Shrewsbury – Lisa Ann (Favacchia) Pellegrino, 50, a longtime Shrewsbury resident, passed away Sunday, Feb. 22, 2015, with the family that loved her dearly gathered at her bedside, after a courageous and valiant battle with breast cancer.
Lisa started her life Dec. 28, 1964 in Norristown, Penn., a daughter of Ronald and Gloria J. (Piekarski) Favacchia. After several short stays in various states, at the age of 9, Lisa’s family finally settled in Shrewsbury where she graduated from Shrewsbury High School. She then went on to further her education and earn her bachelors of Arts degree in psychology from the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
In 1998, Lisa married Steven P. Pellegrino, spending the next 16 years in love, happily married raising her family and living in love with her community and surrounded by her family.
Lisa had a passion for life; she never lost her positive attitude; afflicted with breast cancer. She would never say “why me,” always concerned about others and believing entirely that she would conquer this mountain. Her positive attitude and outlook on life was contagious and uplifting. With love, and dedication for her family, she fought courageously to live her life the way she wanted. In December 2014, a benefit was held with over 400 community members and family to support “Team Lisa.”
Lisa had the love of her employer, Price Chopper Corporation, where she worked for over eight years before retiring due to illness.
She leaves behind the love of her family, her husband of 16 years, Steven P. Pellegrino; her three children, Lindsey D. Favacchia and Erica A. and Peter S. Pellegrino; her father, Ronald B. Favacchia; her brother, Ronald V. Favacchia, all of Shrewsbury; a sister, Denise L. Landry and her husband Christopher of Auburn; father- and mother-in-law, Peter and Diane (Masiello) Pellegrino; and nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family and friends. Lisa’s mother, Gloria J. (Piekarski) Favacchia, passed away in March 2012.
Lisa was always active in her life. She was a member of St. Anne’s Church, spending time down the Lake, trips to Disney, reading and especially watching Erica dance, Peter play hockey, and helping Lindsey and Ian plan their wedding. Her family and extended family were the most important parts of her life. She lived and fought to stay and be with them.
Friends and relatives are invited to attend calling hours Thursday, Feb. 26, from 4-8 p.m., in the Mercadante Funeral Home & Chapel, 370 Plantation St., Worcester. Lisa’s celebration of life funeral Mass will be held Friday, Feb. 27, at 10 a.m., in St. Anne’s Church, 130 Boston Tpke., Shrewsbury (please go directly to church). Burial will follow in Mountain View Cemetery.
Memorial remembrances in Lisa’s name can be made to the Massachusetts General Hospital, Center for Cancer, care of the Massachusetts General Hospital, Development Office, 100 Cambridge St., Suite 1310, Boston, MA 02114.
The Pellegrino family would also like to thank the Shrewsbury community for their gracious support, especially the Price Chopper Corporation, Shrewsbury School System, the Dance Place Inc., and the Mass General Hospital community.
