Muriel (Giguere) Rinaldo

Muriel M. (Giguere) Rinaldo, 89, a lifelong resident of Worcester, passed away peacefully after a brief illness Wednesday, November 16th, 2022, surrounded by the family she loved.

Muriel was born in Brockton, a daughter of Henri and Christine (Beaumiere) Giguere. Raised in Worcester, Muriel's paternal grandmother taught her to cut and sew her first pattern at 12. She would soon be working for several of the clothing manufacturers in Worcester before becoming the lead seamstress for Trippi's Formal Wear and Uniforms in Shrewsbury. First responders and other customers knew and loved Muriel for her ability to alter their uniforms quickly and with precision. In 1999, Muriel notably worked countless hours daily and at home preparing the uniforms for the ceremonies of the Worcester 6 fallen firefighters. She did this each time there was a need for uniforms in an emergency. Muriel worked a total of 60-plus years in her profession before retiring recently. On October 29th, 1960, Muriel married Joseph “Joe Thursday” Rinaldo in Our Lady of Mt Carmel Church. She loved her children fiercely and lived a life of work and purpose, setting an example of humility and service balanced with incredible talent.

Muriel is survived by her four children, Anthony Joseph Rinaldo and his wife Lisa of Millbury, Joseph Anthony Rinaldo and his wife Elizabeth of Holden, Robert Matthew Rinaldo of Riverview Florida, and her daughter, and best friend, Maria Christine Rinaldo of Charlton; eight grandchildren, Stefani, Vincenzo, Breanna, Nicholas, Brenna, Joseph, Brian and Jillian; four great grandchildren, Avery, Brynn, Hazel, and Joseph Peter; two sisters Norma Papagni of Worcester and Lorraine Johnson of Vero Beach, Florida; along with nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends across all walks of life. Her niece Cindy Giguere Jackson gracefully sat by her side for the duration of her illness, and Muriel referred to her as her second daughter. In addition to her parents and husband Joe, two brothers, Wilfred and Leonard Giguere predeceased her.

Muriel was a member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, its Golden Years organization, and the International Ladies Garment Workers Union. She had a God-given talent as a seamstress and designed and constructed draperies, wedding dresses, gowns, theater costumes, hats, scarfs, mittens, blankets and so much more. She could hem a pair of pants while you wore them. In an emergency, Muriel would drop what she was doing and come to the rescue. She also loved to travel and went on many trips around the world, her favorite being St. Petersburg, Russia.

A period of calling hours will be held Tuesday, November 22nd, from 9:30 am to 11:30 am in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St followed by a prayer service. Burial will follow in Worcester County Memorial Park in Paxton. In lieu of flowers, memorial remembrances in her name can be made to the Boys and Girls Club of Worcester food pantry, care of Cindy Jackson, at the Francis & Jacquelyn Harrington Clubhouse, 65 Boys and Girls Club Way, Worcester.