Norine (Kendall) Melander, of Woburn, formerly of Wilmington, died peacefully surrounded by her loving family on July 19, 2016 at the Kaplan Family Hospice House in Danvers; she was 76 year old.
Norine was born on May 7, 1940, in Winchester, MA; she was the dear daughter of the late Joseph and Marjorie Kendall. Norine was raised in Wilmington and enjoyed many summers at Silver Lake with her family and friends. Norine attended Wilmington Public Schools and was a graduate of Wilmington High School with the Class of 1958.
Norine lived in Tewksbury for a few years before moving to Woburn more than 43 years ago where she raised her family. Norine was always a hard worker; for many years she worked at Sweetheart Plastics in Wilmington and when she moved to Woburn she went to work for the Woburn School Department in the Cafeteria. Norine loved to cook for the kids and was always watching out for them; whether they had food allergies or not enough lunch money she always took care of their needs.
During the summers, Norine took her family to “The Cottage”" in Manomet where they enjoyed the beach and had many great times together throughout the years. Norine also worked during her summers as a chamber maid at the Blue Spruce Motel and the Pilgrim Sands Motel; always taking pride in everything she did.
Norine’s family always came first in her life; she was a very devoted companion to her “Sal” for over 40 years and her unconditional love for her children and grandchildren was evident in everything she did. Norine’s home always had an “open door” policy whether it was entertaining a crowd of people and cooking up a storm or “hanging out” with her family on Friday Pizza Nights, which she handmade every pizza by hand; or had chip and dip out; she made everyone feel welcome. Norine was the type of person who could know you for a day or her whole life and you would become part of her family. Norine loved her children’s friends as her own; she wanted to know what everyone was up to and what was going on in the neighborhood so that she knew everyone was safe.
Norine will be remembered as a great lady; she was boisterous and lively but had a huge heart and would do anything to help anyone. Norine will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.
Norine was the beloved companion of 40 years to the late Salvatore Constantino, devoted mother of Joseph S.Constantino, Deborah Cammarata & husband Jason all of Woburn, Dorothy Finlay & husband Russell of Manomet, MA, Steven Constantino & wife Ann of Merrimack, MA, Marie Pelton & husband Anthony of Taunton, and Lisa Bell & husband Andrew of Haverhill. Loving Nana/Neena of Joey, Jr., Devon, Olivia, Michelle, Tommy, Joseph, Kylie, Bobby, Doug, Steven, Jr., Caroline, Andrew, Jr. and Nicholas, and 6 Great-grandchildren. Cherished daughter of the late Joseph and Marjorie (Nary) Kendall, dear sister of Deborah Delle Donne of York, ME, Dorothy O’Donnell & husband Paul of Wilmington, the late William (Billy) Kendall, the late Joseph Kendall Jr., and Doris Dunn of Virginia. Norine is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and was very special to Cameron Sickles and her many friends that she thought of as family.
Family and friends will gather at the Nichols Funeral Home, 187 Middlesex Ave. (Rte. 62), Wilmington, on Monday, July 25th at 9:00 a.m. followed by a Funeral Mass at St. Dorothy’s Church, Main St. (Rte.38), Wilmington at 10:00 a.m. Interment Wildwood Cemetery, Wilmington. Visiting hours will be held at the Funeral Home on Sunday, July 24th from 4:00-8:00 p.m. Memorial donations in Norine’s name may be made to the Kaplan Family Hospice House, c/o Care Dimensions, 75 Sylvan St., Suite B-102, Danvers, MA 01923 or to the Joslin Diabetes Center, One Joslin Place, Boston, MA 02215.