Theresa A. (Manera) Ruggieri

of Cranston, went home to her loving Savior on Friday, November 16, 2018 at the Philip Hulitar Hospice Center, North Providence, RI.  She was the beloved wife of Nicola A. Ruggieri, Jr., the light of her life for 57 years.  Born in Providence, she was the daughter of the late Armando and Lena (Ricciardi) Manera.

She graduated from Cranston High School East and received her LPN degree from Our Lady of Fatima School of Practical Nursing.  She worked at several medical organizations during her career including The Wellness Company, and at Koch Eye Associates as an OR nurse for 31 years.  She also served as a volunteer with the RI Medical Reserve Corps.

Theresa Ann was an active member of her beloved St. Mary’s parish in Cranston where she served as Eucharistic Minister and CCD teacher. She was a member of the Italian Cultural Society, the Ladies’ Auxiliary of St. Mary’s Feast Society, and volunteered at the St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry.  She was also a member of The People of God’s Love – a Catholic Christian Community, and St. Mary’s Prayer Community.  Theresa was certified in American Sign Language and taught Confirmation classes at the RI School for the Deaf.

A woman of many passions, she loved sky diving and hot air balloon rides, traveled to all 50 states and several foreign countries, participated in a prison pen pal program and had a special place in her heart for Native Americans who she generously supported.

She is survived by her loving devoted daughter, Claudia Ann (Ruggieri) Plyler and son-in-law, Douglas, of North Providence and her dear sister, Norma E. Rossi and brother-in-law, Robert.  She is cherished by many who experienced her generous, loving spirit and great faith in Christ and were privileged to call her auntie, sister-in-law, godmother, and friend.

Her funeral will be held on Wednesday, November 21st, at 10:00 a.m. from the NARDOLILLO FUNERAL HOME & Crematory, 1278 Park Avenue, Cranston, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. in St. Mary's Church, Cranston. Burial will be in St. Ann Cemetery, Cranston. VISITING HOURS: Tuesday, November 20th, from 4:00-7:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in Theresa Ann’s memory to: Philip Hulitar Hospice Center, 1085 North Main Street, Providence, RI 02904.