Worcester - Susan “Asunta” (Tirella) Kneeland died peacefully surrounded by her family at her daughter’s home in Worcester on Friday, January 22, 2010. She was predeceased by her husband of 45 years, Paul M. Kneeland, who died in 1991. She leaves four children; Peter Kneeland, Timothy Kneeland, and Kathleen DelloStritto, wife of Giovanni DelloStritto, all of Worcester and Susan Carrigan, wife of Thomas Carrigan, of Northborough. Susan’s son, Paul Kneeland of Rhode Island, husband of Janet Gausland, died in 2008. Susan is also survived by her brother, George Tirella of Worcester and her sister, Mary Moore, of Longmeadow, MA. She leaves nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, and extended family, including her cousin, Rene Brophy of Melrose and sister-in-law, Julia Tirella of Miami, FL. Susan was predeceased by siblings Alfred, Alphonse, Louis, Carmen, Samuel, Cecilia Hall and Beatrice Cummings.
Susan was born in Sterling, daughter of Samuel and Maria (Peladino) Tirella. She graduated from St. Stephen’s School and the David Hale Fanning Trade School. She worked at Norton Company until her marriage. Her greatest joy was raising her children. Since 1991, she has been a daily caregiver to her son, Peter, who was a Worcester police officer injured in the line of duty. Through these visits, she made lasting friendships with many of the residents and staff of the various nursing homes where he lived.
Susan was deeply faithful and a life-long parishioner at St. Paul’s Cathedral. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Shriner’s Hospital for Children, 516 Carew Street, Springfield, MA 01104. Her family would like to thank UMass Memorial Hospice, especially Camille.
Funeral Services will be held from Nordgren Memorial Chapel, 300 Lincoln Street Tuesday, January 26, with a 10:00 mass at St. Paul’s Cathedral, 38 High Street. Burial will follow in St. John’s Cemetery. Calling hours will be held at Nordgren Memorial Chapel on Monday, January 25, from 5-7 p.m. For directions and to leave a message of condolence in Susan’s on-line guestbook, please click link below.