Stella V. "Bubbles" Salvato

Stella "Bubbles" V. (Leo) Salvato, age 100, passed away peacefully on March 4, 2026, at the Life Care Center of the Merrimack Valley in Billerica. Born in Thompson, Connecticut, she was the beloved daughter of the late Antonio and Lalla (Vito) Leo. Raised and educated in Everett, she graduated from Everett High School and began her career as an assembly line technician at J.H. Winns in Winchester, Massachusetts, where she worked with dedication and a strong work ethic that defined her throughout her life.

Shortly after graduation, Stella met the love of her life, Salvatore Salvato, at a military dance. From that moment, they were inseparable. Their marriage was filled with love, laughter, and a shared passion for dancing. They were well known for spending evenings together at the Branding Iron, creating cherished memories over the years. Stella lovingly kept Sal in line and showed her devotion by faithfully packing his lunch each day before he left for work. Together they built a beautiful life and were blessed with two sons, later welcoming grandchildren who brought her immense pride and happiness.

After Sal’s passing and her retirement from the assembly line, Stella remained active and connected to her community by working as a bus monitor for the Burlington School System, a role she enjoyed for many years. With remarkable energy and independence, she continued in that position until the age of 90. Family was always at the center of her life. She took great joy in cooking for those she loved, especially during holidays and Sunday mornings when her kitchen filled with the aroma of breakfast, including her famous fried dough that she called raised pancakes, which always made her family smile. Her home was a welcoming gathering place, and her grandchildren and great-grandchildren held a particularly special place in her heart. Everyone knew that no matter the occasion, the turkey leg was always reserved for Stella. She was a gracious host who offered tea, coffee, or a full meal to anyone who stopped by, always thinking of others before herself and often slipping a few dollars to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren so they could treat themselves.

Stella was predeceased by her beloved husband, Salvatore Salvato, and her sons, Edward A. and Robert V. Salvato, as well as her siblings, Edward, Ralph and Vincent Leo, Evelyn McLeod, and Margaret Cooper. She is survived by her loving daughters-in-law, Dottie Salvato and Lorraine Salvato of Burlington, her sister Irene Pynn of Chelmsford, and her beloved grandchildren: Rebecca Salvato of Ashburn, Virginia; Robert Salvato and his wife Helaina of Livermore Falls, Maine; Rachel Salvato and her husband Michael Aldred of Westford, Massachusetts; Michael Salvato and his wife Dannielle of Nashua, New Hampshire; Edward Salvato and his wife Wendi of Burlington; and Lisa Salvato of Billerica. She also leaves many great-grandchildren and a great-great-granddaughter.