born October 15th, 1935 in Providence, Rhode Island, was the daughter of the late Frank and Louise (Bassi) Lombari.  She spent most of her adult life in Cranston, Rhode Island, residing on Roger Williams Circle for 35 years and Scenic Drive with her daughter for the last 6 years.  Caroline passed away on July 21st following complications secondary to multiple medical problems.  She is survived by her daughter, Gina Natale of Cranston, Rhode Island, and three sons John and his wife Joia Natale of Johnston, Rhode Island, Anthony and Frances Natale of South Glastonbury, Connecticut,  and Jay and Nicole Natale of Cranston, Rhode Island.  She also left behind her beloved grandchildren, Briana Swinson, Nicholas Caprio, Olivia Natale, and Joseph Natale Jr., and a great-granddaughter, Aubree.  She is also predeceased by her husband, John, with whom she enjoyed a loving marriage for 52 years.  Additionally, she is survived by her twin sister, Dorothy Merandi, as well as her many nieces and nephews, who she adored. Finally, she is survived by a sister-in-law, Mary Lombari.   

She will be remembered by her many friends and family as a fiercely loyal person with a huge heart and a warm, vivacious spirit.  She graduated from Mount Pleasant High School and attended the University of Rhode Island extension program.  She was also a licensed Real Estate Sales Person and worked at Fatima Hospital as an administrative assistant in the Radiology Department for many years where she developed lasting friendships, including one with her devoted friend, Cheryl Delsesto.  Her most important role in life, if you were to ask her, was raising her family, as she dedicated the greater part of her life to caring for and raising her four children and serving as a loving and supportive wife to her husband, John, in all of his endeavors.  She will be remembered by her children not only as a devoted mother, but also as a friend who they could always rely upon for words of inspiration, encouragement, and guidance.

Caroline was an active member of St. Matthews Church for 41 years.  She is predeceased by her parents-in-laws, Marciano and Assunta (DeClemente) Natale, as well as her brothers Frank Lombari and Anthony Lombari and his wife, Barbara.   She also enjoyed her friendship with her late brother-in-law, William Merandi.     

On behalf of Caroline, the family extends its deepest gratitude for the hard work and dedication of Caroline’s physicians, Dr. George McKendall, Dr. Michael Thursby, Dr. Michelle Anvar, as well as her many other caregivers.

Calling hours will be held on Sunday from 4 pm to 7 pm from the NARDOLILLO FUNERAL HOME & Crematory, 1278 Park Ave. in Cranston.  Her funeral will begin at 9 am on Monday at Nardolillo Funeral Home, followed by a 10 am Mass of Christian Burial at St. Matthews Church Elmwood Ave. in Cranston.  Burial will be in St. Ann’s Cemetery, Cranston.  In lieu of flowers, donations should be made to Special Olympics Rhode Island, 370 George Washington Highway, Smithfield, Rhode Island 02917.  

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