LENA MARIE PISCITELLI

74, of Johnston, passed away on Monday March 26, 2012 at Roger Williams Medical Center after a short illness. She was the daughter of the late John and Angela (Ronci) Piscitelli. She is also survived by her brother, Richard Piscitelli of West Bridgewater, Massachusetts; her aunt Louise D'Amore of Providence, and several cousins. Lee was employed for a short time at New England Telephone Company. This was not her forte, and she went into retailing, opening a boutique on Matherson Street in Providence, and also in Provincetown on Cape Cod. They carried fashions and accessories from designers of the day. She was a talented artist and turned those talents to needlepoint, opening "NeedleMania" on Oaklawn Avenue in Cranston, which she owned and operated for over 25 years. She took great pride in purchasing one of a kind needlepoint pieces from suppliers in the United States and Europe, and was well known for her impressive inventory. Lee was also known for her flamboyant style and strong opinions. When she retired from business in 1992 the art world lost a bright and shining star, however there must be a small piece of heaven that needs some embellishment and Lee's star will shine brightly again, this time in the sky above. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a committal service on Monday at 10 a.m. in St. Ann Cemetery Chapel, Cranston.

---