Belinda Morrone

Belinda, "Bella" (Lebruto) Morrone, 81, of Worcester, a dedicated nurse, cosmetologist, educator, mother and grandmother, passed away Thursday December 17th 2009 in The Rose Monahan Hospice Residence with loved ones there. Bella was born in Worcester, November 8th 1928, a daughter of the late Michael A. and Clara F. (Marrino) Lebruto. She graduated from Commerce High School, earned her nursing degree in 1949 from Worcester City Hospital School of Nursing. Her Cosmetology degree from Elizabeth Ollis Beauty Academy in 1954. In 1979, Bella earned her Bachelor's Degree in Health Sciences and Psychology from Anna Maria College and her Master's Degree in 1985. She grew up in Worcester, lived in Florida for several years before moving back to Worcester in 1961. Bella's husband of 57 years, Henry H. Morrone passed away in 2007. She is survived by her three children, Col. Belinda Morrone USAF, Regina Cronan and her husband Cory all in Virginia, and Michael H. Morrone with whom she lived; a sister, Rita V. Lebruto of Worcester; two grandchildren; nieces, nephews , cousins and friends. Bella worked in several fields over her life. She began by working as a registered nurse in the surgical and emergency room fields in Fort Lauderdale Florida. While in Florida she opened her own Beauty Salon in Pompano Beach. Upon returning to Worcester, Bella owned and operated Morrone's Beauty Salon on Hamilton St until 1977. She was always interested in education so, she began her education career teaching cosmetology education for the Worcester School system at David Hale Fanning Trade and retiring as senior cosmetology teacher at Worcester Voke in 1985. Bella also served on the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Cosmetology for many years. Bella was a member of Our Lady of Mt Carmel Church, The Massachusetts and National Teachers Associations. She was a member and past president of the Mass Vocational Cosmetology Teachers Association and the Massachusetts Vocational Legislative Committee. A member and past president of the Worcester Vocational Teacher's Union, a member of the Central Alliance for the Mentally Ill, and a member of the Board of Trustee's for the Worcester State Hospital. Over the years Bella earned several awards and recognition for her dedicated efforts in all areas of her employment, interests and involvement. The funeral will be held Wednesday, December 23rd from the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL; 370 Plantation St. with a mass at 11:00 a.m. in Our Lady of Mt Carmel Church, 24 Mulberry St. Entombment will follow in Notre Dame Cemetery. Friends and relatives are invited to visit with the family Tuesday, December 22nd from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions made to the VNA Care Hospice Inc, 120 Thomas St. 01608