Marie Stella (Latino) Nelson, 90, died peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Saturday, January 9, 2016 at the Quaboag Rehabilitation Center. She leaves 4 daughters, “her girls” as she liked to say- Ellen Giroux of Brimfield, Dianna Nelson of Redding, CT, Judy Nelson of Lake Elsinore, CA, Janice Labuski of Sturbridge; and her son John Nelson of Wellington, FL; 8 grandchildren; 3 great grandchildren; 2 sisters- Rose Santora of North Grafton and Gloria Volks of Shrewsbury, a brother Raymond Latino of Boston and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband Stanley E. Nelson, a brother Charles Latino, and a sister Nina Alicandro.

Stella was born in Worcester, daughter of the late Raymond and Antonina (Pusateri) Latino. She was a proud graduate of Worcester Hahnemann Hospital School of Nursing and the Cadet Nursing Corps, and worked as a Registered Nurse at Hahnemann Hospital for many years. Stella was also a pie-making expert- she ran her own successful small business for over 30 years, baking pies that were recognized even by the Boston Globe. She would tell you her greatest achievement was her beloved family. She enjoyed making them laugh, listening to Andrea Boccelli, sewing, taking walks, the Red Sox and would never refuse another cookie or glass of red wine. Stella was adored by her family and the many people whose lives she touched with her kind heart and generous spirit. She did things “her way” until the end, and she will be forever missed.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday, January 14, 2016 from 10:30 a.m-12 noon in Nordgren Funeral Home 300 Lincoln St. Worcester. A funeral service will follow at 12 noon in the funeral home. A private burial will be held following the service. In lieu of flowers, donations in Stella’s memory may be made to Music & Memory- a non-profit organization that brings personalized music into the lives of the elderly or infirm through digital music technology, vastly improving quality of life.