Marie B. (Impagliazzo) Cicione

Marie B. (Impagliazzo) Cicione, 94, passed away Wednesday November 8, 2023 at Briarcliffe Gardens Memory Care. She was the loving wife of the late Robert J. Cicione for 73 years. Born in Providence, she was the daughter of the late Matteo and Teresa (Dizazzo) Impagliazzo. She was the sister of the late Frank Impagliazzo and daughter-in-law to the late Agostino and Anna (Tedeschi) Cicione.

Marie led a long and full life despite having contracted polio as a child. She graduated with honors from Mount Pleasant High School and was a bookkeeper for Dutch Dainty Bakery, an Avon lady, a driver for nursery school students, and a secretary for St. Bartholomew’s Church for over 40 years. She was also a lifelong communicant and volunteer at St. Bartholomew’s, having sung in the choir with her husband, served on the reunion committee, and contributed in many other ways, including preparing parish couples for marriage and bringing the Eucharist to the sick and homebound. For their service to the church, she and her husband were honored with the Pope Benedict XVI Award and the Pope Francis Apostolic Blessing for their protection of the blessed mother. She was also a member of the Daughters of Isabella, The Ladies Guild, and made many friends driving for the National Federation of the Blind of Rhode Island.

Her family considered her their rock. She took care of everyone, from her elders and children to her grand- and great-grandchildren. A phenomenal seamstress, she made outfits, Halloween costumes, and wedding dresses for her children. She was also known for her exceptional cooking and baking, making her own pasta, eggplant parmigiana, stuffed artichokes, cream puffs, and Italian wedding cookies. She was a Girl Scout in her youth, and later served as both a Brownie/Girl Scout leader for her daughters and a leader of their parent-teacher organizations at school. She was also fond of her grandson Colby’s two dogs, Chloe and Kona.

Marie leaves her children: Mary-Jeanne Latina (Michael) of Cranston, Robert Cicione (Ellen) of Florida, Elaine Kyle (William) of Connecticut, Geraldine Black and her late husband David of New Hampshire; her grandchildren: Michael Latina of Texas, Kristin Dumont (Tim) of Cranston, Justin Latina (Ines) of East Providence, Erich Cicione (Carolyn) of Warwick, Lauren Perdue (Brandon) of South Carolina, Colby Kyle of Connecticut, and Ethan Black (Renee) of Colorado; and her great-grandchildren: Kira Latina, Samuel Latina, Abigail Dumont, Luca Cicione, Sabine Cicione, and Anaya Cicione. She also leaves her nephews Frank and David Impagliazzo and a niece, Julie Notorianni.

Special thanks to the extraordinary and loving caregivers at Briarcliffe Manor and Briarcliffe Gardens in Johston, R.I.

Funeral from the NARDOLILLO FUNERAL HOME & Crematory, 1278 Park Avenue, Cranston on Saturday, November 18th at 10:00am followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00am in St. Bartholomew Church, 297 Laurel Hill Ave., Providence. Burial will follow in St. Ann Cemetery, Cranston. VISITING HOURS will be held on Friday, November 17th from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. Donations in Marie’s memory can be made to St. Bartholomew’s Church, St. Patrick’s Church in Providence, or St. Patrick’s School.

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“Little Mary” as she frolicked up and down What Cheer Avenue, visiting her aunties and uncles. “Marie” as she traveled through life into adulthood. “Mom” after marriage and children.  “Ma’Rie”, by her grandbabies and later, “Mama Marie”, as she was affectionately known by her seven grandchildren and her six great-grandchildren. With the changing of the names and passing of the years, Marie Cicione remained one remarkable woman.

She was known for a life of sacrifice and giving, particularly to family, church and community. She was a shining example not only for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren but for everyone whose path she crossed. The numerous tributes below are the lasting memories those grandchildren and great-grandchildren have of Mama Marie, their forever beloved grandmother.

“What I admired most about Mama was her intelligence, mental toughness, unfailing fidelity, and steadfastness. She really was a rock, a sturdy safe port in the storms of life for everyone she loved.”   - Michael

“Mama was a strong woman, but also a caring one. I will always remember how she lived by her values in a way that made life fuller for her family, her friends, and her community. I’m proud to call her my grandmother.”   - Kristin

“Sheet pan pizza, stuffed artichokes, sausage and peppers, meatballs, broccoli rabe, salad, doughboys... Tuesday night dinner. The only thing bigger than Mama's menu was the love that she showed to everyone who sat at her table.” - Erich

“Mama always had a hug waiting when it was needed most. And she extended that embrace to the world through a life marked by charity and love.”  - Justin

“I remember standing on a chair when I was little helping turn the pasta maker and form the wandi. I have endless recipes in my head just from being in her kitchen. And I'm now teaching them all to my daughter.” - Lauren

“When I think of Mama, I have this adjacent thought of the late Queen of England. Papa’s words, voice, and singing were omnipresent, but in reality Mama was the silent monarch. She didn’t need to be loud or overstated to get her point across. When she spoke, everyone listened. She chose her words and knew just when to speak. She would do anything she could for whomever she could, expecting nothing in return as she knew in faith the reward would be from above, and that was more than enough for her. She was proud of all her children and grandchildren, always there for encouragement, support, celebration of the wins in their lives and a little extra love for the losses. Anywhere she went people knew who she was and the respect they had for her was always apparent.

“She was blessed to live a long life filled with learning, teaching, laughing, crying, praying and loving. It was a life filled with great accomplishment. She truly was the Queen of Cranston."         - Colby

“Mama was so loving, patient, generous and kind. She continually provided me her encouragement to enjoy life, love the ones you’re with, and “be careful”. I miss her and will always remember her sweet smile.” - Ethan

“Mama's dedication to both faith and family has served as a shining example to us all; our hearts are ever larger because of it.” - Kira

“Mama was always a somewhat quiet presence in the room. However, she would keep Papa in check when needed, evoking laughter with her straight-man type of humor. She always offered kindness to all, whether they were family or complete strangers, and her life was dedicated to helping at the church and all of those in her community. She will be greatly missed.” - Sam

“Not many kids get to know their great-grandmother. I was lucky. She was one of the nicest women I’ve ever known.” - Abigail

“Although Mama wasn't my blood relative, she was always so welcoming and warm towards me, which gave me the kind of comfort that made me feel like she was my own grandmother. Her generosity and caring nature affected so many people in this world, and her legacy will live on in those memories forever.” - Carolyn

“Mama spoiled everyone with her delicious food and unconditional love. She was the most kind and gentle person I have ever known, and she will always be in my heart.” -Sabine

“When I think of Mama, I think of a joyful, kind-hearted, and loving person. I know that we will remember Mama forever and ever, and that Mama is always looking over us.” - Luca

“Mama, I love you!” - Anaya