Joyce M. (Abate) Stifano

Joyce Stifano died on March 15, 2023.  She was 79 years old.  Her daughter, Dawn Stifano (husband David Loffredo), and son, Paul Stifano, took care of her until her passing.  She also leaves her granddaughter, Gabriella Tobin of Smithfield. 

Born in Providence, RI to her parents William and Zena (Garlow) Abate, she had one brother, John Abate, from Seattle, WA, who passed away two weeks before his sister. 

Joyce graduated from Mount Pleasant High School and went on to take secretarial courses afterward.  Joyce was a homemaker until her children were full-time students, so she could spend her time raising them.  She then worked for the Providence School Department.  After her husband passed away, she became a caregiver to the elderly, which was her true calling.

Joyce was a wonderful wife and mother.  She was married to the love of her life, Joseph P. Stifano, who passed away in January 2001.  Her children were her greatest accomplishments. She loved her family and will be sorely missed by them and by all those she knew.  Her friends were many, and she remained a true loyal friend for her entire lifetime.

She was an avid reader and read thousands of books in her lifetime.  The beach was her favorite pastime and her happy place.  She also was a fantastic cook and baker of her famous Italian Christmas cookies.  Joyce loved to entertain her friends and family. 

Relatives and friends are invited to a Mass of Christian Burial on Monday, March 20th at 10 am in St. Michael’s Church, 80 Farnum Pike, Smithfield.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital at stjude.org.  The family would also like to acknowledge HopeHealth Hospice for their compassionate care in Joyce’s final days.

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