Stella V. "Bubbles" Salvato

Stella Salvato ObituaryObituary published on Legacy.com by Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home on Mar. 8, 2026.Stella "Bubbles" V. (Leo) Salvato, age 100, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, 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. Stella was raised and educated in Everett and was a proud graduate of Everett High School. Following her graduation, she began working at J.H. Winns in Winchester, MA as an assembly line technician, a role she carried out with the same dedication and strong work ethic that defined much of her life.Shortly after graduating, Stella met the love of her life, Salvatore Salvato, at a military dance. From that moment on, the two were inseparable. Their marriage was filled with love, laughter, and a shared joy of dancing. They were well known for spending evenings together dancing at the Branding Iron, creating cherished memories over the years. Stella lovingly kept Sal "in line," and her devotion to him was evident in the countless ways she cared for him, including faithfully packing his lunch each day before he left for work.Together they built a beautiful life and were blessed with the birth of their two sons, later welcoming grandchildren who brought Stella immense pride and happiness.After the passing of her beloved husband and stepping away from her work on the assembly line, Stella decided to keep herself busy and connected to the community. She began working as a bus monitor for the Burlington School System, a job she thoroughly enjoyed for many years. Demonstrating her remarkable energy and independence, Stella continued in that role until the age of 90.Family was always at the center of Stella's life. She took great joy in cooking for those she loved, especially during holidays and Sunday mornings when her kitchen would come alive with the smells of breakfast, often complete with her famous fried dough that she referred to as raised pancakes, which made her family chuckle. Her home was a place where family naturally gathered, and her grandchildren and great-grandchildren held a particularly special place in her heart.Stella was always cooking and feeding those around her, and everyone knew that no matter the occasion, the turkey leg was always reserved for Stella. She was a gracious and welcoming host, often offering tea, coffee, or a full meal to anyone who stopped by simply to visit. Her generosity knew no bounds; she was always thinking of others before herself and frequently slipped a few dollars to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren so they could treat themselves to something special.Stella was predeceased by her beloved husband, Salvatore Salvato, her beloved sons, Edward A. and Robert V. Salvato, her Siblings, Edward, Ralph and Vincent Leo, Evelyn McLeod, and Margaret Cooper.She is survived by her loving daughter in laws, Dottie Salvato and Lorraine Salvato both of Burlington, a sister, Irene Pynn of Chelmsford, beloved grandchildren, Rebecca Salvato of Ashburn VA, Robert Salvato and his wife Helaina of Livermore Falls, ME, Rachel Salvato and her husband Michael Aldred of Westford, MA, Michael Salvato and his wife Dannielle of Nashua, NH, Edward Salvato and his wife Wendi of Burlington, and Lisa Salvato of Billerica. Many great grandchildren and a great-great granddaughter.Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend her visitation on Friday, March 13 from 10AM to 11:30AM at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St. Burlington. Her Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 12 noon, at St. Margaret Church in St. Veronica Parish, 111 Winn St. Burlington. Funeral services will conclude with a burial taking place at Puritan Lawn Cemetery, Peabody. In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to a charity of your choice. Condolences to her family may be made at www.sullivanfuenralhome.netTo plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.