Shrewsbury – Rose E. (Gardella) Larson, 98, of Shrewsbury and the Notre Dame du Lac Community of Worcester, died peacefully Thursday, April 2, 2015, surrounded by her loving family, at Notre Dame Long Term Care in Worcester.
Rose was born Sept. 22, 1916 in Worcester, one of three children to Italian immigrants, Stefano and Anna (Gardella) Gardella. She graduated from Worcester Girls Trade School and worked for Worcester Felt Pad Company not far from her home off of Shrewsbury Street.
Rose married her best friend, Milton F. Larson, and moved to Shrewsbury, where they began their married life together and where she resided for over 65 years caring for her home. She also was a very talented cook and baker.
Rose joined the staff of Spag’s where she was a very familiar face in the Housewares department for over 40 years before retiring in her 80s.
During her years in Shrewsbury, Rose was a very active member of the community having spent many years volunteering for such things as The Spirit of Shrewsbury and the Senior Center. She moved to Notre Dame du Lac Community at the age of 93. Auntie Rose, as she liked to be called spent three wonderful years at Notre Dame du Lac enjoying in all the activities and social events.
Rose’s family would like to let the wonderful staff and nuns at Notre Dame du Lac know that Rose’s life was complete and fulfilled in many joyous ways during her stay there. They were Rose’s best years and her beautiful journey ended where she called home.
Rose leaves behind her beloved niece, Ann M. Masiello and her husband Frank, who was Rose’s favorite, of Shrewsbury; a great-niece, Christine Lareau, and her three children, Paul, Scott and Adam Lareau, who frequently visited Rose from Florida; great-niece Carolyn Arsenault-Cotto and children Daralene and Monica Cotto of Worcester; great-great-niece Sophia Arseneault; and great-great-nephew Anthony Arseneault. She was predeceased by a sister, Mary E. Meola; a brother, Charles P. Gardella; and a great-nephew, Daniel Arseneault.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Rose’s memory to Notre Dame du Lac Healthcare and Assisted Living, 555 Plantation St., Worcester, MA 01605. “Because they don’t only care for people, they genuinely care about people.” Ann and Frank Masiello want to express their gratitude again, to everyone that was actively involved in Rose’s care during her stay at Notre Dame du Lac and Long Term Care and Rehabilitation.
Rose’s funeral will be Tuesday, April 7, with her funeral Mass celebrated at 10:30 a.m. in The Chapel at Notre Dame du Lac Assisted Living Facility, 555 Plantation St., Worcester. Burial will follow in Mountain View Cemetery of Shrewsbury. Britton-Shrewsbury Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements for Rose’s family.