Doris S. diCiero Obituary (1941 - 2024)

Doris E. Sielian (Najarian) diCiero, 82, a longtime resident of Chelmsford, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 7, 2024 at DYouville Senior Care Center, Lowell, surrounded by her loving family. She was the beloved wife of the late Henry Sielian and S. Anthony (Sal) diCiero. She was born in Newton on June 18, 1941, and was the daughter of the late Haig and Josephine (Rice) Najarian. She was raised in Watertown MA, where she lived until she and her first husband and the father of her three children, Hank, moved to Chelmsford. Doris effortlessly made friends wherever she went. Her warmth and remarkable sense of humor have left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to have met her. Despite working as his secretary at International Shoe Machine Corporation, Doriss first husband, Hank, was not immune to her charm. He continued asking her on dates until he won her over. Eventually they were married and had three beautiful children together. Hank suffered a devastating stroke when the kids were young, but Doris cared for him at home for ten years. Hank required a great deal of care, but Doris did everything she could to give her children as normal a childhood as possible. When Hank passed, Doris went back to work, first managing a small childrens clothing store, and then as a paralegal for attorney Eli Rostler and then at Donahue & Donahue, both in Lowell. Doris was much more than a paralegal, she was also a talented cook and baker, gardener, needleworker, ballroom dancer, crafter, and traveler. She was fiercely independent, and capable of anything she set her mind to - even belly dancing and boxing. Most people get one great love in their life, but Doris had two. Doris met her second husband, Sal, on a blind date set up by her daughter and a friend. Sal almost did not call Doris for a second date because he knew they would become something serious and he was not sure what he wanted, but it seemed he figured it out because he thankfully did call for that second date. Doris found her traveling companion and sailboat captain in Sal, and they shared many wonderful and adventurous years together. Doris had 8 grandchildren and relished her role as their beloved Grammie. She hosted frequent sleepovers with movies, ice cream, and cinnamon toast for breakfast. She provided daycare, attended school and extracurricular events, joined family vacations and continued the tradition of Grammie Dinner Night that was created by her mother. Every Thursday, Doriss children and their families came together at her home for an evening of good food, love and laughter. Throughout her life, Doris embodied selflessness and love as a devoted caregiver. From a young age, alongside her sister Marian, she cared for their younger brother Georgie, who had Down's Syndrome. Doris continued her compassionate role, providing care for Hank after his stroke, supporting Sal during his battle with liver disease, and welcoming her 100-year-old mother in when she could no longer manage on her own. In 2014, Doris faced her own health challenges with a diagnosis of Parkinson's, later compounded by the devastating news of a rare neurodegenerative disease called Progressive Supranuclear Palsy in 2019. During this difficult time, Julie and Susan took on the role of caregivers, honored to reciprocate the care Doris had given throughout her life. Once her needs exceeded their capabilities, Doris found comfort and love from her caregivers at the D'Youville Life and Wellness Community. Throughout these trials, she continued to share her infectious laugh and find moments of joy, showcasing her undeniable resilience and fighting spirit until almost the very end. Doriss greatest treasure was her family. She leaves behind her children, Michael Sielian and his wife Martina of Westford, Susan McCormack and her husband Michael of Chelmsford, Julie Penney of Merrimack and Peter Penney of Rochester, NH, and her stepdaughter Martha Starkey and her husband George of Londonderry. She was the loving Grammie of Katherine Starkey of Londonderry, Meaghan McCormack of South Boston, Alyssa Penney of Merrimack, Shailagh McCormack of Somerville, Nicole Penney of Merrimack, and Jack, Elizabeth and Benjamin Sielian of Westford. Additionally, Doris leaves behind her cherished and dearly beloved best friend of 68 years, Carole Nason of Watertown, whose friendship was a source of enduring warmth and joy throughout Doriss life, as well as countless extended family and friends. She will be dancing in heaven with her parents, Haig and Josephine (Rice) Najarian, her sister Marian Hurd, her brother Georgie, her first husband Henry Sielian, her second husband S. Anthony (Sal) diCiero, her stepson Peter diCiero and his wife Nancy. We all love you buckets, pails and dump trucks full, Grammie! Visiting hours will be held on Monday, February 12, 2024 from 4 7 pm at the Blake Chelmsford Funeral Home, 24 Worthen St., Chelmsford. Her funeral service will be held on Wednesday, February 14, at 11 am at the Funeral Home. Interment to follow in Pine Ridge Cemetery, Chelmsford. Memorial donations may be made in her name to Cure PSP at curepsp.org. Service Details Visitation When February 12, 2024 4:00pm - 7:00pm Location Blake Chelmsford Funeral Home Address 24 Worthen Street Chelmsford, MA 01824 Funeral Service When February 14, 2024 11:00am Location Blake Chelmsford Funeral Home Address 24 Worthen Street Chelmsford, MA 01824 Interment When February 14, 2024 Location Pine Ridge Cemetery Address 130 Billerica Road CHELMSFORD, MA 01824