Worcester – Mary H. (Barone) Copper, 88, passed away in her home Thursday, Jan. 5, 2012, surrounded by her loving family. Her husband of 37 years, John C. Copper, passed away in 1983.
She is survived by her devoted children, Stephen G. Copper of Shrewsbury, Robert M. Copper and his wife Tammy of Oxford, Barbara Sachs and her husband Denis of Northborough, and Judith Colecchi of Webster. She also leaves a brother, Salvatore Barone of Spring Hills, Florida; a sister-in-law whom she considered a sister, Carol Barone; 12 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. A daughter, Lisa Gingerelli, passed away in June 2009, and a brother, Peter J Barone, also predeceased her.
Born in Staten Island, N.Y., a daughter of Bernard and Dora (Pistilli) Barone, she grew up in New York and had lived in Worcester most of her life.
Mrs. Copper worked more than 15 years as Medical Records Secretary for Heywood Valley Nursing Home before retiring. She was a founding member of St. Joan of Arc Church.
A devoted Italian mother who cherished her heritage, her husband, children and grandchildren, she loved to help others and found her most cherished enjoyment with her family around at gatherings and family dinners.
A celebration of her life will be held Monday, Jan. 9, from the Mercadante Funeral Home & Chapel, 370 Plantation St., with a Mass at 11 a.m. in St Joan of Arc Church, 570 Lincoln St. Burial will follow in St. John Cemetery.
The family would like to thank the staff at St. Vincent's Hospital, especially Dr. Alwyn Rapose, for the professional and pastoral care afforded to Mrs. Copper and her family during the past four difficult months.
