Francesca Solari

Francesca (Accorto) Solari, 83, passed away peacefully on March 2, 2026, in her Burlington home, surrounded by the love of her devoted family.

Born in Gaeta, Italy, she was the cherished daughter of the late Erasmo and Maria (Alfano) Accorto. Raised along the sun-washed shores of her beloved hometown, Francesca carried the beauty, tradition, and spirit of Italy with her throughout her life. As a teenager, with courage and determination, she immigrated to the United States, bringing little more than her talent, her strong work ethic, and her deep love of family.

A gifted seamstress, Francesca began her career in Boston’s garment industry, where she met her husband, Cesare Solari, a fellow Italian immigrant. Their introduction grew into a loving partnership that spanned more than fifty years. In the mid-1960s, the couple left the city for a quieter life in Burlington, where they created a warm home filled with laughter, tradition, and the aromas of her home-cooked Italian meals.

Francesca later channeled her sewing talent into her own business, first working from a small shop in her basement and eventually opening the Golden Needle Bridal Boutique in Billerica. Known for her exquisite craftsmanship and warm spirit, she took great pride in helping brides and their families. She filled her home with the richness of her Italian heritage, preparing traditional recipes from memory, sharing homeopathic remedies, and sending her children to school with lovingly made lunches that reflected her devotion. Though she built a beautiful life in America, Gaeta remained forever in her heart, and she returned often to reconnect with her roots and family.

Francesca found her greatest joy in simple pleasures: gathering around a full table, the laughter of her grandchildren, conversations with dear friends, and keeping her family close. Her pride in her heritage, her fierce love for her family, and her generous heart defined her life.

She was predeceased by her parents and her brother Pasquale Accorto. She is survived by her loving husband, Cesare Solari of Burlington; their children, Julie Russo and her husband James of Burlington, Sandra Sorenson and her husband Jeffrey of Burlington, and Cesare Solari and his wife Jennifer of Pleasanton, CA; her sister, Anna Savani of Naples, FL and Andover; her grandchildren, Dario, Francesca, Christopher, Michael, Claudia, Jeffrey, Ava, Jake, Dante and Gianna; her great-grandchildren, Thomas, Dylan, Benjamin, Lucas, and three more on the way; as well as several nieces and nephews.