Mary Ann (D’Ambra) Fernsten, 92 of Auburn, formerly of West Boylston, passed away peacefully on July 16, 2016. Mary was the devoted wife of 63 years to the late Martin L. Fernsten.

Mary is survived by her two beloved sons, Martin R. Fernsten and his wife Lynda of Port Charlotte, FL, Jeffrey A. Fernsten and his wife Linda of Plymouth, MA; her cherished daughter, Pamela A. Lefferts and her husband William of Woodstock, CT; her sister, Patricia Archambault of CA; 12 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; her sister-in-law, June C. Rice of Worcester and her best friend of over 65 years, Rose Ritchie of West Boylston.

Mary was born and raised in Worcester, a daughter of the late Salvatore J. and Philomena (Ianotti) D’Ambra and she attended Commerce High School. She was a resident of West Boylston for over forty years before moving to Brookdale Eddy Pond in Auburn two years ago.

As a young woman Mary volunteered for the National Youth Administration at Saint Vincent’s Hospital and she also worked as a riveter during World War II. True to her Italian heritage Mary was an amazing cook and baker, whose culinary delights were sought after by friends and neighbors, especially her Italian specialty dishes and cookies. Mary enjoyed shopping, going to bingo, playing on her computer and participating in all the activities and excursions offered at Eddy Pond. Above all else Mary loved her family the most, especially her children and grandchildren.

Mary’s family would like to thank the staff at Eddy Pond Woods for the excellent, loving, and compassionate care they shared with Mary. She was treated like family from the day she moved in and she loved living there.

Friends and Relatives are invited to a time of visitation on Tuesday, July 19, 2016 from 9:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. at MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 PLANTATION ST. WORCESTER,MA; followed by a 10:00 am celebration of Mary’s Funeral Liturgy at the funeral home. A funeral cortege will process from the funeral Home to Worcester County Memorial Park in Paxton for interment at the completion of services at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in honor to Staff Holiday Fund, Brookdale Eddy Pond East, 669 Washington Street, Auburn, MA 01501.