JEANNE (SCHERPEREL) VIVENZIO

95, of Flintstone Road, Narragansett, R.I., died peacefully on Tuesday, March 10, 2009 at the South Bay Manor. She was born July 15, 1913, in Croix, France, lived there with her aunt and uncle during the war, and came to Lawrence, Ma. at the age of 6 to rejoin her parents. Her parents were Helene Mathon and Clement Scherperel. The family returned to France during the depression years looking for work. They eventually returned to Providence, where Jeanne met and married Dominick. An accomplished seamstress and an expert in the invisible mending or French weaving process, she ran her own business for many years. Later she took joy in making wedding and bridesmaids' dresses for many of her nieces and daughters of friends. Jeanne also loved dancing and taught ballet, tap, and acrobatics to many young people in Cranston during the 50's and 60's. Jeanne worked for the State of Rhode Island as a bookkeeper at the correctional facilities, retiring in 1975. In her later years she had numerous physical challenges, which she handled with courage and dignity. She is survived by her loving children, Joseph Don Vivenzio and his companion Dorothy Wilkes of Wakefield, R.I., and Elaine D. Burgess and her husband Randy of Pasco, Wa. Jeanne was the cherished grandmother of Nicholas D. Vivenzio and his wife Kasey of Warwick, R.I., and Stefan F. Scherperel and his wife Stephanie of Seattle, Wa., and the loving aunt of many nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at the Columbarium Chapel in the RI Veterans Cemetery in Exeter at 11:00 a.m. on April 4, 2009, with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, please send memorial donations to Home & Hospice Care of RI 143 Main St. Wakefield, RI 02879.

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