Anna (Ruggieri) Casale

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Anna Casale, who passed away on March 6, 2026 at the age of 98 surrounded by her loving family. She was the loving and beloved wife of the late John Casale, Jr for 68 years. Together with their love and support of each other they raised ten children.

She was the daughter of the late Francesco and Oranato (Mancini) Ruggieri. She attended Cranston public schools and graduated from Cranston High School. She was deeply routed in her catholic faith and was a parishioner of St Mary’s church all her life.

Anna was the proud matriarch of our family and a woman of incredible strength, love, and resilience. As the mother of ten children, she dedicated her life to raising and caring for her family. Her home was always filled with warmth, wisdom, and unconditional love. Her legacy lives on by her 5 sons, Alan , John III , Stephen, Thomas , Charles and her 4 daughters Linda Newsham, Jeanne Garafano, Anne Caruso and Maria Casale.

Her legacy also lives on through her 20 grandchildren, and 19 great-grandchildren, all of whom were blessed by her guidance, strength, and unwavering love and support.

Anna is preceded in death by her son James, his wife Dawn and son in law Ronald Garafano, Sr., her brothers Peter and Nicholas Ruggieri and three sisters Mary Casale, Josephine Pursche, and Gilda Narcisi.

She was the foundation of our family — a strong woman who held everyone together and taught us the value of love, unity, and perseverance. Her presence will be deeply missed, but her spirit will continue to live on through all who loved her.

Please continue to keep our family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time as we celebrate the life and legacy of a truly remarkable woman. She was our lioness.

With love,

The Casale Family

Relatives and friends are invited to attend her Mass of Christian Burial on Thursday, March 12, 2026 at 10:00 am in St. Mary’s Church, Cranston. Burial will follow in St. Ann Cemetery, Cranston. Visiting hours will be held in the NARDOLILLO FUNERAL HOME & Crematory, 1278 Park Avenue, Cranston on Wednesday, March 11, 2026 from 3:00 – 7:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: The Tomorrow Fund, 10 Davol Square, Suite 202, Providence, RI 02903.