Obituary of Sally J. Bearse

Sally J. Bearse, 75, of Billerica, MA, beloved wife of Steven E. Bearse for 54 years, passed away peacefully at Lowell General Hospital on February 16, 2026.

Born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, she was the daughter of Albert N. Freda and Mary D. (Digregorio) Freda. Sally graduated from Billerica Memorial High School in 1968 and later earned her Paralegal Certification from Middlesex Community College. After receiving her certification, she went on to work in the corporate office of Purity Supreme Supermarket as an Administrative Assistant to the Vice President.

Sally married the love of her life, Steven E. Bearse, on April 3, 1972. Together they shared a lifetime filled with love and a bond that never wavered. The couple first rented part of an old farmhouse on Boston Road in Pinehurst, where their home was always open to family and friends—creating countless cherished memories. In 1985, with the help of their dear friend Dennis Virgin and a crew of Billerica construction workers they had grown up with, Sally and Steven built their own home.

Sally is survived by her husband Steven E. Bearse; her daughter Melissa Borelli and husband Joseph Borelli; and her granddaughter Sophia M. Borelli. She also leaves behind her sisters Lorraine Hall and Paula Wines; brothers-in-law Francis A. Bearse and Robert E. Hall and his partner Patricia Sellers; sisters-in-law Susan Dillberg and Joanne Nicosia.

Sally is also survived by many nieces and nephews. Arthur Hall and his partner Susan Sargent; Dawn Hall and her partner Steven J. Gayfer; Robin Legee, Shelly Legee, Albert Legee, Michelle Wines, Ami Bearse, Brooke Bearse, Tyler Bearse, Erik Dillberg, Steve Dillberg, Jessica Gendron, and Stephanie Nicosia.

She was predeceased by her sister Pauline Legee and her brother-in-law Vincent Wines.

There will be no calling hours. A Funeral Mass will be held at Saint Teresa’s Church, 466 Boston Road, Billerica, MA, on February 28th at 10:00 AM. Relatives and friends invited.