Gemma Rose Nicoletti
Gemma Rose Nicoletti, of Wellesley, passed away on June 15, 2026 surrounded by her loving family after a courageous seven-year battle with brain cancer. She was 35 years old.
Gemma was born on January 12, 1991, in Newton, Massachusetts at Newton Wellesley Hospital.
She was the beloved daughter of James and Debra Nicoletti, cherished youngest sister of Ande Schoenfeld (Steven), Cara (Farhod) and a devoted aunt to her nieces, Vivie and Goldie, whom she loved fiercely. She is also survived by many loving aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents and friends.
Gemma graduated from Wellesley High School in 2009 and went on to earn her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from Fairfield University in 2014. She dedicated her career as an RN to delivering babies, first as a labor and delivery nurse at Monmouth Medical Center in New Jersey, then so that she might be closer to her treasured family, at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston.
As a nurse, Gemma brought comfort, compassion, and a steady presence to countless patients and families. She loved her work in labor and delivery and felt privileged to support women through one of life’s most profound experiences. Welcoming babies into the world and caring for new mothers brought her tremendous happiness.
Beyond her career, Gemma found joy in life’s simple pleasures. She loved being outdoors and felt most at peace in nature, whether she was spending a day at her family’s cabana at Briggs Beach in Little Compton RI, tending and nurturing her garden, or volunteering her time at Unity Farm in Sherborn (where she knew every animal by name), as well as volunteer teaching at the Wellesley Nursery School in the Hills.
She adored her dachshunds, Cooper, Howard, and Leon and treasured evenings watching Bravo shows, curled up on the couch with her mom, her dad by their side with his never-ending commentary.
Gemma was a devoted aunt who loved spending time with her nieces and embraced her role as “Auntie Gemma” with enthusiasm, humor and affection. She had a fascination with astrology, Reiki, natural healing arts, and had a deep sense of wonder about the mysteries of the world.
Above all, Gemma will be remembered for her vibrant spirit and unique personality. She was funny, quirky, silly, and unapologetically herself. Her ability to bring joy to those around her will be deeply missed.
The family would like to thank Dr. Golby and her team at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Dr. Reardon and his team at Dana Farber for their many years of exceptional care. We are also deeply grateful for Stephanie Bailey Hendricks RN who dropped everything to travel and care for Gemma during her time at home in hospice care and for Steve Schoenfeld, whose professional expertise and tireless efforts helped Gemma gain access to pioneering targeted therapies and world-class medical care, giving her more time to spend with those she loved.
Lastly, they would like to extend their gratitude to Lily, Diana, Dana and the team at Good Shepard Hospice Care as well as The Parlin Hospice House staff in Wayland for the compassionate care they provided for Gemma during her final days.
Gemma’s burial was private, and a celebration of her life will take place on Friday, June 26th at 11:00 at The Wellesley Hills Congregational Church, 207 Washington Street, Wellesley Hills, MA with a memorial tea and reception to immediately follow in the Church Reception Room.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Gemma’s memory may be made in support of Dr. Alexandra Golby’s research laboratory at The Brigham https://golbylab.bwh.harvard.edu/research-fund/ or Good Shepherd Community Care.