Catherine (Santamaria) Tavares

90, of Cranston, passed away on Wednesday, October 21, 2015 at Kent County Hospital in the loving arms of her daughter Janice. Catherine was the wife of the late Edward A. Tavares. Born in Providence, she was a daughter of the late Frank and Rose (Placido) Santamaria. Mrs. Tavares worked as a waitress for many years before her retirement.

She is survived by her four children; Janice Leeman and her husband James of Cranston, Patricia Scienzo-Bernier and her husband Phillip of Riverside, Edward Tavares and his wife Helen of Warwick, and Jo-Ann Whalen of Swansea, MA. Catherine was the loving grandmother of nine, cherished great grandmother "Big Gram" of eleven and three great-great grandchildren. She was the sister of Frank Santamaria, Mildred Swanson, Richard Santamaria, and Janice Ruizzo. Catherine was also the mother-in-law of the late Arthur Smith and William Whalen. She leaves behind her grand-doggies; Abby, Charlie and Riley. Catherine is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Catherine resided at the Monsignor DeAngelis Manor in West Warwick for 31 years before she moved to the Scandinavian Home in Cranston. She was the president and secretary of the Monsignor DeAngelis Manor Association for 22years. She enjoyed dancing and was a wonderful cook and avid baker.

The family would like to send a special Thank You to Scandinavian Home for all of their love, support and compassion to their beloved Mother and Grandmother.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Monday, November 2nd at 11:00 a.m. in St. Mary's Church, Cranston. Visiting hours are respectfully omitted. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Alzheimer's Association, 245 Waterman Street, Suite 306, Providence, RI 02906.