Florence M. Serra

Florence M. (Ritacco) Serra, 96, of Westerly passed away peacefully Dec. 20, 2011, at the Westerly Nursing Home surrounded by her loving and devoted family and friends.
Florence, born in her home in Westerly, was the daughter of the late Maria and Michael Ritacco. She was married to the late James A. Serra on July 1, 1933, in Westerly. She was predeceased by her five siblings, Frank Rita, Angelo Ritacco, Anthony Ritacco, Christine Laudone, and Annie Ritacco.
Florence, a devoted mother and wife, was employed as a weaver for the George C. Moore Company and later by Warner Bros., in Ashaway. She retired after 30 years in her field. And while she worked outside the home, she still managed to raise her family of five children with her husband, be a homemaker who loved to bake, especially Italian bread she shared with family and friends, and Florence was known for her delicious Sunday family dinners of homemade macaroni and meatballs. She and her family lived in the North End of town on Perkins Avenue where she was often seen walking; Florence loved to walk. She and her family would eventually move to Ward Avenue, the family home where her beloved saint, St. Jude, is still represented with a statue in the back yard to this day.
Florence, a devout Roman Catholic, was a lifelong member of Immaculate Conception Church, an active member of the Daughters of Italy and the Calabrese Society, and would frequently volunteer for society events and would often cook for events and fundraisers. Florence was known for her giving nature and her charity. She was a hard-working, kind and generous woman who looked for the good in others and sought harmony among her friends, family and others; she was a peacemaker.
Florence is survived by her children, Nancy Fiore and husband, Eugene, son, Edward J. Serra, and daughters, Judy Moretti, Mary Lou Serra and Diana L. Serra, Westerly Town Council President. She had five grandchildren, Lori Comforti, James E. Serra, Julie Rosetta, Gina Stillman and Michael Fiore; and five great-grandchildren, Molly Comforti, Jordan Rosetta, Luke Hall, Philip Stillman and Janessa Warren.
Visiting hours will be held on Thursday from 4 to 7 p.m. at Gaffney-Dolan Funeral Home, 59 Spruce St., Westerly. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday at 9:30 a.m. in St. Pius X Church, 44 Elm St., Westerly. There is no procession to the church from the funeral home. Burial will follow at St. Sebastian's Cemetery, Westerly.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Florence's memory and name to the Westerly Adult Day Services, 5 Union St., Westerly, RI 02891. For online condolences, go to www.gaffneydolanfuneralhome.com .