Lena M. (DeCesare) Poilucci

99, formerly of West Warwick, passed on October 1, 2016 to continue her journey with the Lord surrounded by her family at the Riverview Health Care Community in Coventry. She was the loving wife of the late Nicola Poilucci for 38 years. Born in Cranston, she was the daughter of the late Carmine and Cristina (Aucone) DeCesare.

Lena was predeceased by her baby boy Nicola Poilucci, Jr. and her sisters Eva and Marie DeCesare, Angelina Ciccone, Mildred Baccala and Amolia Costa. She is survived by her daughters, Jane Fanella and her husband Frank of Florida, Christine Boyd and her husband James of Coventry and Linda Ricci and her husband Paul of West Warwick. She leaves four grandchildren, five great grandchildren and one great great grandchild. One of her greatest joys in life was spending time with her grandchildren.

Lena worked in the garment industry for Sunbury Dress and as a Trimmer/Inspector at Car-Dot Mfg. in West Warwick for several years. She was a long time member of the International Ladies Garment Workers’ Union. Her innovative skills and creativity to transform old fashioned garments into stylish new apparel amazed everyone. After retiring, Lena became a Senior Volunteer at Horgan Elementary School in West Warwick. She participated in activities regularly at the Coventry Senior Center, danced with the Whirl Aways Square Dancers and enjoyed many bus trips with her friends. She was an active member of the Anthony Grange and participated in a bowling league for several years. Lena enjoyed entertaining family and friends in her home and shared her homemade recipes with anyone who brought their appetite. She was noted for making the best pizza (Naples style), her great words of wisdom and her million dollar smile. We will miss all the fun times we had with our mother and best friend. Lena’s family would like to thank all of her caregivers at Riverview Health Care Community

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Wednesday at 11:00 am in Sts. John and Paul Church, 341 South Main St., Coventry. Burial will take place in St. Ann Cemetery, Cranston. Visiting hours are respectfully omitted. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Alzheimers Association of RI, 245 Waterman St., Suite 306, Providence, RI 02906, or Patients Activities Fund at Riverview Healthcare Community, 546 Main St., Coventry, RI 02816, or Hope Hospice and Palliative Care Rhode Island, 1085 North Main Street, Providence, RI 02904.