Search by Name

Search by Name

FUNERAL HOME

Manning Heffern O'Neill Funeral Home

68 Broadway

Pawtucket, Rhode Island

Colleen Bavosa Obituary

BAVOSA, COLLEEN CLEARY MD. Age 53. Born in Rochester, NY, Colleen is predeceased by parents E. Garrett Cleary and Patricia Cleary. She is survived by her loving and devoted husband, Anthony Bavosa of Cumberland, Rhode Island. Colleen will be greatly missed by her siblings, Mark (Kathryn) Cleary of Rochester, NY, Mary Patricia (Pete) Bianco from St. Paul, MN, Peter Cleary, Amy (John) Mealey, James (Pam) Cleary, of Pittsford, N.Y., and Kathleen (Tom) Bannan, Jr. of Chicago, IL. She was the favorite aunt to all of her 17 nieces and nephews. Colleen graduated from Ithaca College Magna Cum Laude in 1981, and SUNY at Stony Brook Medical School in 1986. She was in private practice as a family physician for over 20 years in Pawtucket, RI. Colleen was a Clinical Assistant Professor of Family Medicine at The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University. She served as President of the Rhode Island Academy of Family Physicians from 1995-1997, and was the American Medical Association alternate delegate from October 2000-May 2005. Calling hours will be Friday, August 17, 2012, from 4pm-8pm at The Manning-Heffern Funeral Home, 68 Broadway, Pawtucket RI 02860. Funeral will be at 11:00am at Saint Teresa of the Child Jesus, 358 Newport Ave, Pawtucket, RI, on Saturday August 18, 2012. Private burial will be in Rochester, N.Y., at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Our Lady of Mercy High School, 1437 Blossom Road, Rochester, NY 14610 in Colleen's memory. For online condolences please visit www.manningheffern.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Providence Journal on Aug. 16, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Colleen Bavosa

Not sure what to say?





Kim Foley

September 10, 2013

I just learned of Dr. Cleary's passing today. I just wanted to send my deepest condolences and let you know that not only did she save my life by diagnosing my heart problem, she was also a beloved doctor to my two children. She was the absolute BEST doctor I have ever had and I will carry her in my heart always.

Diane and Bill Juckett

August 8, 2013

Still can't believe we lost such a treasure. She was our doctor, but also a friend who cared. She was stern when she needed to be and compassionate when we needed her. She saved my husband's life by insisting he be tested for prostate cancer. Thank God she did that or he wouldn't be here today. She was there for me when I lost my job at 58 by listening to me. Going to the doctors is so different now because no one compares to her. I hope you all know how she was loved!

North Light Block Island, R.I.

Kathleen Martin

February 10, 2013

Thinking of you today, Colleen, on your birthday. The world was blessed to have had you for 53 years. Now the angels will celebrate with you on this day each year. I miss you, my doctor and friend.

February 8, 2013

I just learned of Colleen's passing yesterday. She was my Doctor for years and then my insurance changed. She was the best Doctor I ever had. She will be greatly missed. She always treated me so nice and was very understanding. I am so very sorry. Greg H

Cheryl Figueira

February 1, 2013

I just recently learned of Dr. Cleary's passing and wanted to express my heartfelt sympathy to her family. She had been my personal physician for many years and I was deeply saddened when she had retired due to illness. I will always credit her with saving my life after sending me for a simple test which revealed an unknown cardiac problem. As I also work in the medical community in RI, I can tell you that her passing has also left a gap in our professional community. She is missed.

Kathleen Martin

September 16, 2012

"Some people come into our lives, make footprints on our hearts, and we are never the same." - Joseph F. Newton

And so it was with Colleen.

North Light Block Island, R.I.

Kathleen Martin

September 15, 2012

I am deeply saddened to have just learned of Colleen's passing. As my physician for more than fifteen years, Colleen made a great impact on my life. Her expertise, compassion and straight forward manner made her the most wonderful doctor I have ever had. I will always remember her booming voice and great laugh.
Colleen loved Block Island, vacationing here several times. We would often talk of the island's beauty and what it is like to live here. She even wondered what it might be like to have a practice here.
My sincerest condolences to Anthony and the Cleary family. May you find peace in knowing that Colleen was well respected and loved by all. I will miss her terribly.
As I gaze daily at this beautiful island that I call home, I will think of Colleen and know that she is watching over us. God Bless.

Kerri Wilcox

September 12, 2012

So sorry for your loss, I was one of her first patients in Pawtucket. She was a great person. May You rest in Peace. God Bless

September 7, 2012

The Shlevins (Arthur, Irene, Amy-Beth) want to offer our condolances to the Bavosa/Cleary family on the passing of a dear friend and doctor to our family. She was a remarkable person who always gave of her time no matter the time of day or problem. There is no one who can take her place and she will be dearly missed.

Charlene Botelho

September 6, 2012

Colleen was our family doctor for a number of years. She always had a way of making you feel as if you were her only patient. She was there for me when my husband passed away at a very young age, and helped me through that difficult time. Her family will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Chris DeSocio

September 3, 2012

I first met Colleen at CSM. My 1st yr there we were co-counsellors in cabin morsch. The thing I like the most about her was her laugh!! She found the positive in everything. Colleen was a true blessing to everyone who met her and had the privilege of being her friend. Yes, she will be greatly missed, but as she would most likely tell us...even in my death you will always have my unending love for you! Our Lord has called to him his angel!

Beth Porter-Mattos

August 22, 2012

Dear Tony,Mark,Mary Pat,Peter , Amy,jimmy,and Kathy,

I have only fond memories of all of us on Branch and Warren Avenue. Colleen was a great and wonderful person who taught me a lot about growing up. It's funny because I had really started to think about our whole gang lately, and the life's lessons we had unknowingly taught each other. I will miss her greatly and look forward to meeting up with her again in the future. I'm sure she is looking down on you guys and watching out for you all.

Kimberly McHale

August 22, 2012

When I think of Colleen, I remember being at the RIAFP primary care conference a few years ago laughing with her and Tony; she was sitting on Tony's lap and we were joking and having so much fun. I worked with Colleen for many years through the RIAFP and always appreciated her honestly, dedication to Family Medicine and her sense of humor. I would be remiss not to mention her fabulous sense of fashion! Any time I gave her a compliment, which was often, she told me that Tony picked out her clothes. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Tony

Thomas T. Gilbert

August 21, 2012

Dear Colleen, I am an old friend from Family Medicine in Pawtucet. Good speed. Tom Gilbert

Kathy and Rich Hee

August 20, 2012

Dear Cleary Family,

We are so sorry for the loss of your sister Colleen. She was a beautiful person who will be sorely missed. Our deepest sympathy to you all. Fondly Rich and Goose

August 20, 2012

Dr Cleary was a true gem. A professional, caring and compassionate person who always took the time for her patients. Rest in Peace always.

May 2009

August 20, 2012

August 20, 2012

Dear Colleen - I will always remember your joyful eagerness for life. What a blessing you are, a role model, a teacher, a most LOVING (human) being! Thank you for LIVING LIFE TO THE FULLEST and showing us the way. My deepest sympathy to your families! Love from,
Jean Hill Oswald OLM Class of '77

August 20, 2012

Our deepest sympathies to the family of Dr. Colleen Cleary. We knew and worked closely with Colleen as a resident on ICU, and watched her grow from an outstanding resident to a wonderful MD. We all miss her greatly. Nurses of Recovery Rm at Memorial Hospital

Ray Tette

August 19, 2012

Dear Cleary Family,
My memories of Colleen are those at Camp Stella Maris. She was a “shinning star” among us; the best Ballfield director; and a positive young lady who was a great example of all good virtues and personalities one would want in a staff member. Knowing her, command your love and respect because she lived her life as an example of Christ in all that she did. She touched the lives of hundreds of campers and staff with her kindness, her patience and her optimistic spirit. When she left CSM to peruse those bigger dreams and aspirations she left behind for future campers and staff, a small piece of her greatness which was and still is, part of the foundation which I believe still lives on in those who attend CSM today.
I will miss her smile but I will remember all the contributions she made to me personally and the staff at CSM. May Our Lady Star of the Sea comfort you in your loss, and give you peace.
Ray Tette, CSM 74'-94

Ann Carroll Harnish

August 19, 2012

To Tony, Colleen's siblings and all family,
I have also written a message on Caring Bridge as well. I am saddened by the loss of Colleen. I am thankful for knowing her and being touched by her life, her laughter, her love. I know she is free and healed now and I pray for all of your healing as well...hold on to the memories, the love you shared and the hope that she lives on, especially in your hearts.Much peace to each of you.

Sue Laiosa-Gutknecht

August 19, 2012

Colleen was a wonderful friend throughout childhood. From grammar school and camp to high school, she brought joy and laughter to all. We lost a friend, but she will live on in our hearts and memories forever.

BERNIE MC INTEE

August 19, 2012

DEAR CLEARY-BAVOSA FAMILIES,
OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU DURING A DIFFICULT TIME.COLLEEN IS IN GOD'S HANDS UNTIL WE ALL MEET AGAIN.
BERNIE & MARCIA MC INTEE
FT. LAUDERDALE,FL

Kate Schiefen

August 19, 2012

I only knew Coleen from CSM but she was one of those wonderful energies, unforgettable, funny, and kind. I have thought of her and my other CSM friends for my entire life with such fondness. It is with such sadness that I offer you, her family, my deepest sympathy.

Jim Carroll

August 18, 2012

I was very sad to hear of Colleen's passing this week. We have some great memories of growing up on Branch Ave with the Hedge's, Taylor's, Gaffney's and more. She will be in our prayers, as will the whole Cleary family.
God Bless,

Mary Stets Chabolla

August 18, 2012

I can vividly remember Colleen from when I was very young in Rochester, NY. I remember her as always smiling, quick witted, athletic and fun to be around and a contagious laugh. My thoughts are prayers are with her family at this very difficult time. Fondly, Mary Stets Chabolla

Cindy Williams

August 18, 2012

To Tony and ALL the Clearys- I'll always remember Colleen as so cute, happy, smart and just plain nice to be around...You are all in my prayers. Cindy Moll Williams

Joanne Zawacki Sharpe

August 18, 2012

Dear Tony, Mark, Peter, and Colleen's family,
Deeply saddened to hear of your loss. But this i know for sure... a spunky, special angel filled the heavens this week embracing her forever life . Colleen lives in God's love and in our hearts. Remembering the happiest times at OLM and our class of '77 as well as the famous "Squidget" at CSM. Colleen was pure joy. God bless. Joanne Zawacki Sharpe

August 18, 2012

Our heartfelt sympathy to all the Cleary family. We have such fond memories of all our great times together during the Oak Hill days. Colleen is another angel watching over you. R.I.P. dear Colleen. Love, the Wilson/Sieverts family. Laguna, California

Mart & Nancy Gullen

August 18, 2012

The Cleary family will always hold a special place in the hearts of many in Rochester, NY. Know that we are thinking of you at this difficult time.

August 18, 2012

So sorry to hear of your tremendous loss. "Spud" has been in my thoughts over this past year and will be dearly missed by myself and all her friends from Our Lady of Mercy High School Class of '77......and we are so many! Pam Blake "77

Denise klang

August 17, 2012

I have known Dr Cleary for 14 years. I still remember the day she came into my hospital room to tend to my newborn baby girl. She was a great, straight forward Dr. She will be missed.
The Klang Family - Seekonk Mass.

Debra Gingras

August 17, 2012

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

Mike and Marianne Migliori

August 17, 2012

We will miss her laugh. Tony and family may you find comfort in the loved ones that surround you.

Bren Provost

August 17, 2012

A Great MD and a wonderful person !!!....with sympathy....

Barbara Laberge

August 17, 2012

I worked for Family Medicine Specialists, Inc. for 19 years. We were and still are "a family". I have had many laughs and tears with Dr. Cleary. She was a big part of my life as an employer and also as my doctor. I have very fond memories of a trip to her home in New York as well as many dinners and celebrations with her, Tony and her family. My heart goes out to all of her family and especially Tony. My prayers of peace are with you all. She has earned her wings.

Mary Ellen Conway Calabrese

August 17, 2012

To all the Clearys - have not seen you in years but think of your parents' and all of you often - May God bless you all!

Moira MacKenzie Evans

August 17, 2012

So sorry to hear of Collen's passing! My thoughts and prayers to the Bavosa and Cleary Families.

Valerie Bazinet

August 17, 2012

Dr Cleary was an intelligent, personable, humorous, skilled, caring doctor. We were fortunate to have had Colleen as our family physician for many years. She is missed, our hearts and prayers are with the Cleary family at this very difficult time.

Lucille Larivee

August 17, 2012

I light this candle to remember a great doctor & friend. Every year at Relay a candle will be lite in your honour that will help guide our way durning the night. You will be missed by many. Tony & family I extend to all my deepest sympathies & offer my prayers to all.

susan johnson

August 17, 2012

I was an employee of Dr. Cleary's and I have to say she was a wonderful person to work for-while working for her my mother became her patient and she loved her!! She took exceptional care of my mother and helped all of us when she became extremely ill-always being there to answer our questions or hold our hands while we cried. She was a great person and will be greatly missed.

Kathy Nazzaro-Barnard

August 17, 2012

Colleen, from one mercy girl to another, doesn't surprise me how successful you became. Rest in peace Colleen Your sister in the Mercy tradition, Kathy Nazzaro-Barnard '77

Denise Alexander

August 17, 2012

Dr. Cleary was my daughters' doctor. She became more than a physician; she became a role model for my girls of an intelligent, compassionate, strong, funny, beautiful woman. I offer my sincere condolences to her family and friends.

Estelle St.Pierre

August 16, 2012

I would like to offer my condolences.She was my doctor and friend. She was like a daughter to me. I will miss her dearly. Tony, I know you will miss her, but there will always be wonderful memories. With Sympathy, Estelle St.Pierre

Lauren Plante

August 16, 2012

My family and I met Dr. Cleary when she was a Resident at Family Care. We followed her to School Street, then on to Armistice. For all those years, she took care of my family and I am forever grateful.

Kathleen Barnicoat

August 16, 2012

Colleen was a very caring, smart, funny, and skilled physician. Even as an intern she knew so much more than others. She always made time to explain something and made you feel that you were important. Not many people could do that and even fewer were so good at it. You will be missed

Judy Chase Dollinger

August 16, 2012

To Tony and all of the Cleary siblings and their families,
I can not tell you how shocked and saddened I am to hear of Colleen's passing.
Tony, how well I remember your joyous and spectacular wedding in Newport, Rhode Island. Leslie and I were so pleased to be included. We had a wonderful time. It really was one of the last things we were able to do before Leslie got so bad. Please treasure your precious memories as you heal from this great loss.
Cleary family members, it seems that you have had more than your share of adversity and sorrow over the past few years. I know your parents left you with a solid foundation of strength and love. May your family bonds help you through this most difficult of times. Colleen was a true inspiration to all who knew her. I am sure you will carry on in her memory as she would have wished. I greatly regret that I am out of town and will be unable to join you in Mark's home. My thoughts and prayers are with each and every one of you.

August 16, 2012

A wonderful person, and a great doctor, caring and compassionate. You will always have a special place in our hearts forever. You were always our special angel here on earth. Sincerely, Carol and Walter Trembley

Kathy Doyle

August 16, 2012

She was a wonderful, caring and hardworking Family doctor. She visited the Med. Rec. Dept at MHRI often and it was always a pleasure to wait on Dr. Cleary. Her smile was contagious. Rest in Peace now.

Anita Bandieri

August 16, 2012

The Sanctuary Lamp at St.Raymond's Church, Prov.R.I. will be lit in memory of Dr. Coleen Cleary, a beautiful lady'

Margaret (Farrell) Benedetto

August 16, 2012

Celebrating a life well lived. Wishing a peaceful healing in days to come for family and friends.

August 16, 2012

She was a special person who found her calling in life as a caretaker of others. May the Lord take care of you forever.

August 16, 2012

Deepest Sympathy on your loss -
Bob Langert and the McDonald's Sustainability Team

Rose McGuire

August 16, 2012

Dr. Cleary, you will be missed always.

August 16, 2012

My prayers for the entire Cleary family.
Sister Cathy Pfleger

Meg Battersby

August 16, 2012

Dr. Cleary is already sorely missed. Many, many children in Pawtucket knew her as the doctor who spoke Latin quickly into the tape recorder and then English clearly to the family. She served so many so well in her short life. May she rest in peace.

Joan Coughlin

August 16, 2012

Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.

The Staff of Manning-Heffern Funeral Home

August 16, 2012

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.

Mary Beth, Bob, Kate & Nora Flannery

August 15, 2012

Prayers go out to the entire Cleary family from the Flannerys back in Chicago.

Showing 1 - 60 of 60 results

Make a Donation
in Colleen Bavosa's name

Memorial Events
for Colleen Bavosa

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Manning Heffern O'Neill Funeral Home

68 Broadway, Pawtucket, RI 02860

How to support Colleen's loved ones
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Poems of Mourning and Comfort

The best poems for funerals, memorial services., and cards.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
Ways to honor Colleen Bavosa's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more