Aug. 1, 1947 – April 23, 2024
Shrewsbury – Chris Ann (Lenis) Groccia, 76, of Shrewsbury formerly of Millbury, passed away Tuesday, April 23, 2024, surrounded by the family she loved.
Chris was born in Bristol, CT, the daughter of Stephen and Mary (Poulos) Lenis. Chris met her husband Ralph, serving him at their local family-owned restaurant, Bright Star Dairy Bar in Worcester. They fell in love and married in 1972 and began their life in Millbury before moving back to Shrewsbury. Ralph sadly left Chris’s side on February 4, 2012, after 40 years of marriage. She continued to live in their family home until now. Chris worked as a waitress for a couple of restaurants in the Greater Worcester Area before retiring.
She loved the simple things in life, like family, friends, going for drives with her granddaughter in her Jeep (accessing with the dog stairs because it was so high), Dairy Queen Sundaes, Dunkin Donuts, a good cup of coffee with 4 sugars and extra cream, watching the Hallmark Channel, visiting the beaches of Maine and celebrating the holidays with Jason’s family. She also loved animals, especially her cat, Buttercup.
Chris had a big heart and quite the stubborn streak! There are many stories to share of her shenanigans that made us laugh. She had a quick wit, sense of humor and a great smile that will be missed and remembered.
Chris was very much loved and is survived by her daughter, Stephanie Jezierski and her husband Jason (her only, and favorite son-in law!); her granddaughter who she referred to as her “everything”, Samantha Mastrogiacomo; her sister, Catherine Hanson; many nieces and nephews, extended family and friends including her longtime friend, Ann Cappuccio, Stephanie’s friends, Lori Samuelson, Kathy Brooks and Janet Conlon, and her niece Julie Groccia who visited Chris often.
The Groccia family would like to thank the Rose Monahan Hospice residence for the care, comfort and compassion they gave to Mom and our family.
Friends and relatives are invited to visit with the family Monday, April 29th 4 pm to 7 pm in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St. Her funeral will be held, Tuesday, April 30th from the funeral home, with a procession beginning at 10:30 am to St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church, 102 Russell St. in Worcester where her funeral service will be held at 11 am. Burial will follow at Hope Cemetery.
Memorial remembrances in her name can be made to either the Dog Orphans animal shelter at www.dogorphans.com or Disabled American Veterans at www.dav.org.
