WEBSTER - Annette Rita “Nan” (Arpin) Starzec, 101, passed away peacefully on November 28th at Westview Nursing Care in Killingly, CT. Nan was predeceased by her son, Alexander Starzec, in 2004 and by her husband former State Representative William A. Starzec in 2001. She is survived by her brother Leo Arpin, her grandsons William A. Starzec II, and Shaun Benton, as well as her great-grandchildren, Natalie Benton and Bailey Benton.
Annette was born in Southbridge in 1920, a daughter of Arthur and Josephine (Champagne) Arpin. One of 12 siblings, she entered the workforce at a young age to help her family, working for the American Optical Company as well as Pratt & Whitney where she was an inspector of aircraft parts. She was very proud of her time at Pratt & Whitney where her work directly contributed to help our country win World War II.
In 1948, Nan married William A. Starzec, and gave birth to their only son Alexander in 1952. Soon thereafter, the couple purchased a cabin on Long Island on Webster Lake. Nan loved life on the lake and hosted many dinner parties with family and friends over the years. She was an avid gardener and loved birdwatching, singing, and dancing. She was also a prominent figure in her husband's life helping him to attain the offices of State Representative and Assistant Commissioner of Agriculture.
Her funeral will be held at noon on Saturday, December 4, in Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, 16 East Main Street (please meet at the church). Burial will be in Saint Joseph Garden of Peace. Donations in her honor may be made to the Saint Joseph’s Children’s Cemetery Fund, 53 Whitcomb Street, Webster, MA 01570, as Nan always prayed for the babies buried in the Cemetery. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Sitkowski, Malboeuf & Hickey Funeral Home, 340 School Street, Webster.