Margaret Lucia Immaculata Booth

Groton - Margaret Lucia Immaculata Booth, 82, of Groton passed away Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020, from complications due to COVID-19.

She was born Aug. 25, 1938, in Hartford to the late Grace Mary (Grillo) Della Rocco and Angelo J. Della Rocco. The youngest child, she was predeceased by her brother Pasquale (Del) R. Della Rocco of Enfield.

Margaret graduated from Torrington High School in 1956. Extremely popular and highly curious, she looked forward to her future with excitement, as attitudes about young woman in the work force started changing in late 1950s, Margaret began a career as a secretary for the Diamond Match Company in Springfield, Mass. Later in life, Margaret began her most rewarding position as a teacher's assistant in the Groton Public schools for nearly two decades, at Claude Chester Elementary, her co-workers at every level marveled at her work ethic, relished her wit and optimism, all knowing they could place their trust in her honesty, dedication and above all, the children in her care.

Margaret married Howard W. Booth Jr. originally of Tenafly, N.J. 1962, while he was serving in the United States Navy, stationed in Groton. They lived in New London and Charleston, S.C. Before establishing their home in Groton in 1966. Together, they celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary July 7, 2020.

The two persons blessed to call her "Mom" are Teresa A. Bridgman and her husband Matthew F. Bridgman of Baltimore Md., Barbara J. Booth of Groton. Blessing continued for Margaret and Howard with their two grandsons, Michael J. Bridgman and his wife Talia of New Jersey, Brandon T. Clay of Groton; as well as two great-grandchildren, Isaiah and Emma Bridgman; her niece and nephews. In addition, the generations of children she cherished in her classrooms.

While this obituary could be devoted solely to extolling the mother, grandmother, wife friend and strong woman she was, Margaret's children can only express their respect and love for her by saying, simply and authentically, she made people happy.

As a woman who placed family and sacrifice above self-fulfillment, Margaret faced each new day, focused not on the trial and sorrows of yesterday, but on making the most of the moments at hand, all to ensure the health and happiness of her family. She suffered lives slings and arrows with a strong will to persevere with an amazing resilience.

Margaret enjoyed life's simple pleasures, preparing Italian dishes from her "Nonna's" handwritten recipes, dancing and singing to Sinatra in her kitchen, the morning crossword puzzle and tending her garden.

Above all she loved "La Famiglia" and her Italian heritage- photographs in black and white adorned her walls with generations, she took pride in the traditions passing them on to her daughters. Most of all she loved Christmas Eve.

To all who knew her, Margaret will always be an example of "Family First", that faith in the love of others would guide her through hardships. Her pride, peace and contentment derived from the deep bonds of family and friendship.

Margaret's family would like to share these words of wisdom from an unknown author "Grief never ends…But it changes. It is a passage, not a place to stay. Grief is not a sign of weakness, nor a lack of faith, it is the price of love."

All services are private. A celebration of her life will be held when conditions are favorable. Please omit flowers, the family requests that donation in her memory be directed to St Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Pl, Memphis, TN 38105. Please visit www.byles.com to share a memory or condolence with the family.