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Elaine A. “Honey” (Benedetto) Thomas

Elaine A. “Honey” (Benedetto) Thomas, died on Friday, April 17th, 2020 at the Katzman Center for the Living in Chelsea, she was 81 years old. Elaine’s death comes just 11 days after her husband’s passing on April 6th. The couple shared 53 years of marriage.

Elaine was born & raised in Chelsea. She was an alumna of Chelsea High School, Class of 1956. Elaine married to Lee F. Thomas, on April 16, 1966 and the couple made their home in Revere where raised their daughter Leigh Anne. Elaine was a dedicated wife, mother and daughter caring for her family throughout her life. She worked in the Guidance Department at Martignon High School in Cambridge where she valued the many friendships she made over the years. Elaine was affectionately known as “Honey”, a nickname that portrayed her personality for the loving & graceful ways she lived her life and through her faith. She was a cherished member of St. Mary’s Church in Revere. Elaine enjoyed shopping and spending time with her family and lunches with her friends.

She is the beloved wife of 53 years to the late Lee F. Thomas. Proud & loving mother of the late Leigh Anne (Thomas) Zarella. Devoted daughter of the late Anthony T. & Dorothy F. (McCarthy) Benedetto. Dear sister of the late Thomas G. Benedetto & his wife Evelyn Benedetto of Revere & Robert A. Benedetto, & his late wife Joan.  Adored surrogate grandmother of Mark V. & Michael R. Zarrella, both of Woodcliff, NY & the cherished aunt of Robin M. Brickley & her husband Craig of South Yarmouth, formerly of Everett. She is also lovingly survived by her loyal and kind caregiver, Guerdy Pierre of Medford and many lifelong loving friends, nieces & nephews. The family extends a heartfelt appreciation to the staff of the Katzman Family Center for Living for their kindness and care of Elaine as well as the Leonard Florence Memory Care staff for the years of care and kindness they afforded Elaine.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be to the Katzman Family Center for Living, 17 Lafayette Ave., Chelsea, MA 02150.

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3 Messages Send your condolences
  1. Michael Zarrella
    Apr 22 2020

    Love you Elaine. Your positivity and care for others was something I always looked up to and appreciated. I look back on our memories with a bunch of joy and am happy you, Lee and Leigh Ann are together today. I wrote a song for Leigh Ann a while back but never recorded it. Here it is for you (Free Bird Take Flight – https://youtu.be/Fl23H0SvYNg). Your unconditional love I am sure helped Leigh Ann be the free and loving person she was, which we were lucky enough to enjoy and learn as well. Rest In Peace. Love you. – Michael

  2. Mark Zarrella
    Apr 21 2020

    Elaine –

    You were always such a selfless person, it was truly inspiring to be around. You did a great job with Lee and Leigh Ann. Thank you for all the memories you left with us.

    Love, Mark

  3. Ronnie Zarrella
    Apr 21 2020

    Just wanted to say that you were a very special and caring person from the first day I met you. You were a terrific mother-in-law and a fantastic grandmother to both Mark and Michael. I will always remember our times with Leigh An, you, Lee, and myself. We had so many fun times together and special times that I will always cherish. Losing Leigh Ann was a deeply painful experience for you and the whole family. It comes with a hurricane of emotions, processing, and reflection. Although, Leigh Ann was taken from us way too early, I was grateful for being part of her life, and yours. I love you all then, and I will forever. May you rest in peace Elaine. – Love always, Ronnie.

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To all our families, friends, and residents of Revere, East Boston, and surrounding communities of the North Shore,

We would like to announce that after 37 years of caring for thousands of families at our 773 Broadway location, on January 31st, 2023 we will be officially RELOCATING, to our new location at 262 Beach St., Revere.
On September 30th, 2022, we proudly purchased the Vazza “Beechwood” Funeral Home – DiPietro and Vazza, Inc. A name that has served families for 102 years. We feel blessed that with all of the interest, the Vazza Family chose us to carry on their century old business and family name. We will become Vertuccio Smith & Vazza, Beechwood Home for Funerals. We will continue to honor the Vazza name and continue our commitment the same way that we always have. We also look forward to having both Louis Vazza and Jessica Vazza Ferragamo alongside of us, as we come together as one.
Our reputation has always been our biggest asset. For many years people always wanted us to have a larger facility, now our facility is the largest funeral home in the area. We will be making many beautiful upgrades to allow our families to have the most elegant facility to honor their loved one.
Although this announcement is bittersweet, as we say goodbye to our home, we are forever grateful for all of you for placing your constant faith and trust in us to care for your loved one. We will continue to do what we are best known for.
Thank you for your friendship and continued support.
God bless you all.
Faithfully,

Your friends at Vertuccio Smith and Vazza.

To all our families, friends, and residents of Revere, East Boston, and surrounding communities of the North Shore,

We would like to announce that after 37 years of caring for thousands of families at our 773 Broadway location, on January 31st, 2023 we will be officially RELOCATING, to our new location at 262 Beach St., Revere.

On September 30th, 2022, we proudly purchased the Vazza “Beechwood” Funeral Home – DiPietro and Vazza, Inc. A name that has served families for 102 years. We feel blessed that with all of the interest, the Vazza Family chose us to carry on their century old business and family name. We will become Vertuccio Smith & Vazza, Beechwood Home for Funerals. We will continue to honor the Vazza name and continue our commitment the same way that we always have. We also look forward to having both Louis Vazza and Jessica Vazza Ferragamo alongside of us, as we come together as one.

Our reputation has always been our biggest asset. For many years people always wanted us to have a larger facility, now our facility is the largest funeral home in the area. We will be making many beautiful upgrades to allow our families to have the most elegant facility to honor their loved one.

Although this announcement is bittersweet, as we say goodbye to our home, we are forever grateful for all of you for placing your constant faith and trust in us to care for your loved one. We will continue to do what we are best known for.

Thank you for your friendship and continued support.

God bless you all.

Faithfully,

Your friends at Vertuccio Smith and Vazza.