Concetta Maria (Ragosta) Laorenza

93, of Johnston, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Wed., December 12, 2018. She was the beloved wife of the late Guido M. Laorenza of Providence. They married in 1947 in Campagnola (Marzano Appio), Italia, where she was born and where Guido’s mother originated. Concetta was the daughter of the late Natale and Virgina (DiOrio) Ragosta. Upon arriving in America in November of 1947, Concetta and Guido started their family in Providence. In 1969, they moved to a wonderful new home, now full of warm memories centered around the kitchen, that he had meticulously built for his family.

Concetta is survived by her loving children Guido, Raymond and wife Helene, Phyllis, and Stephen and wife Patricia, as well as her dear brother Carmine Ragosta and his wife Giovannina, and nine nieces and nephews – four of whom reside with their families in Italia. Concetta is also survived by eight grandchildren – Philip, Elizabeth, Alexander, Dayna, Stephanie, Maria, John,  and Kathryn, plus five great grandchildren – Jeremy, Jonas, Nola, Gray, and Josephine. Sadly, she was predeceased by three grandchildren, a great granddaughter, and a nephew. She was also predeceased by five siblings, all of whom resided in Campagnola, including her cherished sister Maria and brother Felice (the other three dying as children).

Known to many as Connie, she lived a full, content, and inspirational life in spite of many family tragedies, including losing her mother when she was 13 and her husband when she was 52.

Upon her retirement from the jewelry industry at the age of 80, Concetta became a dedicated volunteer and larger-than-life presence at the Johnston Senior Center. For the past 13 years, Connie shared her smile and positive spirit as she served lunch to her fellow seniors several times a week. She could also be found regularly doing video exercises and inspiring younger members of the Center to stick to their fitness routines.

Nearly every morning that offered sunshine and unhindered by the temperature (even with her Mediterranean blood preferring warm weather!), she dutifully walked 2-3 miles on the fitness path at Johnston Memorial Park – making many new friends in the process. In addition to being an avid fitness walker, she was a gold-medal champion bocce player. She was also an active member of the Santa Maria di Prata Society and a lifetime member of the Santa Maria S.S. Della Pieta Society.

On the day before she unexpectedly died, she had walked two miles, stopped by her friend Pina’s house for coffee and conversation, and served lunch at the senior center.

The center of Concetta’s life undeniably was her family. She loved to cook and they spent many memorable moments in “Connie’s Kitchen,” enjoying the best Italian food on the planet. Her refrigerator, freezer and pantry were never empty – everyone ate when they came to Connie’s Kitchen – hungry or not! It is estimated she likely spent more than 100,000 happy hours in the kitchen of her Johnston home.

A communicant of St. Rocco Parish for almost 50 years, Concetta was a faithful woman with a special devotion to the Blessed Mother. Attending weekly mass was a joy for her, and her family and friends take comfort in knowing she is in heaven.

Concetta had a heart of gold and kindness and compassion for everyone she met. She had many friends, was loved by countless people, and brought joy to everyone who knew her. God took his beautiful earthly angel home and she will be missed tremendously until we meet again.

Her funeral will be held on Tuesday, December 18 at 10:00 a.m. from the NARDOLILLO FUNERAL HOME & Crematory 1278 Park Ave., Cranston, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. in St. Rocco's Church, 927 Atwood Ave, Johnston. Burial will take place in St. Ann's Cemetery, Cranston.  Visiting hours will be held on Monday, December 17 from 4:00-8:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in her name to either: Special Olympics Rhode Island, 370 George Washington Highway, Smithfield, RI 02917, or Santa Maria di Prata Women’s Auxiliary, 29 Walnut Grove Ave., Cranston, RI 02920, c/o Kathy Baccari – for their scholarship fund.