Comeau, Andrea J.

Andrea Jean Comeau (née Salemme) of Canton died peacefully on Monday, October 6, in Milton, attended by a loving and caring family.

Andrea was passionate about people and her community of Canton. Born in Canton and raised through the Canton Public Schools, she was part of an Italian family that emigrated to Canton in the early 20th century. She was a proud hockey mom to her sons and to just about every teammate who ever needed a ride, a snack, or a cheer from the stands. She was also a devoted theater mom, volunteering behind the scenes for nearly every show her kids were in from grade school through high school.

Andrea was also a longtime preschool teacher at Cole-Harrington, where she worked with children in need of educational, recreational, habilitative, and transitional services. Many of her students went on to attend the Massachusetts Hospital School, today known as the Pappas Rehabilitation Hospital for Children. Her kindness, patience, and humor left a lasting mark on every child and family she worked with.

Andrea loved her town’s rich character and history, finding joy in its simple local pleasures. She was often found at Canton Public Library book sales, attending a Historical Society (“Histy”) open house, or cheering on the performers at Canton Community Theatre. Her enthusiasm for the arts and history was truly infectious.

Andrea believed in showing up for her family, her friends, and the causes she cared about. A lifelong Democrat and active member of the Canton Democratic Town Committee, she believed in equality, kindness, and honesty. She was no stranger to protest, even when she could not be there in person, and she never hesitated to speak out against hate and division. She fought for what she believed was right, especially LGBTQ+ rights and the idea that every person deserves dignity and respect.

Andrea was the daughter of the late George T. and Leonilda M. (Verzone) Salemme. She was predeceased by her husband, Joseph H., and her sister Nadine Bruce. She is survived by her sister Janice V. McKee of West Warwick, RI. Andrea leaves behind her sons George T. Comeau and his wife, Patricia A. McDermott, of Canton, Christopher J. Comeau and his wife, Kate, of Norton, Jonathan J. Comeau and his fiancée, Paula Doherty, of Attleboro, and Jeremy J. Comeau and his fiancé, David, of Provincetown. She also leaves behind her grandson Christopher B. Comeau from Medway. Andrea will be remembered with love by her extended family, many friends, and everyone fortunate enough to have known her.

Andrea will be remembered for her generosity, her humor, and her refusal to stay quiet when something mattered. She made her corner of the world kinder, fairer, and a little bit louder, and she would not have had it any other way.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the Friends of the Canton Public Library, 786 Washington St., Canton, MA 02021, or to the Human Rights Campaign, 1640 Rhode Island Ave. N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036-3278.

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Posted by Canton Citizen on Oct 9 2025. Filed under Obituaries. Both comments and pings are currently closed.