Libera "Lea" Ferdella

Libera "Lea" (Murgo) Ferdella, 96, of Worcester, MA went peacefully home to her Heavenly Father and the waiting arms of her dearly beloved husband, Anthony P. Ferdella who predeceased her in 1986.

She leaves four children, Anita Corridori and her husband Frank of Worcester, John Ferdella and his fiancée Elaine Simone of West Boylston, Marie D'Auteuil and her husband Ron of Worcester and Angela Simone and her husband Thomas of Shrewsbury. She also leaves eleven grandchildren; fourteen great grandchildren; her brother, Anthony Murgo and his wife Florence; her sisters, Michelena Gentile and her husband Michael, Mary DiSilvestro, Antoinette Rinaldi, Jenny Valarioti and her husband Joseph; eighteen nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her sisters, Angelina Yannone and her husband Vincent, Josephine Masiello and her husband Joseph, and Susan Falco and her husband Bill. "Lea" was also predeceased by her brothers in law, Joseph DiSilvestro, and Salvatore Rinaldi.

Lea was born to Domenico and Maria (Pellegrino) Murgo in Tuckahoe, New York and lived there for several years before moving to Worcester. Her family settled on Shrewsbury Street where she grew up, met her husband, raised her family and loved her life there.

Lea was educated in Worcester Schools. She worked extremely hard from a very young age at several Worcester companies including Putnam & Thurston. She worked in the Worcester Superintendent's Office in the Worcester County Court House until her retirement in 1978. She lived through the Great Depression so she was extremely proud to be a working woman and taught her children the importance of saving and being supportive to their families.

She was a lifetime member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church and was active for many years in Church. She was a committed volunteer for many religious and charitable organizations including The American Heart Association, The American Cancer Society, The Age Center of Worcester, Mt. Carmel Thrift Shop and the Italian American Citizen's League where she assisted immigrants in becoming American citizens. She was one of the founders of the Gage Street School Mother's Club and she was a longtime Poll volunteer for Worcester elections as well. She was also a member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Golden Years Club, The Sons of Italy, The Women's Guild, the Striders, Circle of Friends, The Rose Club, Worcester Women's Democratic Club, The Catholic Daughter's of America and the Retired State & Municipal Employees Association.

Lea was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend. She spent countless hours cooking delicious meals for her family and teaching her grandchildren her special recipes. Lea leaves behind many great memories of love and laughter. She will be most remembered for her passionate devotion to her family.

A celebration of Lea's life will be held at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 24 Mulberry St. on Saturday, August 8th at 10 a.m. The calling hours will be held at Mercadante Funeral Home on Friday, August 7th from 4 p.m-8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial tributes in Lea's name may be made to Our Lady Of Mount Carmel Church Restoration Fund. The family would like to thank the staff at the Beaumont Nursing Center for their loving care over the last two years.