Virginia R. (Sepe) Ruggiero

92, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 4, 2020, at Scalabrini Villa in North Kingstown.   She was married in 1949 to her beloved husband, Michael Ruggiero, Sr., for 37 years, until his passing in 1987.  Born in Cranston, Virginia was the daughter of the late Gaetano and Angela (Melone) Sepe.

Virginia graduated from Cranston High School in 1945. She worked in banking for over 45 years, retiring in 1992 from Old Stone Bank.  Virginia was a woman of faith who said the rosary every day. She belonged to St. Matthew’s Church, Cranston, where she treasured being a member of the St. Matthew’s Choir.  She loved to sing and often said that, “singing was like praying twice”.

She is survived by her loving children, her daughter, Mary-Elizabeth Perry and husband James of Cranston, her son, Michael Ruggiero, Jr., of Cranston and her daughter Karen Hardy and husband Steve of Warwick.  She was the cherished Nana of Angela Perry-Place (Ryan), Elizabeth Perry Tirrell (Michael), Brian Ruggiero, Michael Hogan, Stephen Hardy (Michelle), Christopher Hardy (Lauren), Breanna Perry Borsay (Kevin) and Carla Bedoya (Carlos).  She was the proud Grand Nonna of Owen, Linley, Delilah and CyAnne.  Virginia was the sister of the late Tom Sepe, Mary Sepe and Grace Jutras.  She was known as “Gigi” to her many nieces and nephews.  According to Mom, each and every one of them were her “favorite”.

Our family would like to thank the staff of Scalabrini Villa and Beacon Hospice for the excellent care our mom received.  Although current circumstances prevented us from being with her, we were comforted by the knowledge of how much she was loved and cared for at Scalabrini Villa.  They treated Mom as if she were their own mother, and for that we will be eternally grateful.

Mrs. Ruggiero’s funeral services are private.  A celebration of Virginia’s life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations to Scalabrini Villa, 860 North Quidnessett Rd., North Kingstown, RI  02852, or to Beacon Hospice, 1130 Ten Rod Rd., Suite A205, North Kingstown, RI  02852, would be appreciated.