Linda M. (Gay) Tulino

Linda M. Tulino 67, of Johnston, passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her loving family on Friday, December 11, 2020. She is survived by her beloved husband and soulmate Angelo A. Tulino. Born in Portland Maine, she was the daughter of Bertha J. Romagno. Linda loved and was so proud of her family. She was the mother of Dr. Erica M. Rhodes and her husband Joseph P. Rhodes of South Carolina. She was the Step-Mother of Kimberly Whitley and her husband Dean and Nicole Tulino and her partner, Sean. She is survived by 6 siblings Virginia Lyon and her husband Albert of Cranston, Carol Damico and her husband Peter of Florida, Michael Gay and his wife Chloe of Texas, Maureen McIntyre and her husband Kenny of Maine, Denise Andre and her husband Alan of Coventry and Dennis Power and his wife Joanna of Cranston. Linda was the cherished grandmother of David, Samantha, Robert and Nadia, as well as, step grandmother of Brittney, Elise, Ava, Bella and Zoe.

After dedicating 37 years to the Rhode Island Supreme Court, Linda humbly retired in 2018. She was a highly motivated and dedicated pioneer of countless positive changes, and transformations within the court system which gained her a role model status and the envy of her coworkers. Linda had a great love of golf, and was an avid golfer and active member of the Ladies Inner Club at Trigg’s Memorial Golf Course in Providence R.I. where she served on the Board of Directors in various executive capacities, over her 25 years of membership. Having survived breast cancer, Linda organized numerous annual golf tournaments supporting the Susan G. Komen Foundation, and promoting such importance and awareness for mammograms. Linda held an incredible pride for our men and women, past and present serving in our Armed Forces. As the Nana of an Active Army soldier, Linda offered countless hours volunteering at the Ladies Auxiliary, Veterans of Foreign War Kelley Gazzerro Post 2812, in Johnston, RI. Along with being an active member, she held multiple board positions, and was always filled with the spirit of giving, and organized the yearly Christmas Party for those families in need by providing food, presents and the special appearance of Santa Claus. Linda appreciated the true debate of one’s political differences, yet she loved humanity and people so much that she would respect one’s beliefs, and maintain her own beliefs in the voting booth, for politics never decided her friendships.

Linda had a true zest for life and touched the hearts of all that came in contact with her. Family, friends, dance and song was Linda’s vibrancy that pulled you in, and infectiously had you smiling and wanting more. Linda’s heart was incredibly inviting, generous, and giving, for if you were lucky to have known her, than you had a friend to lift you up for life. Linda’s radiance was best seen by her passionate love for her family and her grandchildren were her heart. Linda at 67 years old remained an excited starry-eyed young girl during the Christmas season. Christmas is a time of colors, music, family and song. It is a time of happiness, a time to be thankful, and a time to be giving. Linda loved the sparkle of a tree, the mystery of Santa, and her favorite, the rolly polly snowman. The house decorated with Christmas joy, was the home of its biggest fan, Linda. As every beginning has an end, and every ending has a new beginning, Linda must be recognized for being a fighter and woman of immeasurable will. This beautiful woman, adored and loved by so many, fought her greatest ending battle, we witnessed her strength to push through pain, look towards the next day, and plan for the future. Linda never gave in, and never allowed the cancer to control who she was, for when she wanted to stand, she stood, and when she told those nearest to her heart that she loved them, she did. Linda in her final moments spoke the words “I love you”, and she held those by her side tightly. Linda leaves us with something personal and special in all of us, for she lives in each of us…

Her Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday December 16th at 11:00am in St Mary’s Church, 1525 Cranston St, Cranston (seating capacity will be limited, social distancing and mask required). The family will plan a celebration of Linda’s life at a later date when gathering limits allow.