Betty’s Obituary Elizabeth “Betty” (Ruddy) Mastro always believed that her faith and prayer were the keys to the treasures of this world and life hereafter. On Saturday, January 12th, 2019, Betty’s prayer of being blessed with a peaceful death at home with her family around her was answered by her loving God. She was 93.
On March 15, 1925 she was born in Clinton a daughter to the late Ernest and Catherine (Connelly) Ruddy. Raised and educated in Clinton she graduated from Clinton High School. She remained faithful to her Irish heritage and with willingness she accepted an offer to a blind date with Shrewsbury native Anthony Mastro.
After a successful courtship they met with the priest at Our Lady of the Rosary Church in Clinton to plan their wedding. Coincidentally it was the same day as the infamous tornado of 1953 and Tony would often joke that it was a sign from God; So to be safe…on the eve of September 7, 1953 Betty hung her rosary beads (Irish superstition) from her window to ensure nice weather for the wedding day. It worked.
It’s often said that those of Irish and Italian descents make nice couples and beautiful families. Sixty-five years later, five children, four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren…it proved true and Betty’s prayers were answered. She always knew in her heart that family is where life begins and love never ends.
Prior to marriage Betty worked at Colonial Press in Clinton for 11 years and then stayed at home to raise her children. After her youngest was born she went to work with many other family members at Spag’s Supply for many years, retiring in 1987. Her needs were few and her blessings were plentiful.
The same rosaries that hung from her window the night before her wedding are the pair that she has held in her hands throughout all life’s joys and sorrows. Throughout her life she experienced so much and at times her faith was challenged. When her son Billy died in 1998, she struggled with the pain only a mother knows when losing a child.
But she relied on her faith as the light that would lead her through the darkness. It was this faith that comforted her knowing Billy was no longer sick and in pain…and that someday she would be with him in heaven. It surely must have been a joyful reunion.
She loved her home and would prefer staying in verses going out. Family and friends were always welcome for a visit and in later years she was most content sitting by the window watching the birds at their feeders while she whispered her daily prayer. In addition to her husband Tony, she leaves their children to whom she was first their mother but forever their friend, John A. Mastro and his wife, Judie of Shrewsbury, James V. Mastro and his wife, Renee of Rhode Island, Tammy and Marie Mastro both with whom she lived; her daughter-in-law, Patricia Haddock of Dudley; her grandchildren, Michael and his wife, Cristina, Katie, Kevin and James Mastro and her future granddaughter Sarah Flagg; her great-grandchildren, Mia, Vince, Arianna Elizabeth and her soon to be born great-grandson; cousins, nieces and nephews.
She was a sister of the late Marie Hergt and Marilyn Duvarney. Family and friends will celebrate Betty’s life by gathering for calling hours at Mercadante Funeral Home & Chapel, 370 Plantation Street, Worcester on Wednesday, January 16, 2019 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. and again on Thursday before leaving in procession to Saint Anne’s Church, 130 Boston Turnpike, Shrewsbury where her Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be private.
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