Marilyn R. "Lolio" DeNardo

Marilyn DeNardo, age 95, of Cranston, RI passed away peacefully on March 4, 2026 surrounded by her family. She was the daughter of Ernest and Hope (Slavin) Lolio. Marilyn was preceded in death by her husband, Domenic DeNardo, and sisters Lena Mills, Lillian McCrudden, Agnes Curvelo, and Joyce Udelson. Marilyn is survived by her children and their spouses, Kenneth DeNardo (Catherine), Stephen DeNardo (Bethany), and Laraine Coffey (Dennis); five grandchildren and their spouses, Bethany Napolillo (Steven), Bradley DeNardo (Liza Aguiar), Brianne Mahoney (Steven), Nicholas DeNardo (Lauren Cabral), and Katerina DeNardo; and five great grandchildren, Drew, Avery, Lucas, Carson and Hallie. Marilyn is also survived by her beloved sister Grace Deluise.

Marilyn met her husband, Domenic, when they were students at Nathanael Greene Junior High School, and from that early beginning grew a love story that lasted a lifetime. They married in 1953 and spent 72 devoted years side by side, rarely apart and always deeply connected. Together they built a life grounded in abiding love for the family they created. They enjoyed spending as much time as possible with family, hosting legendary family gatherings, sharing laughter around the table, and retreating to their beloved summer home on Nantucket.

Marilyn's life was defined by her deep and unwavering devotion to her family. Family was the center of her world, and she was the core around which generations gathered. Marilyn made it a point to always be a part of every event for her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Whether it was a birthday, a holy sacrament, or a Saturday morning soccer game, Marilyn was always there. The love she gave shaped the family she held so close, and her influence will live on through them for generations. Marilyn also shared a uniquely special bond with her sisters. Best friends throughout their lives, the sisters were virtually inseparable and were a constant source of love and support for each other.

Marilyn took great pride in the home she created for her family. They will always be grateful for her wonderful cooking, and her recipes and traditions will continue to live on for generations. Sundays were especially anticipated, when the family gathered for her beloved "macaroni and gravy," lasagne, wedding soup, zuppa inglese, and countless other delicacies. She had a particular joy for preparing elaborate holiday meals, turning every celebration-big or small-into a memorable occasion. Each Christmas Eve she hosted a lavish Feast of the Seven Fishes, followed the next day by an encore of a beautiful prime rib dinner on Christmas Day. Saint Joseph's Day brought the whole extended family together for one of Marilyn's favorite traditions: a lively zeppole judging contest, (Scialos always won-her favorite). New Year's Eve was spent with her sisters, usually without sleep, followed by a New Year's Day brunch for them and all their children.

Marilyn had a fun-loving spirit and enjoyed hobbies that reflected this. She thoroughly enjoyed being a steadfast copilot for her husband who was a private pilot and aircraft owner. Together with their three children, they enjoyed many flying adventures throughout the continental United States, Alaska, Canada, the Bahamas and Nantucket Island. In addition, Marilyn often vacationed with her sisters in Vermont and Florida. She loved golfing and was an avid skier, sharing her enthusiasm for the sport as a ski instructor for several years. In 1963, she also represented Rhode Island as Mrs. Rhode Island in the Mrs. America Pageant, an experience she greatly enjoyed.

Marilyn had a natural eye for design and a love for beautiful, unique home furnishings. She spent more than a decade working at a contemporary furniture store, where she developed her talent for interior design before going on to open her own successful interior design business. She especially loved contemporary furniture and filled her own home with many distinctive pieces.

Marilyn was a devout Catholic. She found great meaning in her relationship with God and in the life of the church. For more than twenty years, she faithfully served her parish, St Mark's. In addition to working in the office, she took great pride in preparing the alter for daily mass.

Being a wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother was Marilyn's greatest pride. She led her family with a fierce loyalty. Her children knew they could always count on her, and her grandchildren grew up wrapped in her affection and steady presence. The love she gave shaped the family she held so close, and her influence will live on through them for generations. Marilyn was loved deeply and will forever be held in our hearts.

Relatives and friends are invited to her visitation Monday, March 9, from 5pm until 7pm, in the "WOODLAWN" Funeral Home, 600 Pontiac Ave., Cranston. Her funeral will be held at 9am Tuesday, March 10, at the "WOODLAWN" Funeral Home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10am in St. Mark Church, Garden Court, Cranston. Entombment will take place at STS. Peter and Paul Mausoleum at St. Ann Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Marilyn's name to HopeHealth Hulitar Hospice Center, 1085 N Main St, Providence, RI 02904. HopeHealthCo.org.

Please visit www.WoodlawnRI.com to share memories and condolences.