Elizabeth C. Capozzi

Elizabeth Carmen (DeChiara) Capozzi, 96, of Cranston, passed away peacefully at her home on August 19, 2024.
She leaves her son and daughter-in-law, Edmund "Ned" Francis Jr. and Christine Putney Capozzi; her daughter and son-in-law, Elizabeth and Anthony Werley; and her grandchildren, Caroline Putney and Edmund "Teddy" Francis Capozzi III, and Alex and Amanda Werley.
She was the daughter of the late Pasquale and Elizabeth (Calderone) DeChiara and the wife of the late Edmund Francis Capozzi Sr.
Betty and Ed, fondly referred to as "Mimi and Pops," met at Brown University in 1950 and were married for 63 years. True soulmates, they enjoyed a life together of volunteerism, dinner parties, tennis, collecting artwork, and travel to Italy. Betty and Ed have always been strongest together, and Betty's family takes great comfort in knowing that they are reunited.
Betty cherished time with her family whether she was at the beach with her son, Ned, in Narragansett, hosting her granddaughter, Caroline, for slumber parties every weekend, or watching her grandson, Teddy, play sports. Betty was especially close to Ned, who she never went more than a week without seeing since his birth. She would always answer tough questions with, "Let me ask my son first." Their bond will live on through 65 years worth of memories.
Betty's life is inseparable from philanthropic and volunteer work, most notably at the Providence Children's Museum, Preserve Rhode Island, and the State House Preservation Committee. In 1997, Betty facilitated and oversaw PCM's expansion and move from Pawtucket to Providence. As co-chair of the museum's Capital Campaign, Betty worked tirelessly to repurpose an old factory building in Providence's Jewelry District into a safe, nurturing, and exciting place for children and families.
The Children's Museum's Families Together visitation program for children in state care was particularly important to Betty. Each Christmas, she would collect the names and ages of every child in the program and would handpick toys for them. She enjoyed filling their stockings just as much as she did filling those of her own grandchildren.
As chair of the State House Preservation Society, a private organization dedicated to preserving the public interior spaces and furnishings of the State House, Betty's list of accomplishments is lengthy. Under her leadership, the society published "Most Admirable: The Rhode Island State House," a full-color, coffee-table style publication celebrating the magnificent building. She led two major fundraisers for the organization, a Centennial Anniversary Ball in 2000, and the Independent Ball in 2005. Together, the events raised more than $500,000 for the restoration of the State House's Reception Room. She then oversaw the project, ensuring that it was completed to the highest standards. For those who have visited or plan to visit, Betty's work is still present in the Reception Room.
Betty's masterful and strategic fundraising capabilities, coupled with her empathy and love of everything Rhode Island, made a large impact on the small state. "Rhode Island is our home," Betty used to say. "How could anyone not work to preserve it?" The joy she brought to the state, her family, and friends will be missed.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend her Mass of Christian Burial, Saturday, August 24th, at 10:00 AM at Immaculate Conception Church in Cranston. Burial will be private. Calling hours are respectfully omitted.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Providence Children's Museum are greatly appreciated.
Please share memories and condolences at www.WoodlawnRI.com.