Emily Arigoni, 69

FLORIDA, Mass. — Emily Arlene Arigoni passed into eternal life on June 27, 2022, in the comfort of her home surrounded by her loving family after a courageous and grace-filled journey with cancer.

She was born on Oct. 23, 1952, to Grace A. Williams and James R. Hanna in Pittsfield. From her very beginning, Emily was a force of courage, strength, and tenacious love. She was wonderfully and fearfully made and everyone whom she loved experienced her protective and tender care.

During the span of her life, Emily applied herself in many ways: candy striper at the former St. Luke's Hospital, seamstress and nursing assistant, and she also helped manage Arigoni Construction with her husband. She operated the paving roller during blacktopping and kept all the boys in line. She worked in the field removing lead from buildings up until her retirement in 2018. For over 17 years, she owned and managed the Florida General Store, where she became a part of the everyday lives of her neighbors and friends.

What she loved above everything else was her family. Her roles as daughter, wife, mother, nana, and auntie were her favorites and brought her much joy even though raising a family well was hard work. She also cared for both her mother and mother-in-law when they were sick with terminal cancer.

She married Anthony Arigoni Sr., her "handsome man" as she often called him, on Dec. 20, 1969, and they lived a beautiful love story. Their lives were grounded in each other and the life they built one moment at a time. Being an only child of her mother and father she had always wanted a large family. Emily and Tony had four children, nine grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren, with one due in October. She would beam when she would relay to others how blessed she was to have such a large and lovely family. They were all close and saw each other often. Her family was her greatest treasure.

As a child Emily enjoyed ice skating at the Pittsfield Common, walking to Onota Lake with her friends and watching picture shows on North Street. She loved going on adventures. She and Tony brought their children and grandchildren on countless camping expeditions and trips to the beach, which were Emily's favorite. She absolutely loved the beach. Emily also looked forward to the yearly tradition of going to the Fryeburg Fair in Maine and the mystery annual vacation she would take turns planning with her brother-in-law Alan and sister-in-law Dawn. Emily was excellent at making the most of moments and as a result, had many wonderful memories.

When Emily was diagnosed with cancer in 2020 she was overwhelmed by the support, kindness, and generosity shown to her and her family. It gave her strength to know that she and her family were not alone. She was always amazed at the strength and compassion that she witnessed and experienced at the BMC Infusion Center. She loved her nurses and even worried that they should take good care of themselves while having a difficult job taking care of such delicate patients. Emily did not let cancer define who she was or how she lived. However, it did become a constant reminder of how precious life is and how important it is to live well by being present in the moments one is given. Because life is a gift.

Emily was a constant in the lives of her children, grandchildren and family. She was a testament to the good in this world and her presence in the capacity in which we have been blessed to have her will be greatly missed. Emily leaves her children: Anthony C. Arigoni Jr. and his wife, Kerry; Peter Arigoni and his wife, Barbara; Jason M. Arigoni and his fiancee, Corissa Bryant; and Elizabeth Vareschi and her husband, Joe Vareschi. Her pride and joys: Bethanie Gammell (Dylan), Marissa Koch (Chris), Matthew Arigoni (Aarron), Robert Matte III (Sarah Grace), Joseph A. Vareschi, Emma Vareschi, Julia Vareschi, Vivian Vareschi and Jackson Arigoni. Emily also leaves her "great" pride and joys: Oliver and Molly Gammell, and Baby Koch due in October. She also leaves brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, and nephews.

Emily was predeceased by her beloved husband Anthony C Arigoni Sr., her parents Grace Williams and James Hanna, and many, many other beloved family members that by the grace of God will have welcomed her home to His mighty Kingdom.

FUNERAL NOTICE: As per Emily'S request there will be a private Christian burial.

Emily supported St. Jude's Children’s Hospital for years and was incredibly grateful for the support given to her by PopCares. In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to either one of these amazing organizations. To add to the book of Memories, please visit flynndagnolifuneralhomes.com.