Irene C (McDonnell) Richardson

Irene.  C.  ( McDonnell) Richardson

83, of Providence, passed away on April 1, 2023.  She was the beloved wife of 58 years to James J. Richardson.  Born in Providence, she was the daughter of the late James and Delia (Abbood) McDonnell.  Irene was a Housekeeper for the State of Rhode Island for many years until her retirement.

She was a very strong, kind, loving, passionate, and generous woman. She had a heart of gold and she touched the lives of many. Her strength was immeasurable. She fought through struggles and challenges over the years with humor, grace, spiciness, and sassiness. Her daughters were her pride and joy. When her grandchildren came along there was nothing more precious. She loved animals and had many pets over the years.
She had a love for life, an indomitable spirit, and her family was of the utmost importance. She will be greatly missed as the cornerstone of our family, but her memory will continue to live on in all of us.

Besides her beloved husband, she is survived by her loving children: Sheri Ann DellaGrotta and her fiancé Tim Wolfe of Cranston, Susan Mary Richardson and her partner David Romano of Voluntown, CT and Sandra Marie Smith and her husband Paul of Johnston; her dear siblings: Dennis McDonnell and Jeannette T. Hall; her cherished grandchildren: Madison Dewey, Kaleigh DellaGrotta, Justin Dewey, Nadia DellaGrotta, Nathaniel Smith and Brendan Smith, her beloved dog Daisy. Irene was also the mother in law of the late: Mario DellaGrotta and sister of the late: James and Thomas  McDonnell.

Her funeral will be held on Wednesday morning at 9am from the Nardolillo Funeral Home 1278 Park Avenue, Cranston followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10am in St. Robert Bellarmine Church, Johnston.  Burial will take place in St. Francis Cemetery, Pawtucket.  Visiting Hours: Tuesday 4-7 pm.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to: In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: St. Jude Memorial Fund, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

***We would also like to extend a very special thank you to: Fresenius Kidney Care Providence; HopeHealth Hospice; her caretakers: Rosa, Sylvienne, Kathleen, Ana, Celia, Mary, Tasha and Keri; dear staff & friends at her favorite breakfast spot, Homefries, Who became family; and Truly Trusted Transportation Company.