ELENA "HELEN" IZZI

Elena " Helen " Izzi, 95, of Warwick died on Wednesday, December 12, 2007 at Kent Hospital, Warwick. She was the loving wife of the late Mario T. Izzi. They were married for 70 years. Helen was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, the youngest daughter of the late Pasquale " George " and Marianna ( Salzillo ) Perrino, and moved with her family to Cranston in 1926. Helen was an avid swimmer and enjoyed her summer residence in Bonnet Shores for many years. She was also an avid reader and an accomplished gourmet cook. She dedicated herself to her family and was a partner to her husband, working side by side with him at their store, Mario's Sporting Goods in Warwick, and at his jazz club, Club Pyramid, during the 1930's. They had a love affair that lasted a lifetime and were inseparable. She joined her husband in his passion for art, participating with him at the Providence Art Club and entertaining the Art Club members in their home. As her children grew, she shared her love of music with them, discussing jazz legends, orchestra leaders and composers, and playing the piano for them. Helen was loved by all who knew her-her sweet disposition, angelic ways, and wonderful sense of humor combined with a smiling face showing her dimples, and infectious laugh, and sparkling eyes were a sense of joy to all who knew her. She is survived by four daughters: Helen M. Schilling and her husband Frank of Naples, FL, Rita A. Santilli and her husband Anthony of Narragansett, Eileen C. Izzi of Narragansett and Maria H. Izzi of Warwick. She was the grandmother of Anthony L. Santilli of Narragansett, Thomas Santilli and his wife Erin of Narragansett, Peter Santilli and his wife Susan of Hope Valley, Dr. Paul J. Schilling of Gainesville, FL and Dr. Helen M. Schilling of Houston, TX and Portsmouth, RI. She was the great grandmother of Christopher, Jake, Thomas, Peter, Julia, Jessica and Rachel Santilli and Evan Schilling Pfeffer. Helen was the sister of the late Angelina, Michael and Albert Perrino , Mrs. Americo ( Jeanette ) Cardi and Mrs. Alfred ( Adeline ) Cardi. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Monday at 10:am in the Sacred Heart Church, West Warwick. Visiting hours are respectfully omitted. Entombment will take place in Our Risen Christ Garden Mausoleum, St. Ann's Cemetery, Cranston. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Anthony's Bread For the Poor, 58 Weybossett St., Providence, RI or to Meals on Wheels, 10 Bath St., Providence, RI . Arrangements by the Nardolillo Funeral Home, Cranston. www.turnto10.com

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