Atkinson, NH: Sheila C. (Cronin) DiStefano, 66, of Boca Raton, Florida and a former longtime resident of Wellington Drive, Hampstead, died Sunday, December 18, 2011, in Atkinson, NH, with her family by her side and following a long illness.



Born and raised in Lawrence, MA, daughter of the late John and Adelaide (Metcalfe) Cronin, she was educated in the Lawrence school system and was a member of the Lawrence High School, Class of 1963.



Mrs. DiStefano was employed for twenty years as a communications worker, retiring in 2001 from Lucent Technologies in North Andover.She had previously worked as a home health aide for Kelly Home Care of Andover.

A member of the Communication Workers of America and the Telephone Pioneers of America, Mrs. DiStefano was an avid reader. She also enjoyed gardening and traveling and especially enjoyed the many trips to Las Vegas with her husband.



She is survived by her husband of forty'seven years, Anthony T. DiStefano, a son and daughter-in-law, Stephen S. and Patricia DiStefano, of Gloucester, VA, a daughter Lauren M. Palermo of Salem, NH, a brother Donald M. Cronin of Andover, MA, a sister, Nancy A. Angus of Leominster, MA, a step-brother, William T. Dixon of Bradford, MA, three grandchildren, Toni Newcomer, Anthony DiStefano, and Taylor DiStefano, one uncle and several nieces, nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by a brother, John J. "Jack"' Cronin, a son-in-law, Stephen Palermo, and a step-brother, John R. Dixon.



Relatives and friends are invited to call on Tuesday, December 20, 2011, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Brookside Chapel & Funeral Home, 116 Main St., Route 121A, Plaistow. Her funeral service will be held on Wednesday at 10 a.m. in the funeral home chapel. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Merrimack Valley Hospice, 360 Merrimack St., Lawrence, MA.To view an online obituary or to send a message of condolence, please visit our website at www.brooksidechapelfh.com