Dorothy Mistretta

Mistretta, Dorothy (Cronin) 88, of Seminole, Florida passed away on Monday, February 25, 2013 at 12:30 pm., surrounded by her loving family. Dorothy was born on April 10, 1924 in Ballardvale, Andover, MA to the late Frank and Elizabeth (Fee) Cronin. She moved to Seminole, FL in 1971. During WWII Dorothy worked as a welder in the Boston Navy shipyards. A natural caregiver, she was involved in a Social Program in MA that taught recipients how to prepare healthy meals and later became a Home Health Aid in St. Pete., FL. Dorothy loved nature and was an avid gardener. She was creative and artistic. Full moons had a special meaning to her. Dorothy, having a back bone made of steel, encouraged her children to find theirs. Her solid, loving presence in the lives of her family and friends will be sorely missed. She is survived by her sons, David Mistretta of Largo, FL, Dean Mistretta of Providence, RI, Thomas Leone and his wife Barbara of Atkinson, NH, and John Leone of Haverhill, MA, daughters Donna Ann Leone of Atkinson, NH, Sandra Mistretta and her partner Nancy Martin of Santa Barbara, CA and a step-daughter Carol Ann Shaw of Worcester, MA. Also surviving are seven grandchildren and eight great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews, along with special friends Joan and Denise Matson and their family. Dorothy was preceded in death by a brother Thomas Cronin and two sisters Jeanette Lastra and Helen DeParelis. A Memorial Service will be held at a later date in New England. Local arrangements are being handled by Moss Feaster Funeral Home, Largo, FL, Ph# 727-562-2080. Condolences may be offered at www.mossfeasterlargo.com.