JUNE I CARELLI (GUNNARSON)

June I. (Gunnarson) Carelli, 101, of Worcester, passed away peacefully in the comfort of her home, Friday, June 26, 2026. She was predeceased by her devoted husband of forty years, Paul Carelli.

June is survived by five children, Paul Carelli and his wife Cynthia of North Grafton, Thomas Carelli and his wife Suzanne of Oxford, Timothy Carelli and his wife Bonnie of Shrewsbury, Margaret Swenson of Worcester, and Kristin Herlihy and her husband Jim of Worcester; thirteen grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Sadly, June was predeceased by a daughter Merrilyn Peloquin; two grandchildren, Eric Swenson, and Patrick Herlihy; her son in law, Earl Swenson; a brother, Russell “Skip” Gunnarson, and a sister, Phyllis Gunnarson. June was born in Worcester, daughter of the late, Harold and Inez (Hallberg) Gunnarson, and has lived here all her life.

June lived an extraordinary life spanning more than a century, witnessing and embracing a world of change with grace, strength and resilience. She will be remembered for her kindness, generosity and selflessness.

June met Paul, the love of her life, while roller skating at White City in Shrewsbury. While Paul was in the Navy she converted to Catholicism. When Paul returned from World War II they were married on May 12, 1947. She was a member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel-Our Lady of Loreto Parish, where she was President of the Golden Years Club for several years. She enjoyed playing Bocce with the Sons of Italy. She had many talents. She loved to cook and bake, especially Italian cookies for family weddings and at Christmas time for family and friends. One of June’s greatest passions was knitting. She made several sweaters, hats, mittens and scarves for her children, grandchildren and local charity groups. June was also a master seamstress. Above all, she adored caring for and spending time with her family.

June’s family would like to offer a special thank you to her daughter Margaret and to Mikaliah Browe, from Specialty Home Care Services, for the great care and comfort and love they brought to June, allowing June to remain in the comfort of her home. June’s family takes comfort in knowing her long and beautiful life was filled with love, and her memory will live on in all who knew her.

A Funeral Mass will be on Monday, July 6, at 10 am in Our Lady of Loreto Church, 37 Massasoit Road, Worcester. There are no calling hours. Interment will be held privately at Worcester County Memorial Park in Paxton.

The family requests that flowers be omitted and donations in her memory be made to the Worcester County Food Bank, 474 Boston Turnpike, Shrewsbury, MA 01545.