06/16/2026
Carrie Crossfield Stetson age 54 October 13th 1971 - June 8th 2026 of Winsted, Connecticut left us all too soon.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Angela Mastrogiovanni; her father, Ken Crossfield; her grandparents, August ("Bepop") and Helen Mastrogiovanni, and Elsa Crossfield; her grandchildren, Alexis and Jay-J Canning; her uncle, Frank Mastrogiovanni; her cousin, David Mastrogiovanni Jr.; and her brother-in-law, Stevie Stetson.
She is survived by her children, Piper (Ryan), Nicole (Riley), and Ben (Drea); her stepdaughter, Amber Stetson (Manny); and her grandchildren, Alivia and Jovanni Santana.
She is also survived by her brother, Scott Crossfield (Jenn), and their children, Aiden and Sophie; her sisters, Kyle Limlaw (Bryce), parents of Olivia and Gabe Limlaw and grandparent of Cora Wadsworth, and Kim Dellatto (Jeff), parents of Annarose and Joey Dellatto and grandparent of Riker Schneider.
She is further survived by her uncle, David Mastrogiovanni (Heidi); Deborah Insolia (partner Manny); Julie Griswold (John) and their daughter, Dani Griswold; Theresa Mastrogiovanni (Michael); her stepmother, Paula Crossfield; and her brother-in-law, David Stetson (Kelly).
Family and community were the foundation of what made Carrie who she was. She was a loving mother who built her family's legacy through The Railway Cafe, where she worked side by side with her three beautiful children to create a place for people to gather, spend quality time together, and experience the love she shared so freely throughout the community she held so dear. Every aspect of the cafe was created deliberately and meticulously, with the charm and attention to detail that we all came to associate with her.
Carrie truly loved her customers, whether they were longtime regulars or newcomers visiting for the first time. She often made her way through the dining room, taking time to chat with guests and brighten their day with her warm heart and loving smile. Alongside her children, she enjoyed working with her lifelong friend, Lisa Mongitore, with whom she shared a special bond. From their Sunday ritual of Goodwill thrifting to their uncanny ability to know exactly what the other was thinking, their friendship was one she cherished deeply.
Carrie loved her little town of Winsted. She sat on numerous committees dedicated to improving and promoting the community, including Friends of Main Street and the Economic Development Commission. She strived to see her community thrive and prosper, fully supporting and promoting other small businesses and being their number one cheerleader as their businesses flourished.
Carrie was a lover of animals just as much as she was a lover of people. She worked with local rescue organizations and was the definition of a "foster fail," always opening her home and heart to any animal in need.
Carrie was a thoughtful and loving person whose generosity knew no bounds. With her infectious smile and unwavering loyalty to her family, friends, and community, she truly knew no strangers. To know her was to love her; and to be loved by her.
Carrie cherished the time she spent with her many close friends. Whether it was attending a Bret Michaels concert, taking a weekend getaway, working on crafts, sharing a meal, catching up over coffee, or simply talking on FaceTime while she prepped food at the cafe, every moment spent together became a treasured memory. Her friendships were built on laughter, loyalty, and genuine connection, and those who knew her were grateful for the love and joy she brought into their lives.
Family meant everything to Carrie. She loved bringing people together and was often the host of holiday gatherings, opening her home not only to family but also to friends who quickly became family. She had a special gift for making everyone feel welcomed, valued, and loved. Her table was always full, and her door was always open.
One of Carrie's happiest places was Hampton Beach, New Hampshire, where she and her family vacationed every year. Those trips were filled with laughter, good food, and togetherness. Along with her children, their friends and her own were always welcome to join. Carrie never minded cooking for a crowd! In fact, she loved it. Nothing brought her more happiness than seeing the people she cared about enjoying themselves and making memories together. Her generosity, warmth, and love for others were at the heart of everything she did.
As we celebrate and commemorate Carrie's life, may we find comfort in these memories and in the lasting impact she had on all who were fortunate enough to know and love her.
Friends may call on Friday, June 26, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Montano-Shea Funeral Home, 922 Main St, Winsted, CT 06098.
A Celebration of Life honoring Carrie will be held on Saturday, June 27, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at The Gilbert School in Winsted, Connecticut. Family, friends, and members of the community are invited to join in sharing memories and celebrating the remarkable life she lived.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be mailed to Northwest Community Bank to the account made out to Piper Stetson, Ben Stetson, and Nicole Crossman. Carrie's children shall be beneficiaries of a memorial fund, with distributions also made to local nonprofits.
Visit an online guestbook at montano-shea.com.
