PATRICIA MARY (HINES) DiPRETE

76, of Cranston, died on July 28th surrounded by her family, after a lengthy illness of Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP).

She was the wife of former Governor Edward D. DiPrete, mother of 7 children, and grandmother of 20. Patricia was a graduate of St. Xavier Academy, St. Joseph's School of Nursing and a Registered Nurse.

Patricia was born in Providence, sole child of the late Thomas Hines and Rhea (Blair) Hines, and was cared for by her Aunt Molly (Ernestine Buchan) and Uncle Bill (William Buchan) after the death of her parents.

In addition to her husband of 55 years, she is survived by Edward D. DiPrete, Jr., wife Anne and their children Jennifer, Michelle and Joseph; Dennis L. DiPrete, wife Sue, daughters Denalee, Katherine and Paige; Nancy Laurienzo, husband Paul, their children Mollie, Mitchell and Meredith; Patricia Hayden, husband Dr. Michael J. Hayden, their children Kelsey, Michael , and Sean; Mary Ellen Murray, husband David, their children Wesley, Brandon, and Sophia; Kathleen Joseph, husband Paul, daughters Emily and Olivia; Thomas H. DiPrete, wife Stephanie, daughters Madeleine, Charlotte and Cecilia.

Patricia became an enthusiastic campaigner with her husband for 20 years. Following his election as Governor in 1984 Pat saw a front page picture of a homeless woman, inspiring her to chair a movement to shelter such women. Located in South Providence, this shelter was the first of its kind in Rhode Island. This success led Pat to take-on leadership roles addressing teenage pregnancy; the dangers of AIDS; and soup kitchens, becoming an active volunteer at Amos House.

While these and other social issues absorbed much of her efforts, Pat's concern of teenage pregnancy became "her cause".

During her husband's campaigns, Pat tirelessly worked 12 hours daily 6 days a week. They made it a point to save Mondays for rest and relaxation, taking their Winnebago to Beavertail in Jamestown, and enjoying a day together. One of her most cherished memories during those years was her family's private audience with Pope John Paul II at his Vatican apartment.

Patricia DiPrete had a way of making everyone feel loved and appreciated. She was a resting place for the weary, and spread joy to everyone she met. She added sparkle, warmth and her beautiful smile and friendship throughout her numerous and diverse travels across the state.

Her funeral will be held on Monday at 9:30am from the NARDOLILLO FUNERAL HOME & Crematory, 1278 Park Ave., Cranston followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in Holy Apostle Church, Pippin Orchard Rd., Cranston at 11am. VISITING HOURS Sunday 1-3pm and 5-9pm. Interment will take place in St. Ann's Cemetery, Cranston.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that you donate to Cure PSP in memory of Patricia H. DiPrete at 30 E. Padonia Rd Suite 201, Titmonium, MD 21093 or on line at https://give.psp.org.