylvania to visit Joe’s family. Her greatest accomplishments were her children, and her greatest joy was her grandchildren, whom she adored.

After her children were in school, Ann Marie returned to the workforce, working in several doctors’ offices, providing childcare, and even attending floral design school, an interest that continued throughout her life. The Kadilak home was seldom without a fresh bouquet of lavender or peach roses. 

Those close to her will remember Ann Marie as a kind, thoughtful, and gentle soul whose care for her loved ones superseded all else. She always had a nonjudgmental ear to lend and kept up with her friends and family even when health challenges limited her ability to get out into the community. She showed deep empathy not only to those she loved but also to strangers. She was extremely charitable and supported many causes dear to her heart. Ann Marie also derived great joy from caring for her many canine companions over the years.

Despite a long struggle with health issues, Ann Marie’s faith remained steadfast. She was a longtime parishioner of St. Margaret’s Church, and when she was no longer able to attend in person, she frequently watched Mass on television.

Ann Marie was the loving wife of the late Joseph G. Kadilak, Jr.; the proud mother and mother-in-law of Jennifer Kadilak & her wife Carol Laboy of Malden; Joseph Kadilak, III, & his wife Nanette of Ayer; Paul Kadilak & his wife Susan of Burlington; and Jon Kadilak & his wife Nicci of Burlington. She was the proud grandmother of Sofia, Alexis, Ryan, Domenica, Ethan, Maya, Colton, Hannah, Noah, and the late Eva Madeline Kadilak. She was the sister of Charles Russo & his wife Judi of Methuen and sister-in-law to Lynne McElveen. She was also the sister-in-law of Daniel & Linda Kadilak; George & Paula Kadilak; Michael Kadilak & the late Vicky; Patrick & Eileen Kadilak; and Richard Haag & his late wife, Margaretta Fischer. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews. 

Friends and family are invited to pay their final respects during visiting hours, which will be held at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn Street, Burlington, on Thursday, February 5 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at St. Margaret Church in St. Veronica Parish, 111 Winn Street, Burlington, at noon for those who wish to attend. Services will conclude with a burial at Pine Haven Cemetery in Burlington, where Ann Marie will be laid to rest next to her devoted husband Joe Kadilak, Jr., who provided her with loving care until his passing in 2020.

Memorials in Ann Marie’s name may be made to Mercy Ships, partner.mercyships.org, or the Greater Boston Food Bank, gbfb.org.