Rena (DalBarco) Masiero

Rena “Renie” DalBarco Masiero, 94, of 45 Taconic Ave., Lenox, MA died peacefully at home on March 26, 2021, surrounded by her seven children.

Renie was born at the family home in Lee, MA on March 5, 1927, the daughter of Eliseo and Fabrizzia (Pellizzari) DalBarco. She was one of five strong, inseparable Italian sisters. Renie was the last remaining of the beloved “DalBarco girls”.

Renie was the proud valedictorian of the Lee High School Class of 1945.

She and her husband Guido “Guy” Masiero raised their family in Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA, where her well-run, spotless, bustling house was a refuge to many. Renie was always happy to share a delicious meal at her table and offer a cozy spot to whoever needed it, whether for a day or a year. Renie and Guido logged countless miles in a precision-packed station wagon (food, skis, humans) traversing the state, spending “quality time” with her sisters while her husband would take a clan of Buratto, Burns, and Masiero cousins to ski the weekend at Bousquet. She returned to the Berkshires upon her husband’s retirement in 1988 from his 37 years as a public school physical education and health teacher. Settled in Lenox, their work continued side-by-side, at Guido's Fresh Marketplace. The business, owned by two of Guido and Renie’s sons, was named for Guido himself.

At Guido’s, she was a warm presence, a tireless worker, a straight shooter, and a sharp dresser. Renie’s hands were always busy. She is remembered fondly in many moments – deadheading and selling seasonal flowers at her daughter Annie’s Bella Flora garden shop, and counting the register drawers and making daily banking deposits. Her friends were numerous, all enjoying a bit of time by her side. 

Renie's love of food was expressed in many ways throughout her life beyond the walls of Guido’s. Always, at the end of a long day at the store, she would make sure a warm meal made with love was waiting for her family when they joined her at home. Her passion for picking dandelion greens was a spring ritual that she shared first with her sisters, then her children and grandchildren, passing down the tradition for future generations. Her grandchildren proudly display their skill at gnocchi making, honed in Renie’s kitchen under her exacting instruction.

She had a lifelong devotion to the Catholic Church and was an active member of St. Mary's Parish in Lee, where she received all her sacraments. She was an Adoration member of Our Lady’s Oratory for many years. Her faith was evident in all she did. She was a Prospect Street Girls Club member, a Red Hatter, an accomplished skier and tennis player, lover of sun-soaked days at Singing Beach in Manchester-by-the-Sea, So-Ed Ballroom dancer, and a bittersweetly dedicated treadmill walker in her closing years. Renie was an avid birdwatcher, and very few could match the abundant, methodical maintenance she brought to her bird feeders along with her distain for the pesky squirrels that knew a good thing when they found it.  

Those left behind to honor Renie’s memory are her children: Gayle Masiero and Susan Masiero, both of Manchester-by-the-Sea; Chris Masiero and his wife Dawn of Lenox; Matt Masiero and his wife Tammy of Richmond; Elizabeth Masiero of Lee; Annie Whalen and her husband Chris of Pittsfield; Paul Masiero and his wife Eileen, of Richmond; her sister-in-law Blanche McLaughlin; her twenty grandchildren; and her nine great-grandchildren. Renie cherished her grandchildren, proudly watching them grow, patiently attending their sporting events, offering firm and loving guidance, and serving countless nourishing meals. She gave them her best, and they reciprocated.

She was pre-deceased by her husband Guido and her four sisters, Fanny Valenti, Enes Flynn, Clara Burns, and Normie Buratto.

The family would like to express special thanks to Renie’s daughter Elizabeth Masiero for her outstanding care of and devotion to her mom during this past year, and to Hospice Care of the Berkshires for their guidance and support.

COVID-19 remains a public health threat, and we are heartbroken that we can't gather for a more traditional celebration at this time. The immediate family will gather for a Private funeral on Saturday, April 10th, at 11:00 AM at St. Mary’s Church, Lee, MA, which will be livestreamed for the community on Facebook @ST MARY LEE OTIS STOCKBRIDGE. Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, friends may make donations to Berkshire Bounty or Hospice Care of the Berkshires, in care of Kelly Funeral Home, 3 Main St., Lee, MA 01238.

If you would like to leave a message of condolence or share pictures with the family, please visit our web site at www.kellyfuneralhome.net

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