WEBSTER – Reine A. (Starosta) Gorski, 90, died Wednesday, February 21, 2018 in Lanessa Extended Care after a brief illness. Her husband of 64 years, Thomas W. Gorski, Sr., died in 2013.
She leaves four children, Denise C. Gorski of Webster, MA and Highland, NY, Atty. Thomas W. Gorski, Jr. and his wife Karen (Peloquin), Donna M. Recko and her husband James, Martina R. Gorski-Strong and her husband Keith all of Webster; eight grandchildren, Thomas W. Gorski, III and his wife Alyssa (Sabatinelli) Gorski, Noelle Gorski, Jessica Recko and her partner Kerrin Ryan, Jenna Recko, Jillian Recko, Alexandra Strong, Taylor Strong and Kaileigh Strong; three great-grandchildren, Tyler, Ethan and Noah; two brothers, Dr. Norman M. Starosta of Falmouth, MA and Martin J. Starosta, Jr. of Venice, FL; brother-in-law, Charles C. Haggerty of Oklahoma City, OK; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her sister, Norma M. Haggerty.
Reine was born and raised in Webster, MA, the oldest child of Martin J. and Anita B. (Benoit) Starosta and was a lifelong resident. She graduated from Saint Joseph Elementary School, and Bartlett High School in 1945.
Mrs. Gorski worked for over ten years at the dental office of Dr. Edward Starosta, Webster, MA, as a dental assistant. Together with her husband, she owned Starosta Bros. Inc. Restaurant, better known as Tommy’s Café in the Hub section of Webster from 1951-1961. She then became a full-time homemaker and later cared for all of her grandchildren during their pre-school years.
Mrs. Gorski was a leader of Girl Scout Troop 558 of Saint Joseph Parish, Webster, MA, and a 35-year member of the Montachusett Girl Scout Council, Inc.
As a devoted lifelong member of Saint Joseph Parish, Reine was a communicant, and a member of the Holy Rosary Sodality, Sacred Heart Society, and the Saint Joseph Polish Women’s Club. She was a founding member of the Friends of Saint Joseph School whose mission was to financially support its educational programs. She held many volunteer positions within the parish, including being the chairperson of the St. Joseph Festival Pastry Booth for over 40 years.
Reine’s number one love was her husband Tom, and spending time with their family. Among her many interests were supervising the family garden and its harvests, crocheting her many afghans, and cheering on her favorite Red Sox, Celtics and Patriot’s teams. Her most enjoyable memories were her time spent on Webster Lake, both in her youth and as a resident for the past 25 years.
The family would like to thank the staff of Reine’s primary care physician, Dr.Ishwara Sharma, Webster EMS, Harrington HealthCare System, and Lanessa Extended Care for providing her with compassionate care.
The funeral will be held Monday, February 26, from Scanlon Funeral Service, 38 East Main Street, Webster, MA, with a Mass at 10:30 AM in Saint Joseph Basilica, 53 Whitcomb Street, Webster, MA. Burial will be in Saint Joseph Garden of Peace. Calling hours will be held on Sunday, February 25, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM in the funeral home.
Donations may be made in her memory to benefit the St. Joseph School Gymnasium Project, made payable to Denise Gorski c/o Hometown Bank, 4 Gore Road, Webster, MA 01570 (Please reference SJS Gym/Gorski Memorial).