Darlene L. Besso
Tewksbury – Darlene L. Besso, 70, passed away unexpectedly at her home on Friday, August 22, 2025.
Born in Waltham on April 11, 1955, she was the daughter of the late Lawrence and Lillian (Maitland) Besso. Darlene was raised in Tewksbury and was a graduate of Tewksbury High School.
She began her career as an assistant at the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston before joining the National Park Service in Concord, where she proudly served for nearly five decades since 1978. In her younger years, she also volunteered as a candy striper at Tewksbury Hospital.
Darlene was a woman of remarkable independence and strength. She was never afraid to roll up her sleeves, whether it was taking on projects around the house, working with tools, or tending to her yard. She poured her energy into her family.
A devoted daughter and mother, Darlene lovingly cared for her mother until her passing in 2006, all while solely providing for her own daughter. She never missed a moment, embodying dedication, resilience, and unconditional love.
She is survived by her daughter, Nastassia Besso, and her fiancé, John Velardo of Saint Augustine, FL, formerly of Naples, FL; her sisters, Donna O’Keefe of Lowell and Laura Goddard and her husband Scott of Falmouth; as well as several nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend her committal service on Tuesday, September 2, 2025 at 11:30 a.m. at Tewksbury Cemetery, 172 East Street, Tewksbury, MA. Arrangements are entrusted to the Tewksbury Funeral Home, 1 Dewey Street, Tewksbury, MA. For online guestbook, please visit www.TewksburyFuneralHome.com.