Dorothy A. (Wallenius) Ferranti, age 91, formerly of Concord, died peacefully at her residence while surrounded by family on Sunday, August 25, 2024. She was the wife of Charles F. Ferranti, who predeceased her in 2011. They were married for 57 years.
Dorothy was born and raised in Turner Falls. After graduating from Turners Falls High School, she attended nursing school at Massachusetts General Hospital. Following her marriage in 1954, she spent two years living in England while her husband served in the Air Force. In 1957, they returned to the United States and soon settled in Concord to raise a family.
A dedicated registered nurse, Dorothy worked at New England Deaconess in Concord for 27 years. She was devoted to caring for her patients and stayed up to date on medical research, often sharing her invaluable knowledge of health care with family and friends. For many years, she was also instrumental in the operation of the family’s camera store.
Dorothy had numerous interests and loved to learn. In addition to her passion for nursing, Dorothy was an avid birder and gardener. She enjoyed spending time at wildlife sanctuaries and sharing her love for birds and nature with others. She also enjoyed cooking, reading, knitting, sewing, home projects, and visiting museums. She was a mentor to many, offering advice and guidance with patience and grace. Many of her happiest days were spent at the family’s summer home in Marlborough, New Hampshire.
Dorothy leaves behind three children, Linda Ferranti-Nesbeda and her husband Peter of Marlborough, New Hampshire; Stephen Ferranti and his wife, Donna, of Bedford, New Hampshire; and David Ferranti and his wife, Joyce Chutchian-Ferranti, of Concord; her beloved grandchildren, Charles Ferranti and his wife, Evangelia Zgonis; Samuel Ferranti and his wife, Rebecca Tarling; Sara Ferranti, Marcus Ferranti, and Anthony Ferranti; two step-grandchildren, Hannah and Robin Nesbeda; a sister, Elinor Riley; a brother, Robert Wallenius, and his wife, Denise; a great-granddaughter, and several nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends are invited to gather for a period of visitation from 4:30 to 6 p.m., concluding with a 6 p.m. funeral service, on Thursday, August 29, at Dee Funeral Home, 27 Bedford Street. A reception and celebration of life will be held in October.
Dorothy’s family wishes to express gratitude to the staff at Brightview Assisted Living in Billerica and Beacon Hospice for their care and support.
In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Mass Audubon (www.massaudubon.org).
Arrangements are entrusted to Dee Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Concord. To share a remembrance or to offer a condolence in Dorothy’s online guestbook, please visit www.DeeFuneralHome.com.
