Nancy J. "Petrarca" Wolslegel

Nancy J. (Petrarca) Wolslegel, 70, of West Warwick, passed away peacefully on Monday, October 13, 2025, at the Philip Hulitar Hospice Center in Providence. She was the beloved wife of Raymond A. Wolslegel, with whom she shared nearly 50 years of marriage and over five decades of love, laughter, and a life filled with happiness and wonder.

Born in Warwick, Rhode Island, on August 16, 1955, she was the daughter of the late Raymond and Pearl (Mazzetti) Petrarca. Raised with old-world Italian traditions in a devout Catholic household, Nancy cherished her upbringing and the many memories of growing up in a multi-level home filled with family on every floor-a true neighborhood community where everyone looked out for one another. She carried those values throughout her life, sharing warmth, humor, and kindness.

Nancy worked as a library clerk for the West Warwick School Department for 30 years, where she shared her love of learning and books with generations of students. After retiring, she and Raymond enjoyed traveling together, embracing their well-earned time of exploration and togetherness.

Nancy was a gifted cook, especially known for her Italian dishes that could never quite be duplicated from a cookbook. Her legendary Christmas cookie trays-nearly 2,000 cookies baked each year and lovingly shared with family and friends-were a cherished tradition everyone looked forward to. Nancy was also an avid fan of all New England sports teams-but her heart belonged to the New England Patriots.

A devoted and supportive mother, Nancy rarely missed her children's activities and took great pride in their accomplishments. However, nothing brought her greater joy than being "Mema" to her three loving granddaughters, who were the light of her life.

She is survived by her husband, Raymond A. Wolslegel; her son, Raymond J. Wolslegel, and his partner Toni Farrelly of Cranston, RI her daughter, Kristen Lutz, and her husband Greg of Waltham, MA; and her three granddaughters, Emelia, Maya, and Harper. She also leaves her brother, Raymond Petrarca, and his wife Rhonda of Kennebunk, Maine; and her nieces and nephews, Michael, Glen, Hayley, Rachel, Robert, Cathy, Larry and Carol.

Visitation will be held on Monday, October 20, 2025, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Carpenter-Jenks Funeral Home, 659 East Greenwich Avenue, West Warwick. Relatives and friends are invited to gather directly at Sacred Heart Church, Providence Street, West Warwick, on Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. for a Funeral Mass. Burial will be private.

In honor of Nancy's lifelong love of learning and compassion for all living beings, memorial donations may be made to GBH (PBS) Public Broadcasting System at https://www.wgbh.org/ or to Pet Refuge, No-Kill Animal Shelter in North Kingstown at https://thepetrefuge.org/.