Shirley (Mastrovito) Maffei

Shirley (Mastrovito) Maffei, 85 a life-long resident of Worcester passed away peacefully Wednesday, March 24^th, 2021 after a period of declining health. 

Shirley was born in Worcester, one of five children of Salvatore and Antoinette (Petrone) Mastrovito.  Raised and educated in Worcester, she graduated from Commerce High School and has lived here all her life. On April 4^th, 1959, Shirley married Celeste “Chet” Maffei, and they began to raise their family with love for the next 32 years before Chet passed away in May of 1991.   She continued to live in the family home they built until recently.

Shirley is survived by her seven children, Monica Maffei of Worcester, Paul A. Maffei and his partner, John LaPrade, and Chester D. Maffei both of Worcester, Lora A. Fickett and her husband Daniel, Angela T. Yacuzzi and her husband Vincent all of Palm Coast, Florida, Glenn T. Maffei and his wife Elisa of Spencer, Brian S. Maffei of Auburn; 10 grandchildren, Vincent Jr., Nicholas, Tracey, Tonio, Grant, Hanna, Morgan, David, Taylor and Christian; Many Nieces and Nephews in the United States and Italy, extended family, and friends.   In addition to her parents and husband Celeste, a brother, Salvatore Mastrovito and three sisters, Carmella Rano, Frances Hagopian, and Rose Mastrovito all predeceased her.

Shirley was a founding member of Our Lady of Loreto Church.  A woman of deep faith and devotion,  who read the bible daily, attended church regularly or watched the daily mass when she could not attend.    Shirley loved to walk, she could be found walking Massasoit Road with her daughter, Monica, to and from the market.   Shirley loved her home, her rose bushes, shopping and baking; there was always a chocolate bundt cake being made for her family to enjoy.  She was proud of her children and grandchildren and although she never learned to drive after many attempts, she would never miss a family event as long as she had a ride.

A period of calling hours will be held Wednesday, March 31^st from 10 am to 11 am in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St. followed by a procession to Our Lady of Loreto Church, 37 Massasoit Rd where her funeral Mass will be held at 11:30 am.  Burial will follow in St John Cemetery.