Genevieve F. Starr

Genevieve Frances (Pogorzelski) Starr, “Gwen”, died at the age of 96 on August 15, 2024, of natural causes. She has resided for the past four years at an assisted living/memory care facility in Richmond, VA. 

Gwen was the wife of Joseph T. Starr who died in December of 2007. She and her husband were married for 54 years and were long time residents of West Boylston, MA. She leaves behind four daughters: Sandra Starr Sojka and her husband Paul of Richmond, VA, Nancy Starr Chapman and her husband David of Pittsburgh, PA, Kathryn Starr Croan and her husband Daniel of Bernalillo, NM, and Judith A. Starr of Lakeville, MA. Her memory will also be treasured by her 6 grandchildren: Stephen and Joseph Sojka, Christine and Daniel Chapman, and Andrew and Rachel Croan. As well as her 5 great-grandchildren: Lily and Luke Sojka, Camden Evans, Callen Nichols, and Sevi Croan. She also leaves numerous nieces, nephews and their families. She was predeceased by four brothers: Stanley, Walter, Mitchell and Francis Pogorzelksi, and two sisters: Harriett Sadowski and Helen Lizewski. 

Gwen was born April 2, 1928, in Worcester, MA. She was a daughter of Boleslaw and Saturnina (Trzaska) Pogorzelski who were both born in Poland and immigrated to the United States for a better life. Gwen was very proud of her Polish heritage and spoke the language fluently. She graduated from St. Mary’s High School and the Felt and Tarrant Comptometer School. Her first job was at Vellumoid Company in Worcester, where she met her husband, Joseph, and together they survived the tornado of June 1953. They married on May 2, 1953, and started their family. After raising their four daughters, Gwen returned to the workforce at the Worcester Control Corporation in West Boylston, until her retirement. She was a member of Our Lady of Good Counsel Church. Gwen loved taking care of her family. She also loved crafting ,as well as dancing polkas and reading. 

Friends and family are welcome to attend a visitation on Tuesday, August 27th from 5:00-7:00pm, at Fay Brothers Life Celebration Home, 1 West Boylston Street, West Boylston MA. The funeral Mass will be held on August 28, 2024, at 11AM at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, 111 Worcester Street, West Boylston, MA. Burial will follow at Notre Dame Cemetery, Worcester, MA.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Cure Alzheimer’s Fund. For directions and an online condolence book, please visit www.faybrothers.com.