Obituary of Jennifer Carabetta

Jennifer (Hayes) Carabetta, of Burlington and formerly of Woburn, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 18, 2025, after a lifelong and courageous battle with liver disease. She was just 52 years old.

Jennifer’s strength and grace were evident from the age of 16, when she was first diagnosed. Despite the challenges she faced, she managed her illness quietly and with incredible dignity, rarely letting it define her or slow her down. Most who knew her were unaware of the burden she carried, because she never wanted to worry others. She lived her life fully, with kindness, resilience, and unwavering love for her family and friends.

Born in Winchester and raised in Woburn, Jennifer was the beloved only daughter of Jack and Margaret Hayes. She enjoyed a happy childhood and was surrounded by the love of her family. It was during her teenage years, after becoming seriously ill, that she first learned of her liver condition. But true to her spirit, Jennifer recovered and went on to live a full and inspiring life.

At just 17, she met her soulmate, Vincenzo “Vinny” Carabetta, and the two have been inseparable ever since. Together, they faced every challenge as a team.  Their love was constant, loyal, and strong—an example of true partnership and devotion.

Jennifer graduated from Woburn High School in 1990 and went on to earn her accounting degree from Emmanuel College. She built a successful and respected career in accounting, spending 17 years with Caras & Shulman, PC as a Certified Public Accountant and Manager.  For the past 8 years, she worked in the private sector at Focus Technology, as the company’s Assistant Controller.

In 2000, Jennifer and Vinny built their dream home in Burlington—a warm, welcoming space that quickly became the heart of many family gatherings.  She enjoyed hosting annual Fourth of July parties, and many summer cookouts by the pool.  She especially enjoyed keeping family traditions alive by hosting Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve.

Her greatest joy, however, was being a devoted mother to her daughter, Emily. Jennifer poured her heart into supporting Emily in all her pursuits, from school activities to her passion for cheerleading.  Jennifer was an active member of the PTO, always showing up to volunteer and help with events and fundraisers. When Emily joined the cheer world, Jennifer jumped in with her signature spirit—serving as a board member for the Burlington Pop Warner.  Her support never wavered, and she was incredibly proud of the hard work and achievements of Emily. She especially cherished their trips to Florida for national competitions.  Followed by treasured visits to Sarasota, to spend time with her parents.

Jennifer was an extraordinary woman—brilliant, kind, generous, and full of grace. She balanced a thriving career, built a loving home, and showed up fully for her family and friends, all with quiet strength and compassion. She had a remarkable gift for making people feel welcome, valued, and loved. Friends and family describe her as giving, loyal, thoughtful, a peacemaker, and above all, deeply loving.

Jennifer’s passing is a heartbreaking loss to all who knew her, but her spirit lives on in the countless lives she touched. Her legacy is one of unconditional love, lasting friendships, family, and memories filled with laughter, warmth, and joy. She will be forever missed and forever remembered.

Jennifer was the loving wife of 26 years of Vincenzo “Vinny” Carabetta.  She was the loving mother of Emily Carabetta, the late Samantha and Vincenzo Jr.  She was the beloved daughter of John Jr. and Margaret (Gonsalves) Hayes of Sarasota, FL formerly of Woburn.  She was the sister of John Hayes, III and his fiancée Barbara (Cahalane) Page of Woburn and David Hayes of Woburn.  She was the daughter-in-law of the late Mario and Gina Carabetta.  She was the sister-in-law of Antonio Carabetta, Lidia and Jason Schwarz of Woburn, Laura and Joel McLaughlin of Woburn.  She was the proud aunt of Jack and Killian Hayes, Olivia and Isabella Schwarz, Amilia McLaughlin, and was the great aunt of Zoey.

Visiting hours will be held at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn Street, Burlington on Thursday, April 24 from 4-8 p.m.  Funeral from the Sullivan Funeral Home on Friday, April 25 at 9 a.m. Followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Charles Church, 280 Main Street, Woburn at 10 a.m. Services will conclude with a burial at Pine Haven Cemetery, Burlington.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Jennifer’s name may be made to the American Liver Foundation www.liverfoundation.org

 For online guestbook see www.sullivanfuneralhome.net