Dolores R. “Dodi” LaVita, 50

Dolores R. “Dodi” LaVita, 50 of Wilmington died Saturday after a long illness in the Merrimack Valley Hospice House, Haverhill, MA.

Born in Somerville, she lived in Wilmington. A lover of the Art and painting, her favorite was to paint in oils and pastels. Dolores will be most remembered, of how she made people laugh.

Devoted mother of Lauren (Todd) St. Jean and her husband Michael of Savannah, GA, Richard and Stephanie LaVita both of Everett. Loving daughter of the late Gracemarie (Matarazzo) and Joseph Nogueira. Sister of Joseph Nogueira and his wife Rosemarie of Arlington, Anthony Nogueira and his wife Maria of Merrimack, Grace Nogueira of North Andover and the late Robert Nogueira. Sister-in-law of Laura Watkins of Southborough. Cherished niece of Dolores Kelly of Bedford. Also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Funeral was held from the Dello Russo Funeral Home, 306 Main St., MEDFORD Wednesday at 8 AM followed by a funeral mass celebrated in St. Camillus Church, 1185 Concord Turnpike, Arlington, at 9 AM. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours were Tuesday. Services will conclude with burial at Woodlawn Cemetery, Everett.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be sent in Dolores’ name to Autism Speaks, 14 East Central St., Natick, MA 01760 or Merrimack Valley Hospice House, 360 North Ave., Haverhill, MA 01830.