Ann Marie Bessette

74, of Johnston, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family after a short illness on Sunday, November 17, 2024. She was the beloved wife of the late Donald J. Bessette, Sr. Born in Providence, she was the daughter of the late Vincent and Mary Frances (Gamba) Cardillo.

She was the loving mother of Dana M. Horton and her husband Brian, and the recently departed Donald J. Bessette, Jr.; cherished grandmother of Matthew, Sophia and Colin Horton; dear sister of Frances Cucino, Loretta D’Uva, and the late Bessie Cappelluzzi, Vincent Cardillo Jr., and Ronald Cardillo. She also leaves many nieces, nephews and cousins. 

Ann Marie was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend to many that loved her. She was kind, sweet, known for her perseverance, and always had great advice to offer. She was dedicated to her late husband Donald, taking care of him for many years before his passing. She loved to spend time with her grandchildren. She also loved to listen to Rod Stewart, and in her younger years loved bowling and painting. She was very artistic and creative. She enjoyed spending time with family, including her three sisters with whom she was very close, as well as her lifelong friends.

But perhaps her most admirable quality was her dedication to family, heritage and tradition. As a young mother, she was fortunate to be able to remain home to raise her children, and provided a loving, nurturing, supportive and educational setting that allowed her children to thrive, learn and succeed in life in a variety of ways. Putting all others ahead of herself, she allowed and encouraged all those around her to find, achieve and enjoy success, and basked in the happiness of knowing her part in those achievements. When her husband became ill and she turned back to the workforce, she continued to exemplify the definition of hard work and perseverance, always setting a great example for those around her, no matter the setting. And somehow, she managed to continue, and pass on, all of the Italian family traditions she learned to master, whether baking Easter breads, Christmas cookies or opening her home, as she did for decades, to family and friends alike to enjoy the Feast of the Seven Fishes every Christmas Eve. These traditions and memories will forever keep her close in our hearts and minds. 

 VISITING HOURS will be held on Tuesday, November 26th from 8:30 – 10:00 a.m. in the NARDOLILLO FUNERAL HOME & Crematory, 1278 Park Ave., Cranston followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. in Our Lady of Grace Church, Johnston. Burial will take place in St. Ann Cemetery, Cranston.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Make-A-Wish® Massachusetts and Rhode Island, 133 Federal Street, 2nd Floor, Boston, MA 02110. (https://wish.org/massri)