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Marie Puerini Obituary
Born in Providence to Celia and Pasquale Federici, Marie attended Blessed Sacrament School where she met her husband, Louis Puerini. Together they shared four children Louis, Karen, Russell, and Danny. In addition to raising her children, Marie also maintained a successful career running Medical Personnel Pool, a national nursing service that provided nurses to hospitals, nursing homes and private clients.
Marie later decided to move her family to Newport, where she and her son, Danny, opened Puerini's Restaurant in 1982. A Newport Institution, Puerini's was Newport's only authentic Italian restaurant, and Marie was proud that it featured the recipes she had learned as a young wife and mother from her mother-in-law. Marie's elegance and grace made her a fixture in the Newport community as she greeted so many Newport residents at the doors of Puerini's. While working at Puerini's, Marie met John Finney, and they shared over a decade of their lives together, each introducing the other to parts of life that they would never have otherwise experienced.
Marie was also well known for her opinionated letters in the Newport Daily News and her service to the Newport Music Festival, Newport Hospital, and the Newport Visitor's Center. Marie ran Almy Cottage Bed and Breakfast and enjoyed welcoming visitors into her home. She loved cooking, reading, crocheting, and especially gardening, but most of all, she loved spending time with her friends and family, particularly her grandchildren. Marie was a true lover of animals, and they always took a special liking to her – especially her dog, Spike.
Marie is survived by the lights of her life, her children – her son Louis, his wife Dale, and grandson Jason, her daughter Karen and her husband Peter, her son Russell, his wife Filomena, and granddaughter Shannon, and her son Dan, his wife Jennifer, and her grandchildren Owen and Ida. She is also survived by her brother, Everett Federicci, his wife Lilo, and several other friends and family. Marie had a big heart, she loved deeply, and she will be greatly missed.
A memorial service will be held on Thursday, May 24, 2018 at 6:00 p.m. at the Eisenhower House, 1 Lincoln Drive, Fort Adams State Park, Newport, RI.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Lucy's Hearth.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Andy Federici
May 29, 2018
She was my favorite Aunt..I felt so sad when I learned of her passing. I loved her so much.
SM Reilly
May 24, 2018
So very sorry to read about Marie. I will remember her not only for her wonderful restaurants but also for her work at the Potter League.
May 24, 2018
Dear Lou and family, So sorry for your loss,Our thoughts and Prayers of comfort at this most difficult time...sincerely, KrisQuinnFisher
Amy Dickens
May 22, 2018
Dear Karen, Peter and Dan.
My lucky day when I was hired at Puerinins the summer 1986. Your mom welcomed me and made me feel so included and loved. Her charm, insight, design, imagination and creative spirit stills shines with me today.
I will be forever grateful that Ihad the pleasure of her company.
My world is better, since I was lucky to be graced by her smile.
Shine on Marie
Hugs to All,
Amy Dickens
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Stephanie & Eddie Busko
May 17, 2018
A lovely woman! Loved having dinner at Puerini's with my husband! Started having dinner there when spaghetti & meatballs were $4.95! We send Dan & the family our condolences.
Gina Edwards
May 15, 2018
I can't wait to meet her. You know that awesome photo in the back of the Kingdom book, looks like Italy with the fresh bread coming out of the oven? Now I know who the cook will be when we are all living that scene. Love and hugs. Gina
Jackie Dietrich
May 14, 2018
Saddened to learn this. So sorry for your loss. Your mom had this great energy she put into everything she did. I remember when Puerini's opened. She and Dan were like the stars of Newport. I still crave the manicotti and the salad/dressing. Just an all out super nice woman with a great spirit who left a wonderful legacy in Newport. Our prayers are with you and your family.
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