NATICK: Jewel (Black) Calabro, age 90, a lovely and loving lady, died on Sunday, December 30, 2012, at MetroWest Medical Center in Framingham. She was the wife of the late Joseph Calabro who died in 2004.
Born in Draper, North Carolina, Jewel was born into a poor family and was raised in an orphanage. As a kid she rode horses, climbed trees and sang solo in her church choir. That is where she learned to love nature. At age 18 she graduated and went to Washington, DC to live with her sister, where she met her future husband at a roller skating rink; they courted a few months then married where, besides themselves and the pastor, only her landlord witnessed their wedding. Joseph then walked her home and immediately returned to his post. After the war they moved to Boston and, being very modest wage earners, lived in a cold water flat. As their lot improved, they settled in Natick and raised three sons. Her husband advocated Drive, Determination and Discipline as the most important keys to live a successful and happy life. Now a grandmother and great-grandmother, Jewel beamed with happiness whenever she saw her great-grandson Trever’s photo, especially since he looks so much like her! Jewel loved nature, loved to travel, loved to read and loved poetry. She was in good health, for nearly 91 years of age, until a sudden illness caused a fall; she did not suffer. During her last months she was loved and cared for by her wonderful new friends at Heritage at Framingham.
Predeceased by her sons Joseph Calabro, Jr., and Gary Calabro, she is survived by her son Glenn Calabro and his wife Eileen of Lake Mary, FL; their daughter, Brittanyrose Calabro and her son Trever Ryan Calabro; and a granddaughter, Kellie Michelle Calabro of California and her children, Riley and Emma. Jewel was also the grandmother of the late Ryan Calabro.
Her funeral will be held at the John Everett & sons Funeral Home, 4 Park Street at Natick Common, Natick, on Monday, January 7th at 1:30p.m. Burial will follow at Dell Park Cemetery. Relatives and friends may visit with the family at noon. Donations may be made in Jewel’s memory to the Mass Audubon Society, 208 South Great Rd, Lincoln, MA 01773.