Obituary

Vilma Ferri Sullivan passed away on January 29, 2024.

Vilma is survived by her son Gene, his wife Tisha, her two grandchildren, Scott and Lillie, and several nieces and nephews. Vilma was preceded in death by her parents, Umberto and Giovanna Ferri, who were both born in Italy, her husband Gene, her daughter Joanne and her sister Anna.

Born in 1929, Vilma lived in East Boston until she graduated from high school, then lived the remainder of her life in Somerville. Much of her working career was spent at Tufts University where she was an editor for the school’s publications until her retirement in 2007. While working full-time there, she also earned a college degree at age 54. She was a life-long parishioner at St. Clement’s church.

Throughout her life, she taught others her hobby: arts & crafts. Early on, she taught children in the store she owned with her husband and taught adults at night at Somerville High School. More recently, she taught senior citizens at the Somerville Senior Center until age 89.

She was passionate about gardening. She was a certified Master Gardener, and she served as President of the Somerville Garden Club. She generously shared her knowledge, plants and time with others, often volunteering to beautify the city.

Vilma was an avid reader, loved to travel, enjoyed sharing her baked goods with friends and family and adored her cats. She loved hosting holidays and spending time with her friends.

A devoted and loving wife, she was the sole care-giver to her husband for many years after he became disabled, taking on full responsibility for raising her two young children and working full-time all the while. Likewise, she was a care-giver to her elderly parents for many years. As a labor of love, she published a cookbook of her mother’s Italian recipes, which she gave as gifts to family and friends.

She was a very proud grandmother, often taking her grandchildren along with her to her activities at the Somerville Museum and to plays at Tufts Arena Theater. She acted as their short-order cook during Sunday visits every week.

Vilma will be remembered for her seemingly boundless energy and enthusiasm. She considered herself blessed to have so many wonderful family members and countless friends through the years.

Vilma did not wish to have any kind of service. Her ashes will be scattered in the ocean in East Boston by her family. In lieu of flowers, those who wish to do so can make a donation to the Joanne Mary Sullivan Prize Fund @ Tufts University. Checks can be made payable to Tufts University and sent to Tufts University, Box 3306, Boston, MA 02241-3306.