Dianne M. "Dixie" Albrizio

Dianne "Dixie" (Sarasin) Albrizio, from Millbury, Worcester and Clearwater, FL, died suddenly on Wednesday, November 11 at her home. Born on April 23, 1941 to Anne (Rafferty) and George Sarasin in Columbia, South Carolina. Dixie attended Ascension grammar and high school, and graduated from City Hospital Nursing School. She had a career as a nurse at City Hospital, with the Visiting Nurses Association, Westborough State Hospital, Vanderbilt University Hospital in Nashville and St. Vincent's Hospital. She retired in 2009 to spend more time with her beloved grandchildren. Strong, generous, outgoing and supportive, Dixie lived life fully. She wasn't shy about tackling big projects or doing whatever she felt she needed to do for her large family. She was married to Frank for 28 years and they enjoyed many adventures, including living in Tennessee, their families and raising several dogs together. Ten years ago her life changed forever when her first grandchild was born. Being a grandmother to Ana, Alyssia and Sam gave her even more joy than the Red Sox winning the World Series. Dixie had a special relationship with stepson Steven, who was her willing partner in multiple home improvement projects. Dixie loved being an involved grandparent who made sure to be present at every dance class, school function, soccer game, recital and more. She was proud to be part of the Rafferty and Sarasin clans, and enjoyed close relationships with her children, sisters, nieces and nephews, godchildren, many cousins, aunts and uncles. Energetic and spirited, she will be deeply missed. Beloved wife of Frank Albrizio, mother of Nancy Gardella of Vineyard Haven and Gina and Juliana Ruggieri, her daughter and daughter-in-law of Leicester, her stepson Steven Albrizio of Worcester, and her grandchildren Alyssia, Ana and Sam. She is survived by her sisters Kathleen Hall and husband Edward of Worcester, Gail Rice of McLean, VA, and Carol Sarasin Gerbino and husband Richard of New Bedford, many wonderful extended family members, and Seamus, her dear dog. We are comforted by the fact that she died very quickly and did not suffer, and by her deeply held believe that she has now joined her Mom and Dad, grandparents, and many aunts, uncles and cousins. Services for Dianne will be held on Tuesday, November 17, 2015 from the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St., Worcester with a Mass at 10:00 a.m. in Saint John's Church, 40 Temple St., Worcester. Burial will be held privately. Relatives and friends are invited to visit with the family on Monday, November 16th from 4-7 p.m. in the funeral home. The family requests donations be made to the St. John's Church Food Pantry, 40 Temple Street, Worcester, MA. 01604. To share your thoughts and memories of Dianne wither family, please visit her personal guestbook at www.mercadantefuneral.com.