Ida May Papalia, 87, of Bedford, MA, died peacefully on Jan. 25th, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

Ida was the daughter of the late James and Amy (Ackerman) Gilbert. She was born and raised in Waltham, MA, and was a graduate of Framingham State Teachers College, where she majored in Home Economics. Following college, she taught Home Economics at West Junior High School in Watertown, MA. On July 15th, 1961, Ida married the love of her life, Richard F. Papalia, and they shared 63 happy years together. She was a devoted member of St. Michael Parish in Bedford, MA, where she worked for more than 30 years as parish secretary.

In addition to her husband Richard, Ida is survived by her five children: Anne Marie Papalia of Northbridge, MA; Rick Papalia and his wife Senade of Hollis, NH; Tom Papalia and his wife Susan of Framingham, MA; Jim Papalia and his wife Martha of Acton, MA; and Mary Jean Davis and her husband Renard of Lunenburg, MA. She is also survived by her eight grandchildren: Breanna Dolciotto and her husband John; Shannon, Dino, Anna and Dominic Papalia; and Jackie, Joey and Ryan Davis; as well as by her great granddaughter, Maeve Dolciotto. Ida is predeceased by her sister, Dorothy Marshall.

To all who knew her, Ida was the essence of grace, kindness, positivity, and generosity. She would do anything for her family, which was her heart and soul, from supporting Richard throughout his career, to juggling the busy lives and activities of her children and grandchildren. Throughout her life, Ida took on many leadership roles. To name a few, she served as Worthy Advisor of Rainbow Girls in high school, a Boy Scout Den Mother, President of POMs, teacher of CCD and Confirmation classes, and the organizer of countless programs and events during her years as secretary at St. Michael Church. Ida was also an accomplished craftswoman, as many family members and friends know from her beautiful knitted, crocheted, and professionally sewn gifts. Today, hundreds of family members, friends, children's hospital recipients, and church raffle winners enjoy the snuggly "Grammie Blankets" she would sew, and nothing could compare to Ida's mile-high apple pie or the curly whirly noodles that her grandchildren loved so much. Ida's beautiful smile, contagious laugh, and joyful enthusiasm for her family and friends will echo in the memories of her loved ones for years to come.

Visitation will be held at the Bedford Funeral Home, 167 Great Rd., Bedford, MA, on Thursday, Jan. 30th from 4:00-7:00 PM. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at St. Michael Church, 90 Concord Rd., Bedford, MA, on Friday, Jan. 31st at 10:00 AM. For a livestream of the Mass https://my.gather.app/remember/ida-may-papalia Interment to follow at Shawsheen Cemetery in Bedford.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to St. Michael Church, 90 Concord Rd., Bedford, MA 01730.