Auburn formerly of Arlington and Cambridge: Rose Marie (Tuttavilla) Stilla, 94, suddenly passed away on Thursday, September 21, 2023, at home. She leaves 2 daughters, Stephanie Stilla-Petrie and her husband Gerrard of Sutton and Laura Landers and her husband John of Worcester, a son- Peter Stilla and his wife Shannon of South Deerfield, MA; 7 grandchildren Jason Petrie and his wife Sarah, Victoria Rose Kelly and her husband Christopher, Alexander Petrie, Brenna Landers, Erica Landers, Sophia Stilla, and Parrish Stilla; 7 great grandchildren, Zachary, Gavin, Aria Rose, Darryl, Beau, Amelia, and Levi; many nieces and nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews; and her beloved dog Guinness. She was predeceased by her husband Peter Stilla Jr., an infant son, and by 4 siblings-Louis, Francis, Vincenza, and Joseph.
Rose was born in East Boston, daughter of the late Michael and Theodora (DiPinto) Tuttavilla. She graduated from art school and excelled in many different mediums of art. After raising her children in Cambridge with her beloved husband, Peter, she began a career in retail management most notably the Kitchen in Harvard Square where she was seen commuting on her tricycle. She helped design, open, and managed The Kitchen in Faneuil Hall and the Chestnut Hill Mall. She enjoyed cooking, entertaining, scrabble especially when she beat her daughters, politics, and the Red Sox where she and Peter attended many Winter Haven spring training games. But, most of all she enjoyed spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Most notably, she loved her family unconditionally and saw the beauty in others and life.
Calling hours will be held on Sunday, October 1, 2023, from 2-4 p.m. in Nordgren Memorial Chapel, 300 Lincoln St., Worcester, MA 01605. A memorial service will follow at 4:00 p.m. in the funeral home. Reception to immediately follow. Burial in Mt. Auburn Cemetery will be held at a later date. Flowers may be sent or donations in Rose's memory may be made to the Jimmy Fund.
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