Irene R. Paterra

PATERRA, IRENE R. (PALAGI), 101, of Providence, died Thursday. She was the wife of the late John J. Paterra. They had been married for 52 years.

Born in Pawtucket, she was a daughter of the late Lawrence and Georgia (Borelli) Palagi. She was raised and educated in Attleboro, MA, and moved to Providence in 1936 where she was married and lived until her death.

Ms. Paterra graduated from Bryant & Stratton College and worked as the business manager of the J.J. Paterra & Company Offices of Providence specializing in insurance and accounting. Irene was the matriarch of the Paterra Family known as the 'Goddess of Peace' for her ability to mediate any and all problems. During her lifetime of giving, she participated in fundraising activities of Mount Carmel Church and the Federal Hill Lions, both of Providence, as well as the District 42 Lions. She was also elected chair of the Sixth Ward Democratic Committee in Providence.

Ms. Paterra is survived by a son, John J. Paterra II, Esquire of Providence; a daughter, Bettina Monaco and her husband, Honorable Armondo O. Monaco II of East Greenwich; five grandchildren, Stefanie Paterra Abate, Julie L. Paterra, A.J. Monaco, Amanda Bigoski and Jacqueline B. Paterra; and a great grandchild, Madeline Monaco.

Her funeral will be held MONDAY at 8:45 AM from the A. TARRO & SONS Funeral Home, 425 Broadway, Providence, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 AM in St. Mark's Catholic Church, Garden Court, Cranston. Burial will be in St. Ann Cemetery, Cranston. Visiting Hours SUNDAY 4-8 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Hospice of Nursing Placement, Inc., 334 East Ave., Pawtucket, RI 02860.