Louise “Weezie or Lou” Mastracchio---retired educator and entrepreneur; born to the late John and Phyllis Mastracchio, peacefully passed away at the age of 89 surrounded by loved ones on Sunday, October 2, 2022.
Louise is survived by her youngest brother, Anthony Mastracchio, and his wife Clellia (Claire), their three children and their respective spouses: Vincent and Megin (Spain) Mastracchio; Randy and Theresa (Mastracchio) Grimshaw; and Jason and Valerie (Mastracchio) Scott. Louise is also survived by Joy Clarkson---best friend, “sister,” and business partner. She is also survived by the four children and respective spouses of her late brother, John Mastracchio: Debbie (Mastracchio) Murray; John and Maria (Lazetera) Mastracchio; Rosanne Mastracchio; and Melissa Mastracchio. Louise leaves behind many great-nieces and great-nephews as well.
An avid reader and life-long learner, Louise’s love of learning allowed her to skip a grade in elementary school. After high school, Louise joined the convent and became a Catholic school teacher. For fifteen years, Louise taught Catholic school in the Bronx, New York and Union City, New Jersey while earning a biology degree from Fordham University. As part of the Pallottine Sisters of the Catholic Apostolate, she spent a lot of time in Monroe, New York serving alongside her Pallottine Sisters; they remained close to her heart. In 1967, Louise left the convent to care for her parents and to become a public school teacher yet she remained steadfast in her faith. Over the years, many miracles arose from Weezie’s prayer chains.
After getting a job at Bethel Middle School, Louise moved to Bethel, Connecticut in 1972 and lived on the Ponderosa with her second family: the Clarksons, the Pacifics, and the Reads. During her 29 years at Bethel Middle School, Louise taught science, coached basketball, dabbled in photography, painted the mascot on the gym floor, taught one of the first computer science classes, and brought the district outstanding professional development. Outside of teaching and church, Louise religiously followed UCONN Women’s Basketball. She rarely missed a game. Louise also had a philanthropic heart. She loved to donate to worthy causes. If she saw a need, then she made sure to fill it.
For 30 years, Louise spent her summer months with Joy in Onset, Massachusetts running a successful business called Kenny’s Salt Water Taffy. Louise’s taffy and fudge confections were sought-after. After retiring from teaching in 1996, Louise lived out the winter months in Ormond Beach, Florida where she taught Sunday school and helped with mass. Louise’s faith, selflessness, generosity, and strong will are a testament to a life lived to serve others. The matriarch of the Mastracchio Family, Louise will remain a beacon of love for those blessed to call her family and friend.
A visitation will be held at Green Funeral Home, Danbury, CT on Wednesday, October 12th from 4-7pm.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Mary’s Church, Bethel, CT on Thursday, October 13th at 10:00am. Burial will be in Saint Mary Cemetery, Bethel.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Pallottine Sisters of the Catholic Apostolate, 98 Harriman Heights Road, Monroe, New York 10950.
