JUDITH E. (FALCIGLIA) TURCHETTA

61 of Cranston, Rhode Island, passed away on August 23, 2011, surrounded by her family. She was the beloved wife of the late Alexander "Sandy" Turchetta and the daughter of Thomas V. Falciglia and the late Beverly (Bruce) Falciglia. After the passing of her mother, Judy was also raised by her aunt, Edna (Falciglia) Panaggio and her grandmother the late Amelia Falciglia.

Judy graduated from Cranston High School East, earned a B.A. degree in Secondary Education and English and Master of Science in Human Development, Counseling, and Family Studies, from the University of Rhode Island. In 2008, she received a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies, Human Resource Management, from Johnson & Wales University. While working as a counselor, Judy, along with her late husband, purchased and operated the long-established and well-known eatery in downtown Providence, Camilles Coffee Shoppe. Soon after, Judy began her employment at Johnson & Wales University and ultimately became Associate Professor in the John Hazen White School of Arts & Sciences Social Sciences department. In the classroom she was a strong communicator, engaging her students with her keen intellect and far-reaching heart. She was also a founder of the university's Women's Center and Director of the Feinstein Community Service Center. Her contributions to the university over the years earned her numerous awards and recognition.

Over the years, Judy and Sandy donated much of their time to the community supporting many charitable organizations. Judy passionately served as a board member for the RI Chapter of the ALS Association and in May, was honored with her late husband, with the ALS Spirit of Lou Gehrig Award. Judy was a licensed foster parent for the State of Rhode Island. Over a thirty year span, Judy opened her house and heart to those in need, providing them with not only food and shelter, but also sage advice, worldly wisdom, and a sense of family.

Judy is survived by her father, Thomas V. Falciglia, her daughter, Kristin Turchetta and her husband, Andrew; two sons, Michael A. Turchetta, and his wife Keri-Ann Cooney; and John R. Belfi, as well as seven loving grandchildren; Brittni, Jessica, Alexander, Nicholas, Megan, Michael and Jacob. Judy is also survived by her sister-in-law, Gail A. Cota and husband Joe; brother-in-law, Paul A. Turchetta and his wife Karen, both of Cranston, as well as many loving nieces and nephews.

Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday, August 30, from 4:00-8:00p.m., at the Nardolillo Funeral Home & Crematory, 1278 Park Avenue in Cranston. A mass of Christian burial will take place at Immaculate Conception Church, 237 Garden Hills Drive, Cranston at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, August 31. Interment will take place in St. Ann's Cemetery, Cranston .

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made, in Judy's name, either to the Rhode Island Chapter of the ALS Association, in Warwick, R.I., or the Mega Multidisciplinary Suite at the Miriam Hospital Foundation, P.O. Box 8, Providence, R.I. 02901.

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