Stella Mae Mastrogiovanni

Shrewsbury - Stella Mae (Turpin) Mastrogiovanni, 88, of Shrewsbury passed away very suddenly, Friday, March 30th 2012 in her home. Sadly, Stella leaves her devoted daughter, Jeannie Hebert and her companion Peter Zipfel, of Shrewsbury with whom she lived, her two beloved sons, Howard A. Vosburg, Sr. and his wife Carole of Clinton and William V. Vosburg, Sr. and his wife Sandra of Williamsburg, VA. Her loving husband of 56 years, Patsy, passed away in December of 2008. Stella also leaves her dear sister and brothers, Lorraine Young and her husband Frederick of Leicester, R. Earl Turpin of Swindonwilts, England, George Turpin and his wife Nancy of North Grafton and Raymond Turpin and his wife Doris of North Brookfield. She was predeceased by two brothers, William and John Turpin. Also left behind are nine adored grandchildren, Tracie Hebert Boyd and her husband Geoffrey of Sturbridge, Howard A. Vosburg, Jr. and his wife Mindy of Clinton, Brian Vosburg of Douglas, Wendy Elder and her husband Dwight of Cumming, GA, Pamela Redlon and her husband Eric, William Vosburg, Jr., Michelle Leach, Laura Andrews and Vickie Stiger all of New Hampshire. She received much joy from her seventeen great-grandchildren, Eve and Jackson Boyd of Sturbridge, Howard III, Joseph, Amanda and Nicholas Vosburg of Clinton, Andrew, Adam and Evan Elder of Georgia, Hayden and Emily Redlon, Nicholas, Chelsie and Morgan Leach, Rebecca, Mackenzie and Hunter Ledoux of New Hampshire. Born in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, the daughter of Ashton Calvin and Viola Belle (Acker) Turpin, Stella and her family emigrated from Canada, sailing on the ship the "Blue Nose" to the United States in 1926. Settling in Worcester, she liked to recount that the family was welcomed to the community through All Saints Episcopal Church where she has remained a faithful member for over 80 years. She was a graduate of the former Classical High School and became a wife and mother shortly thereafter. Finding herself a single mother when her boys were quite young, Stella worked very hard to make ends meet and keep her young family together. In the early 1950's she met and married the love of her life, Pat, while employed as a hostess at Mickey Green's Night Club in Shrewsbury. Stella enjoyed being a homemaker but continued her independence, working in the manufacturing industry at Dapol Plastics and Handy Pad Supply Co., Worcester. A talented homemaker, she was a quick study at mastering Italian cooking, a talented seamstress, crafter, Girl Scout Leader, PTA mother and immaculate housekeeper. A strikingly beautiful woman, "Stel", as those close to her referred, always looked and dressed beautifully. Gardening was a favorite hobby and she grew lovely roses, gladiolus, lilies and irises. She and Pat always grew a large vegetable garden that they shared with family and neighbors. Stella was a true animal lover and never wavered when the boys or especially Jeannie, brought an orphaned animal home to stay. Stella's faithful friend and companion animal," Trixie Kitty", is very much missing her Mum. A loyal Anglophile, she was an avid follower of the Royal Family and very much respected Queen Elizabeth. However, a landmark event for her was in 1963 when she became a naturalized United States Citizen. Stella proudly carried her citizen card and was filled with great pride when her two sons and grandson, Howard III, served in the military, defending "her" country in the Vietnam and Iraq Wars. Stella will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure to meet her. Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Stella's family on Wednesday, April 4th from 5 to 8 PM at MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation Street, Worcester. Funeral services will be held Thursday, April 5th 11:00 AM at All Saints Episcopal Church, 10 Irving Street, Worcester. Burial will follow next to her husband at Mountain View Cemetery, Shrewsbury. The family requests that in lieu of flowers donations be made to All Saints Episcopal Church, 10 Irving Street, Worcester, MA 01609. For directions and online memorial visit www.mercandantefuneral.com