Johanna Ricci-Christy

Johanna Irene (Petteruti) Ricci-Christy, passed away on Saturday April 3rd, unexpectedly at Greenville Rehabilitation Center. She was a life-long homemaker, an excellent singer, and the “Care Bear” of her loving family. Johanna aka “Joan” or “Joanie” was born on January 4th, 1940 and  raised in Cranston Rhode Island by her loving parents Armando and Hilda (Gelfuso) Petteruti. She was raised by them in their home on Bennett Avenue with her four siblings, Armando Petteruti, Vilma (Petteruti) Moretti, Norma (Petteruti) Guglielmino, and Richard Petteruti. She was predeceased by her husband Francis R. Christy Sr., parents Armando and Hilda Petteruit, son Richard James Ricci Jr, sister Norma (Petteruti) Guglielmino and best friend Marie Huntley. She is survived by, and will be forever missed by her loving children; son Francis R, Christy, daughter Lori Ann Brooks, son-in-law Daniel Maurice Brooks, grandchildren Jared Daniel Brooks, Nicholas Basil Ricci, Konstantinos Daniel Jr, Domenic Haralambos Daniel, great grandchildren, Travis Jace Brooks, Kolton Parker Brooks, cousin Rosary (Turchetta) Sidlik, lifelong friend “cousin” Anthony Parente, as well as many other family members, and friends.  Johanna was a lifelong resident of Cranston, until later in life when she moved to Cumberland, and became a member of the community at the Chimney Hill Apartments on Mendon Road. Johanna, was a loving mother, grandmother, aunt and friend. She loved life and cared deeply for her family and friends. She was always involved with the local community when her children and grandchildren were young. She loved playing bingo, and cards, as well as singing and caring for her friends and family. She was always the first person to remind them how much she loved each and every one of them. She loved to cook, feed others and eat out, She always provided an ear to listen or a shoulder to cry on for others. From her childhood best friend cousin Rosary Sidlik, to her best friend in her later years Marie Huntley, or her friend Helen Chartier in her last years, each one is just a small representation of all the other lives around her that she touched. Her son and daughter affectionately referred to her as the “Care Bear” for those reasons. Johanna will be greatly missed. Her caring heart, loving ways, and independent nature have helped raise and mold her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren’s lives in such a way that she might be gone, but will never be forgotten.

Funeral details are listed below.