Marie E. (DeCristofaro) Pennacchia

Marie E. Pennacchia, 100, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her loving family on March 31.  She was the beloved wife of the late Dante Pennacchia for 67 years.  

Born in Providence March 3, 1922, she was the deeply loved mother of Dante R. Pennacchia of Florida, Paula Montaquila of Providence, Michael Pennacchia of New York City, Susan Ruggieri of Charlestown, and the late Carmine Pennacchia.  She is also survived by her sister, Dorothy Caldarella.

Her grandchildren, Raymond Montaquila, Meredith Antonizio, Robyn and Gia Pennacchia, and three great-grandchildren, Gabriella and Mia Antonizio, and Raymond and the late Penelope Montaquila, brought joy, delight, and richness to her life.  

Marie was a woman of enduring faith.  Loving her was easy.  She was strong, kind, generous, humorous, and wise.  Her one hundred years on this earth imbued her with timeless wisdom.  “Family first.”  “Number one is love.”  “Give of yourself.”  “Pick good friends that understand you.”  “Don’t think of material things.” “Forgive people.”  “Never give up.”

Her love for and dedication to her family was monumental – as were the delicious meals she prepared for them, and anyone who walked through the door.  Her cookbook “Are ya’ hungry?  Did you eat?” is a collection of her favorite recipes, and was a gift for her 99th birthday from her son, Michael.

Her recent 100th birthday party was a festive night, celebrated among family and friends.  

She was deeply loved and will be greatly missed.  We are grateful for having had her in our lives for so many years.

Visiting hours are Tuesday, April 5, 8-10:00 a.m. at WOODLAWN FUNERAL HOME, 600 Pontiac Avenue, Cranston, RI, followed by a funeral mass of Christian burial at 11:00 a.m. at St. George Maronite Church, 1493 Cranston Street, Cranston. Burial will follow at St. Ann’s Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, gifts in her memory may be made to Rhode Island Community Food Bank, 200 Niantic Avenue, Providence, RI 02907, or rifoodbank.org.

Please share memories and condolences at www.WoodlawnGattone.com