Charlotte D. Brunelle

Charlotte D. (Zeveska) Brunelle, 91, died on Tuesday, April 24, after an illness. She is survived by her three children, Paula Lizotte, of Sandwich, Lynne Macedo, of Hyannis, and Paul Brunelle and his wife Mary Jane, of Westford; a brother, Robert Zeveska, of Auburn; six grandchildren, Craig Kasprzak and his partner Judit Torok, of Astoria, NY, Andrew Lizotte, of Worcester, David Macedo, of Hyannis, Stephen Macedo and his wife Kristin, of Cherry Valley, and Timothy Brunelle and Sarah Brunelle, both of Somerville; four great-grandchildren; and many dear friends. She was predeceased by her husband of 54 years, Paul A. Brunelle, in 2003, and by another grandchild, Adam Lizotte, in 2015.

She was born humbly in Worcester in 1927, the daughter of Anthony P. and Olive (Butler) Zeveska. She graduated from the former Commerce High School and worked for many years as an administrator at the Massachusetts Electric Company and, later, as a server at the former White House Restaurant. She was an active supporter of the Sisters of Mercy at the former Sacred Heart School and a longtime parishioner at Our Lady of the Angels in Worcester. Playful, energetic, resourceful, and crafty, she was an avid cribbage player and enjoyed both sewing and quilting. She made West Harwich on Cape Cod a second home and spent numerous summers there.

But Charlotte’s most enduring legacy is the family she raised with her husband, Paul, and the lasting values she imparted to them. One of her defining characteristics was a commitment to leveling the playing field for those in need. She never refused the call of charity and would often practice personal frugality while giving generously to others, from offering meals and transportation to a sick friend to slipping a bit of cash to a neighbor who was down on his luck.

For the past 42 years, she was known to most simply as “Nana,” having embraced the role of grandmother and universalized it to become Nana to everyone, including family friends, neighbors, and even complete strangers. She embodied love without judgement or limitations, and was loved in return by all who had the privilege to know her.

Calling hours will be held at Mercadante Funeral Home and Chapel on Tuesday, May 1, from 4-7 pm. A memorial mass celebrating her rich life will take place at Our Lady of the Angels on Wednesday, May 2, at 10:00 am, followed by burial at Notre Dame Cemetery.  Family requests donations in Charlotte’s memory to Our Lady of the Angels Church in Worcester (http://www.ourladyofangels.org/).