Carmela Signori Kerrigan, of Dedham, formerly of Mattapan and Westwood, passed away peacefully on December 1, 2025 at the Faulkner Hospital in Jamaica Plain.

She was born on July 5, 1928 in Boston, Massachusetts and was raised in the close-knit family oriented community of Mattapan and educated in the Boston Public Schools. Carmela was the matriarch of a large, loving family. She was the beloved wife of John Joseph Kerrigan , and together they shared over fifty years of a special loving relationship. Carmela was a devoted mother to Claire Kerrigan Dix and her husband George of Newbury, John Joseph Kerrigan and his wife Jeanne of Stoughton, Paul Eugene Kerrigan and his wife Karen of Dedham, and Carol Ann Kerrigan and her partner Jack Scully of Pawtucket RI. All of her Signori siblings have predeceased her. She is survived by her sister-in-law Kathleen Kerrigan Cappuccino of Westwood.

Carmela’s legacy includes a lineage of 10 grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren, each of whom brought great joy to her. She was also a beloved aunt to many nieces and nephews who will undoubtedly remember her for her warmth, generosity and love. For Carmela, family was everything.

Carmela maintained an active and community involved life. In her early married life she was an active member of the Italian Club and the Ladies’ Sodality of St Angela’s Church in Mattapan; she was an avid learner, always taking course of all sorts; later, after moving to Westwood, Carmela continued her involvement in community activities being mostly involved in the Garden Club. Her yard was always a showcase for her gardening skills. Upon their retirement Carmela and John moved to Dedham where Carmela continued her involvement in town activities which included Church activities, two garden clubs; volunteering in the pubic schools, volunteering at Dedham Town Hall, the Dedham American Legion Auxiliary and enjoying activities with the COA. Carmela loved this country; she was very interested in history and she shared her many books and sayings with her children, grandchildren and great-grand children. Her devotion to the Poor Clares is something she cherished above all, continuing the legacy of her devoted sister, Sr Mary Angela, a unique and devoted person in the lives of us all.

Her active involvement in her community and her love of her Faith, Family, Flag, Friends and Flowers is what ultimately kept her busy even into her very late years.

Her impact on family and friends will continue. We all can take solace in that she lived a long, full and beautiful life. She will be deeply missed, but never forgotten. She modeled humility, generosity, kindness and selflessness.

Visiting hours are at the Alfred Thomas Funeral Home in Milton on Monday, 12/8 from 2:00 to 6:00. On Tuesday 12/9 the Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St Anne’s Church in Readville on 90 W. Milton St at 10:00 after which the internment will take place in New Calvary Cemetery, Boston. In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Poor Clare Monastery which is located at 590 Gay St in Westwood, MA. 02090. Website: poorclarenunsboston.org