Gloria Mastro

obituary

Gloria (Roy) Mastro

February 17, 1932 – January 7, 2021

Gloria R. Mastro, age 88, of North Reading, was called to heaven on January 7, 2021 after the heart that she gave so selflessly to others, stopped beating.  Born in Berlin, New Hampshire on February 17, 1932 to Louis and Lydia (Drouin) Roy, Gloria attended boarding school at St. Mary’s Academy in Island Pond, Vermont graduating in 1949.  She later attended the Hôpital Saint Louis Nursing Program in Berlin and graduated Boston College School of Nursing in 1955.  While at BC, Gloria worked at Mass General Hospital, New England Medical Center and Camp Pemigewasset for Boys during her summer breaks.  After graduation, she returned to Hopital Saint Louis to teach and worked at several New England hospitals.  She found her calling serving the elderly working for many years at Green Grove Nursing Home in North Reading and Mary Immaculate Nursing and Restorative Center Lawrence, MA as Nursing Supervisor.  Following retirement, she worked for many years with the disabled at the John T. Berry and Hogan Rehabilitation Centers.

Gloria and her husband John moved to North Reading in 1957 and relished in raising their children in a quintessential New England neighborhood.  Gloria’s Central Street neighbors became beloved, lifelong friends that made being a full-time working mother of five children possible, and to whom she was the epitome of a good neighbor.  A mother like no other to her five children, she fervently supported us and instilled in us the importance of helping others, and continuously and tirelessly showed us how it was done.  As her children, we remain in awe of the impact our Mom made on everyone she met, in her very own, very unique way.   Young or old, once Gloria came into your life, you had a remarkable friend.

She became an active member of the community in the 1960’s becoming a scout leader and dedicating time to her children’s various activities and serving as nurse at their Boy Scout and Campfire Girl camps in Harold Parker State Forest.  In the 1970’s she became an active member of the NRHS Athletic Boosters coordinating seasonal sports award banquets and as a fixture behind the concession table at countless sporting events. Through the years she made many dear and lifelong friends on the ball fields, basketball courts and hockey rinks of North Reading sports as well as through many other town activities.   After her own children were grown, Gloria spent years volunteering as a coach for Destination Imagination helping students develop problem-solving skills and served as a substitute nurse in North Reading Public Schools.  Gloria could also be found wearing a stethoscope and performing wellness “check-ups” on the stuffed animals that children brought to the town’s Annual Teddy Bear Picnic.

An active member of St. Theresa’s Parish, Gloria joined the Women’s Activity Committee helping chair the Annual Harvest Bazaar and setting up refreshments in the church hall for weekly bingo and spaghetti suppers.  Gloria served as a religious education teacher for many years conducting CCD classes in her home for her own children and countless others who remember her fondly. She got tremendous enjoyment from her years serving as an original member of the Fourth of July Committee, and could often be seen dressed as Betsy Ross, waving from the bed of an antique pick-up truck in the town’s annual Memorial Day parade.  In 1994 the committee recognized her as North Reading Citizen of the Year.  In 2010, she was inducted into the NRHS Hornet Hall of Fame for her decades of service with the Athletic Boosters, and in 2018 The North Reading Community Action Team recognized her as a Community Champion for her involvement with Community Impact Team, a partnership between First Responders, Youth and Elder Services and other local groups that that work to identify negative quality of life factors for community members of all ages, and implements solutions that solve the underlying problems. As a staunch advocate for the elderly, Gloria became a member of Mystic Valley Elder Services where she served as an Ombudsman, and on the North Reading Council on Aging where she volunteered countless hours at the senior center named for her good friend, the late Edith O’Leary.

She found great pleasure in her years of involvement with the North Reading Historical and Antiquarian Society for which she remained an active Board Member, attending monthly board meetings via Zoom throughout the pandemic and advocating to resurrect the Boston Post Cane tradition in town until her death.  Each September, she looked forward to baking apple pies with students and kitchen staff NRHS to be sold at their Annual Apple Festival where she also enjoyed welcoming visitors to the historic Daniel Putnam House where she would dress the part and share historical facts about the town.  In the fall, she looked forward to baking pies with NRHS students and kitchen staff to sell at the Annual Apple Festival where, dressed the part, she proudly welcomed visitors to the historic Daniel Putnam House.  She remained an active Board Member, attending monthly meetings via Zoom throughout the pandemic and advocating to resurrect the Boston Post Cane tradition in town.

 

Gloria loved the Town of North Reading and eagerly awaited Thursday deliveries of the town paper The Transcript.  When reading articles that interested her, she wouldn’t hesitate to ask how she could help, or write a letter to the editor to voice her support (or opposition).  She appeared in the paper many times herself over the years, often in the company of her close-knit group of friends who enjoyed the decades-old tradition of spending St. Patrick’s Day watching Irish step-dancers perform at the Horseshoe Grill, a welcomed guest of the Lee family.

Once she knew your birthday or interests, she never forgot and would send cards, notes, thoughtful gifts or newspaper clippings that she thought you would like.  There are likely hundreds of homes in North Reading that have received one of Gloria’s envelopes over the years.  She would not hesitate to call people in town whether she knew them personally or not to ask for help with a town event, or to connect people who she thought could help each other.  We can’t express our appreciation enough for everyone in town who simply “couldn’t say no to Gloria”.  At the time of her passing her we received countless messages of remembrance from people young and old about how she touched their lives, with her caring, thoughtful and selfless nature as well as the impact she made on them and the community.

Gloria remained in her Central Street home for 55 years until she moved across town to the home she loved on Martin’s Pond. There she enjoyed watching the amazing sunsets from her living room and quickly became the matriarch of the new neighborhood she shared with her daughter Paula.   Together they planned regular neighborhood events and birthday celebrations.  Gloria will be sorely missed by all her former neighbors and lifelong friends, some of whom she met upon her initial move to North Reading and remained close with throughout their lives.

Gloria was predeceased by her husband of 49 years, John Mastro and brothers Dr. Richard Roy and David Roy.  She leaves behind her siblings Donald, Louise and Maurice Roy, her children Peter Beck and his wife Bernadette of Wakefield, Anne Valade and her late husband Jay of North Reading, Paula Mastro of North Reading, Andrea Kelly and her husband Kevin of Wilmington, John and his wife Joan of Methuen.  She was also the beloved “Memere” to her grandchildren Jennifer and Nathan Valade of North Reading, Deirdre, Tighe and Eadeen Beck of Wakefield, Matthew Corrieri of North Reading, Olivia and Coleman Kelly of Wilmington and Joseph and Jacqueline Mastro of Methuen whom she all loved a bushel and a peck, and a hug around the neck.  She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Gloria was a registered organ donor and in the last selfless act of her life on earth, she registered with the Anatomical Gift Program at The University of Massachusetts Medical School, to whom she bequeathed her physical body to be used in medical education.  Gloria was glad to know that when the time came, her remains would be used by local medical students and often joked that it might be her only chance to get into Harvard, just one example of her amazing sense of humor.  She will be sorely and endlessly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Calling hours will be from 3:00 to 7:00pm on Thursday, January 21 at the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading, MA.  Social distancing and mask wearing protocols will be followed by all guests while passing through the funeral home. A virtual guestbook may be signed virtually at: www.croswellfuneralhome.com.

A memorial mass will be held on Friday, January 22 at 10:30am at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, 63 Winter Street (Rt. 62), North Reading, MA.  COVID protocols will be in place.

Donations may be made to The Gloria Mastro Memorial Scholarship c/o Reading Cooperative Bank, 170 Park Street, North Reading, MA  01864.  This scholarship will be awarded annually to community-minded students from North Reading who pursue a career in the medical field.

48 thoughts on “Gloria Mastro”

    1. Dear Paula/Mastro Family:
      So sorry to learn about Gloria’s passing. As Paula knows, Gloria had invited me to speak on several occasions at the library and historical society in North Reading on topics of historical interest, as I teach history at Northern Essex Community College in Haverhill and Lawrence. Gloria was always so kind and generous with a warm personality that always made me (and no doubt others!) feel very special. And she certainly had a very active, involved and fulfilling life which I am sure brought her much joy and happiness.
      I was especially delighted one summer when Gloria, along with Paula, took my narrated boat tour of the Merrimack River in my capacity as a summer historical tour interpreter (guide) at Lawrence Heritage State Park. Once Gloria found out that I gave these tours, she was eager to sign up and learn from my narration and I was more than happy to have her (and Paula) on my tour.
      Due to work responsibilities, I will not be able to come today or tomorrow, but please know that my many happy memories of Gloria will forever live in my heart and mind.
      With Sympathy,
      Richard Padova, Andover, MA

  3. Please accept my heartfelt condolences on the loss of your mom. I have such special memories with her and my mom. My most vivid is the bus rides to summer camp when your mom taught us the words to Alouette, gentille alouette… I remember at the end of the summer explaining that we were plucking the bird! I remember her laugh when I was shocked!

    May your memories of her also fill you with love and laughter.

  6. I’m so sorry for your loss. She was a lovely woman. I enjoyed seeing her at cookbook club at the library. She was also a great supporter of Girl Scouts. She will be missed.

  7. A beautiful written obit for a beautiful woman. Her dedication to NR sporting events is what I recall; everyone knew Mrs. Mastro.
    May all the loving memories of her life (in yours) give you strength as you mourn your loss.

  8. I am so sorry for the loss of your mother. I so enjoyed talking with Gloria and she certainly has lived a life of wonderful memories and stories that will be passed down from generation to generation. May God Bless all of you.

  9. I met Gloria only about 3 years ago but in that time we worked together and had many interesting telephone conversations. She was a lovely person and I will miss her very much.

  10. Although I didn’t know your Mom personally she sounds like an amazing person. I have known John for a while now and now understand where he gets his kind heart and good sense of humor. May she rest in peace and may you all be comforted by happy memories with her.

  11. The first time I met Gloria was at a Women’s Activity meeting at Saint Theresa’s in the 70’s.
    The last time I saw her we were attending a Bible study at Saint Theresa’s in 2020. Between those two bookends are fifty years of respect and admiration for a powerhouse of a woman.
    May she rest in the light of the face of God.

  12. What a wonderful tribute. She always had a smile for everyone and raised a wonderful family. My heart goes out to you all.

  13. Beautiful words to honor one of the most selfless people I have ever known. She will be dearly missed. An amazing woman. So very sorry for your loss.

  14. I was one person, Gloria befriended, calling me from time to time and sending me articles she thought I would be interested in (which I was). She was a job to speak to and I look forward to seeing her at all the town events and our phone calls. She will be missed and touched so many lives. It was a honor to have known her. Meg Robertson

  15. Gloria was a woman who made you feel as the most important person when having a conversation with you.
    I was one of hundreds that Gloria made feel important.
    Your Mom was a force in North Reading. in a very positive way. The Town, and all of us are better off because our paths crossed with your Mom.
    RIP Gloria.

    George Stack

  17. Whoa – what a lady!!! I just got to know Gloria two months ago when we became penpals. So happy now that I got to know about her – what a mentor.
    Sincere condolences to her family.
    RIP Gloria.
    Lelah Costello

  19. Peter, Anne, Paula, Andrea, John and family—we are so sorry for your tremendous loss as well as for the loss to our community. When Gloria welcomed us to our Central Street home in 1997, she didn’t just become our next-door neighbor and friend, like many others, she became a part of our family. Because of her close family gatherings and annual cookie swaps, you too became our family. We are so blessed to have known Gloria as she truly enriched our lives over the years. She will be forever missed, but the memories we made with her as well as the friendships along the way will be forever etched in our hearts! Thank you for sharing your mom and memere with all of us! Rest In Peace dear friend until we meet again.
    Debbie, Bruce, Caitlin, Emily and Christopher

  20. Gloria covered my NRHS Nurses Office for a month while I recuperated from surgery at home. During that time, she answered the needs of every student who consulted her for care.
    At the same time, she reviewed the Health Record of every HS student to be sure that all had up-to-date immunization records. This is just one more example of the care Gloria took for her North Reading family. Her legacy continues.

  21. Paula, I am so sorry for you and your families loss, what a beautiful tribute to her, you now have all these memories in your heart forever.
    Heidi spencer

  22. I will miss her phone calls to talk about ideas. That mind never stopped, very few people have the stamina she did to continually find ways to serve. She is a piece of north reading history.

  23. I have known Gloria for 54 years. Our children grew up together and became very close friends to this day. She was a remarkable woman, right to the very end of her life. Joanne Emma

  24. Thinking of Gloria in heaven. My thoughts and prayers for her family and friends ~ Lorraine

  25. I was LUCKY to know your mom, Gloria. Seeing her pull into my driveway, sitting low in her overfilled green Buick, I knew that she had a newspaper clipping to share, a good book for me to read, an apron or hat to wear at the next apple festival and of course a long conversation explaining all things “North Reading” She was one of a kind and I will truly miss her!

  26. I was sad to hear the passing of
    Gloria. My sincere condolences to her family. She was a super lady.
    I worked with Gloria for 3 years long ago at the Green Grove nursing home in N.R. she was a pleasure to work with and had a pleasant personality. I’m glad I had the opportunity to have worked with her.

    Ruth Downs White

  27. We are so very sorry for your loss. Your Mom was such a special lady to all. I will always be forever grateful for her kindness and thoughtful ways. When I first got married and moved into the Central St. neighborhood, it was your Mom, that organized a special party to welcome me and get a chance to meet all of the amazing ladies of the neighborhood.
    She truly made the world a better place, she will always be in our hearts.
    With Love,
    Nancy, Mike, & Katie Vadala

  28. Paula , John and family

    I am so sorry to hear of your mother’s passing you are all in my thoughts and prayers .

  29. Sending prayers and healing thoughts to the family of a special woman who will long be remembered. Her loss will be deeply felt by all the people in the community that she gave to these many years. Her vital spirit and sense of humor was unique. A life well lived! Thanks for sharing her. Take care and God Bless.

  30. So sorry for your loss of a very special woman. She will long be remembered for her dedicated contributions to family and community. She always had a twinkle in her eye and a great sense of humor. Don’t know how she managed to be at every sponsored event in town…especially when there was food involved. Her intelligence was with her to the end. You will be missed Gloria…A life well lived!!

  31. Sorry for your loss – and all of North Reading’s as well. I only knew Gloria for a short time but so enjoyed my interactions with her. It always brightened my day to have a chat with Gloria!

  32. I was so saddened to learn that Gloria had passed away . I lived next door to Gloria for many years after I moved to North Reading in 1974. She was always a joy to see and talk to, Gloria was always positive and always had a smile . She also always had wonderful stories and information to share

    She will be sorely missed by all who were fortunate enough to know her .

    Rest in peace Gloria

  33. Central St friend since 1960 and friend forever. Always available for a chat or to give advice when asked. Such a blessing to have known her and have been with her recently. Will always have fond remembrances of a wonderful, smart. giving and amazing lady.
    Will miss you Glo.
    Barbara Mahn

  34. Paula. I am so sorry for you and your family on the death of your Mother. What a remarkable woman she was. I have never seen such a beautifully written obituary. I remember meeting her years ago and she made everyone feel special. Thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
    Maureen McLaughlin

  35. My sincere condolences. Gloria was a very kind woman. And I can say I will personally miss my Birthday calls. She will be missed. RIP.. Hugs to the Family. And prayers of strength during this difficult time..

  36. Many thoughts and prayers for the family of such an outstandingly amazing lady. May all in her family, and her very numerous friends, be comforted with peace and great love. Gloria’s remarkable charitable character had caused her to have so many friends…One could never count the number! Gloria was an inspiration to multitudes of persons, as she worked tirelessly to lift the spirits of all who were fortunate enough to know her. Gloria was a most amazing lady, full of energy, spunk, charity, love for humanity, and most of all…her love for God. Without a second thought, I can tell you, she was a Saint who lived among us…No doubt about where her Soul is right now. She will be sadly & endlessly missed by so many.

  37. Our condolences for the loss of your mother. May your wonderful memories of her comfort you.

  38. She was an incredible spirit who could tell you everything about anything, especially the history of North Reading.

    Through the public access studio in town (NORCAM), we would host monthly film screenings at the library and Gloria and a friend would always show up. I knew that we’d at least have an audience of two and she would always add a different perspective to the conversation. That was important to us because the whole point was/is to show the town films they might not normally see and to have them engage in conversation with a local, Boston-area film critic. We were trying to create a nice space for current and budding local cinephiles and Gloria’s attendance and participation was monumental. Whomever I brought along to talk about the film, Gloria would welcome them with open arms and commend them for their knowledge of the film. She truly was interested in every aspect of educating and beautifying the community.

    Gloria was incredibly sweet, thoughtful, and wickedly funny. We are all better for knowing her and she will be deeply missed.

  39. I am very sorry for your family’s great loss of Gloria. I met her thru the Nearing Family and always treasured my time spent with her. She was so giving and will be greatly missed! May she Rest In Peace and you find some comfort with all the wonderful memories of her!

    Laura Caplan

  40. What a beautiful tribute. My sincere condolences to the Mastro family. I remember her as someone who cared deeply and could make anyone smile.

  41. John – My sincere condolences to you and your family. Your mom touched a lot of lives in so many positive ways. I’d like to add “Outstanding CCD Teacher” to her list of accomplishments as a volunteer in the NR community. I remember classes at your kitchen table on Central St. She was a gift.
    -Chris Hickey

  42. Andrea and Family, Condolences and peaceful wishes to you all. After reading all the wonderful comments, it is obvious your mom was a truly special person. Andrea, your work ethic and unconditional “looking out for everyone” mindset were certainly passed on to you from your mom. What an amazing family you have. [[Hugs]]

  43. Sorry to hear of Gloria’s passing. She was one of a kind and made world a better place.

  44. So sorry for your loss. She was an amazing lady and I will miss seeing her around town.

  45. I am very sorry for the loss of your amazing mom. She was a lovely woman who raised a wonderful family. I will always remember her with a smile
    Love,
    Ann Catalano

  46. So sorry for your loss. Gloria was an incredibly caring person who did many wonderful things for this town. Her legacy will continue!

  47. I’m sorry about Gloria’s passing. Through the years I had the opportunity to get to know her and to appreciate her generosity of time and spirit to the community. She supported all organizations and was always thinking of ways to enhance those activities. Gloria often spoke with me about undertakings for the NR Garden Club and we’d like to brainstorm. She had boundless enthusiasm which led to so many positive outcomes. Whenever I saw Gloria, she was smiling. She will be greatly missed.

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