Josephine (Dina) Berardi Foti of Lexington passed away peacefully at home on January 8,
2026, surrounded by her loving family.
Born in Malden, MA on June 25, 1932, to the late Camillo and Cesira (Gargano) Berardi of
Abruzzo, Italy, Dina was the youngest of five children and three half-siblings.
In 1953, Dina married John Foti, initially they lived in Arlington, then settled in Lexington in
1967, where they raised their four children. Dina's life was immersed in being a loving wife to
John, raising her children and selflessly giving to any family member or friend in need.
In the early years, Dina and John cherished summers in their house in Wareham with their
four children. Later in life, they wintered in Fort Meyers, FL, where they enjoyed time with
many of their friends.
Dina had a passion for art, design and style. She enjoyed refinishing furniture, creating
beautiful outfits for relatives and friends, painting, and cooking wonderful food without
recipes or guidance. She truly lived by "treat your family like guests and your guests like
family." She loved to entertain and all of the holidays were celebrated at her house, with the
best Italian cuisine. She could turn anything ordinary into a piece of art.
Being the wife of a Lexington Lions member for many years, she made a "crafts room" in her
basement for many women who were associated with the club, and then some. Every week,
they came and created many beautiful art items that were used for fundraising, donated to
nursing homes or just for themselves.
Dina was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years John, as well as her son, John Foti
Jr. She is survived by her children Matthew Foti, Patricia Phelan and her husband Paul,
Jane Foti and her husband Stephen Christiansen. She is also survived by her grandchildren
Crystal Foti, Bill Phelan, Kara Michalski, Marissa Arsenault, Mark Foti, Nico Christiansen and
Sam Christiansen. She is also survived by her greatgrandchildren Frankie Foti, Sloane
Phelan, Finleigh Michalski, Keegan Michalski, Matthew Foti and Elena Arsenault.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at St.
Brigid Parish, 2001 Massachusetts Avenue, Lexington. Interment will follow at Westview
Cemetery, Lexington.
In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to: Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in memory of Dina Foti
to support cancer research and patient care at:
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
P.O. Box 849168
Boston, MA 02284