Cathleen M. Pieraccini-Erba

Cathleen M. (Leyden) Pieraccini-Erba 91, of North Kingstown and formally East Greenwich, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family on Friday, March 30, 2018. Born in Providence, she was a daughter of the late Matthew and Mary (Prior) Leyden. Cathleen was the beloved wife of William D. Erba for twenty-six years and the late Louis (Gino) Pieraccini for thirty years.

Cathleen graduated from St. Joseph’s Hospital School of Nursing as a registered nurse and worked at St. Joseph’s Hospital. She left the workforce to raise her family and later returned to nursing at Kent Nursing Home now Kent Regency. After providing many years of compassionate bedside care she used her nursing expertise at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island before retiring in 1990.

Cathleen was the eldest of six children who were raised in East Greenwich and the matriarch of her entire extended family. She was a source of great strength for the generations. Cathleen loved nothing more than being with her friends and family to celebrate the best of the times and to comfort at the worst of times and never missed a party. She was a selfless daughter, sister, wife, mother and grandmother – the epitome of grace, elegance and generosity in every way. Cathleen was a true Christian and a kind, humble woman who always put others before herself. She would proudly state that her biggest accomplishment was being a fiercely devoted mother and grandmother to her children and grandchildren.

S he is survived by her loving daughters Valerie (Pieraccini) Susi, wife of the late Guy Susi, and Mary Beth Denice and husband Rick. Dear sister Peggy Lundberg and husband Everett, John Leyden and wife Arlene, Joan Bezak and husband John and cherished sister-in-laws Joan Leyden and Betty Arico. Her grandchildren, Alisha Pieraccini and wife Randi, Gregory Pieraccini, Christopher Denice and partner Jeff, Marissa Denice and fiancé Vinny, Jenna Denice and Alicia (Susi) Miller and husband Justin. Also survived by her devoted former daughter-in-law Tina Pieraccini and her many beloved nieces and nephews. Cathleen is predeceased by her son Stephen Pieraccini, her twin brother Russell Leyden, and youngest brother Robert Leyden.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday, April 4 ^th at 11:30am at St. Francis de Sales Church, School St., North Kingstown.  Burial will be in St. Joseph Cemetery, West Greenwich. Should you choose, donations in her memory may be made to Hope Hospice & Palliative Care of RI, 1085 N Main St, Providence, RI, 02904 or the charity of your choice.