Laurel Scorpio

Laurel Marie (Lemoi) Scorpio, 87, of Johnston, passed away from cancer on January 27, 2026. Born in Providence in 1938, she was the first of eight children of the late Raoul and Blanche Marie ( Blais ) Lemoi.

Laurel was the beloved wife of Ralph E. Scorpio, whom she married in June 1959, following the death of her father in March (Blanche Lemoi died in 1954). Together they provided a home for Laurel’s younger brothers and sisters in the 1836 house they purchased in Johnston. It was a home that they painstakingly and lovingly restored and it became the heart of hundreds of gatherings with family and friends over the years. Laurel and Ralph were married for over 66 years.

After graduating from St. Mary’s Academy of the Visitation, Laurel graduated from Sturdy Memorial Hospital School of Nursing, in Attleboro, MA. She worked for many years at Chapin Hospital, and later at the Providence Lying In Hospital. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree (1973) and a Master of Arts in Education degree (1976), both from Rhode Island College. Laurel transitioned from nursing to specializing in the care of severe and profoundly disabled children.

She worked at Zambarano Hospital in Burrillville, RI, and later joined the Center for Intensive Training in Education (CITE), in Providence, where she ultimately served as its director for three years. She was known for her compassion, steadiness, and fierce advocacy for children with special needs.

A lifelong learner and avid reader, Laurel also had a deep love of travel. She explored Europe many times, with Paris being her favorite destination. She has ventured throughout Greece, Asia, and Central America with the same curiosity and appreciation she brought to every part of her life.

She is also survived by her children: Jane Granato (Stephen), Susan Eaton (Josh), Ralph Scorpio, Jr. (Trish), and Caitlin Cusack (Tommy). She was an amazing “Granny La” to ten grandchildren and nine great grandchildren and the beloved “Auntie La” to her many nieces and nephews. Laurel leaves her sisters Lucille Szymanski, Blanche Jean Rapczak, Annette Donnelly, and Diane Ricci, as well as many special relationships in her Scorpio family. She was predeceased by her brothers Raoul,Jr. (Butch), Alfred, and John.

Laurel will be remembered for her warmth, her intellect, her sense of humor, her devotion to family, and the quiet strength with which she shaped the lives of those around her. Her extraordinary talents of baking and cooking live on in many of her descendants. Her legacy of selflessness and love will never be forgotten.

The family would like to thank the staff of Cherry Hill Nursing Home for their support and care during these last months.

Her funeral will be held on Saturday, January 31, 2026 at 9 am from the Robbins Funeral Home, 2251 Mineral Spring Ave., North Providence, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 am in St. Robert Bellarmine Church, 1804 Atwood Ave., Johnston. Burial will be in Highland Memorial Park Cemetery, Johnston. Calling hours Friday 4-7 pm. In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to a charity of your choice, or to the St. Robert Bellarmine Food Pantry (1804 Atwood Avenue, Johnston, RI 02919), an organization that was dear to her heart.