Community Remembers Helen Zingarelli

Helen J. (Mastro) Zingarelli, of Shrewsbury. died peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Saturday, Dec.14, 2013 in the UMass Medical Center in Worcester. She was 97.

On June 21, 1916, Helen was born in Worcester, one of 14 children of Italian immigrants William F. and Viola (Congahilia) Mastro Sr. A life-long Shrewsbury resident, she worked for 23 years as a clerk, then a buyer, at the former well- known Shrewsbury landmark, Spag's.

She was energetic and cheerful, and always had a warm smile on her face. In true Italian tradition Helen was familiar with the kitchen and was quite a cook. Her specialties included her famous Swiss chard calzone, stuffed zucchini, baked chicken breast and zucchini Parmesan. Most of all, she loved the presence of family and friends…."the more, the merrier."

She and her late husband Maurice were married for 65 years. They traveled extensively, often with trips organized by the Greendale Men's Club and the Shrewsbury Senior Center. Helen also enjoyed vacationing in Falmouth and in Naples, Fla. She kept her mind active reading and by solving puzzles.

In heaven Helen joins her husband, Maurice, who died May 30, 2006; her parents, William and Viola; and siblings Mary Driscoll, Margaret Archambo, Frances Ruggere, Eva Rose, Lena Chenevert, John Mastro, William Mastro, Anna Mastro, and Benny Mastro.

Helen leaves her daughters, Maureen A. and Elaine Zingarelli, with whom she lived; her brothers, Vincent W. Mastro and Anthony R. Mastro and his wife Betty, all of Shrewsbury; her sister, Elsie Shean of Worcester; sisters-in-law, Rose Mastro of Westborough, Claire Mastro of Orleans and Naples, Fla., and Florence Stofko of New York; along with many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends will honor and remember Helen's life by gathering for calling hours at Heald & Chiampa Funeral Directors - The Sumner House, 5 Church Road, On the Common, Shrewsbury Center on Tuesday from 4 to 7 p.m. and again at 9 a.m. Wednesday before leaving in procession to St. Anne's Church, 130 Boston Turnpike, Shrewsbury, where her Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Burial will follow in Mountain View Cemetery.

Honor Helen's memory with a contribution to a charity of your choice.