Natalie "Nell" Aspero

Natalie Theresa (Cerrone) Aspero, of Shrewsbury, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on June 13, 2023, at the amazing age of 99. 

Natalie was born on December 23, 1923, in Worcester, MA, a loving daughter of the late Antonio and Theresa (Marcocci) Cerrone. Natalie grew up on Allston Ave. in Worcester where she attended Rice Square Elementary School and Grafton Street Junior High School where she completed her 8th grade year before having to care for her mother full-time. Natalie, who was affectionately known as “Nell” and “Nellie,” was a very warm and loving wife, mother, sister, grandmother and beloved friend. She had a heart of gold and was always there for anyone that needed her.  

Nell was a very hard worker who began her career working for Steven-Walden Manufacturing Company in Worcester and during World War II she packed parachutes for another company. She also worked as the bookkeeper for her husband’s company, Shrewsbury Homes, Inc.

Nell was a master bowler. She received many awards for her performance with her Westbury Bowling League. She was an avid golfer and an amazing baker who loved bingo and playing cards. Nell could always be found baking a batch of cookies, her famous birthday cakes and trays of Italian cookies, a family tradition especially around the holidays and special occasions. Nell was a devout member of St. Mary’s Church in Shrewsbury, volunteered as a “Tuesday Mother” where she served lunch to students and staff at Sacred Heart Academy and volunteered to help with events at Venerini Academy and St. John’s High School. 

Nell’s beloved husband of 47 years, Paul J. Aspero, passed away on December 3, 1993.  She is survived by her daughter, Diane Aspero - Barrett (Martin) of Northborough; her son, Ronald Aspero, and his wife Jeanne of Boylston; six grandchildren and seventeen great grandchildren, granddaughter Ashley (Barrett) Cameron and her husband, Adam, and great grandsons, Noah and Benjamin of Shrewsbury whom she lived together with; grandson, Eric Barrett, his wife Megan, and great grandchildren, Natalie, Adriana, Aurora, Piper and Christian, granddaughter-in-law, Michelle Barrett and great grandchildren, Alexis, Paul and Bradie of West Springfield, granddaughter, Sarah DeFelice, her husband Jordy, and great grandchildren, Lucas, Calvin and Nolan of Natick, grandson, Kevin Aspero, his wife Stefanie and great grandsons, Theodore and Benjamin of Boylston and granddaughter, Rachel Teidman and great granddaughters, Avery and Madelyn of Poestenkill, NY; two sisters-in-law, Janet, wife of the late Anthony Cerrone and Ann, wife of the late Albert Cerrone; many nieces, nephews, grand nieces and nephews and wonderful friends. She also leaves her extended family, MaryAnn (Haith) Smith, Tricia (Haith) and Jim Feijo, Larry and Lisa Haith and their families.  Besides her husband and parents, she is predeceased by her longtime companion, William L. Haith, her grandson, Robert P. Barrett and her siblings, Catherine (Cerrone) Lemerise, Mary (Cerrone) Breault, Albert Cerrone, Anthony “Harpo” Cerrone and Helen (Tyan) Cerrone. 

The family would extend a special thanks to the Brigham Neighborhood Staff at Beaumont Skilled Nursing Center Northborough and Salmon Hospice Care for the outstanding care and compassion they gave to Nell. 

All are welcome to gather with Natalie’s family and friends for a period of calling hours on Tuesday, June 27, 2023 from 4-7 PM in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St., Worcester.  Services will be held on Wednesday, June 28th with a procession from the funeral home to St. Mary’s Church, 640 Main St., Shrewsbury where her funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 am.  Burial will follow at Mountain View Cemetery, Shrewsbury.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: St. Mary’s Church, 640 Main St., Shrewsbury, MA. 01545 or St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN. 38105