Obituary: Marion D'Aveni, 83, of Arlington

The following is from DeVito Funeral Home.

Marion E. (Blomquist) D'Aveni, of Arlington and Marshfield, formerly of Cambridge, passed away to God on Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2013, at the age of 83.

Loving wife of the late Anthony R. for 61 years. Beloved mother of Richard D'Aveni of Hanover, N.H., Marion Imposimato of Arlington, James D'Aveni and his wife Maria of Peabody, Diane D'Amico and her husband Anthony of Weston, Mary Ellen D'Aveni of Marlborough, Anthony D'Aveni and his wife Mary Wanamaker of Paxton. Grandmother of Ross and Gina D'Aveni, Diana and Ryan Imposimato, Danielle and Matthew D'Aveni, Jonathan and Nicholas DellIsola. Sister of the late George, James and Charles Blomquist.

Funeral from the DeVitto-O'Donnell Funeral Home, 1145 Mass. Ave., ARLINGTON, Wednesday morning at 10, followed by a funeral mass at 11 in St. Agnes Church. Interment to follow St. Paul Cemetery, Arlington. Visiting on Tuesday 3-8 p.m.

Even in the 1950s, she was a progressive woman, successfully balancing career and family. She was a loving and devoted wife and mother, who supported her children and husband to be the best they could be. She gave meaning to the phrase: Behind every great person, there stands a great woman. Her keen intellect pushed her into a career in medicine. Starting as a registered nurse with surgical and intensive care specialties, she advanced to head nurse and Director of Nursing at several hospitals in the Boston area. Later she specialized in infection control, serving as the Director of Infection Control at two hospitals, where she hunted down disease and saved many lives from anti-biotic resistant bacteria. Even during her retirement when she was in her 70s and 80s, she kept her credentials current, kept up with the scientific literature and volunteered to work with the CDC and FEMA. She often responded to calls for help during disasters and epidemics. Our mother will forever be remembered in our hearts.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Marion's memory to: Salesian Missions 2 Lefevre Lane, New Rochelle, NY 10801-5710, www.salesianmissions.org. To send a condolence or for directions, visit devitofuneralhomes.com.