Shirley A. St. Sauveur

Shirley Ann (Crupi) St. Sauveur, 88, passed away peacefully at her home in North Kingstown on June 22, 2023.  Shirley was the beloved wife of the late Arthur St. Sauveur.  Artie was the love of her life and they were married for 47 years.  She was the daughter of the late Salvatore Crupi and Stella (Ciccola) Crupi.

Shirley was born in Somerville, MA on June 17, 1935.  When she was 4 years old, she and her older sister Rosemarie went to live in a Catholic orphanage that was run by the Sisters of Mercy.  Shirley spoke fondly of her childhood memories, the kindness of the nuns and the loving environment she was provided.  Shirley’s experiences at the orphanage laid the foundation for her great faith and spirituality which was reflected throughout her life.

Shirley and Artie met as teenagers.  They were married in September 1954 and so began their great love story.  Artie was in the US Navy and Shirley enjoyed being a Navy wife, traveling the country and taking care of their 4 young daughters.  They made many friends who always remained close to them.  When Artie retired, they settled in North Kingstown to live happily in their cherished family home.

In addition to being a wonderful homemaker, Shirley also took pleasure in working outside the home.  She was a para-professional for the NK School Department for many years before she realized her dream of owning her own business New England Travel Agency.  Shirley and her business partner and dear friend, Nicole Lema, took great pride in this accomplishment and their business was a success.  This also enabled Shirley and Artie to travel the world by land, sea and air.  Their great adventures spanned across every continent except Africa.

Shirley touched all who knew her with her warmth, sense of humor and giving ways.  She cared deeply for others and took pleasure in giving of herself.  Shirley had a great talent for knitting and joined a knitting club that provided beautiful handmade items for those in need.  Shirley also began a family tradition of helping out in soup kitchens.  Thanksgivings were always meaningful in our home as the focus was to help others.  Shirley and Artie volunteered at the NK Food Pantry and, after his death, Shirley continued to devote much time there and was honored as Volunteer of the Year in 2014.

Shirley’s greatest joy was time spent with daughters and grandchildren.  She also pursued her hobby of knitting, was an avid reader and loved history.  One of her favorite past times was playing Scrabble with friends-a game she perfected and rarely lost at.  In June 1977, she obtained her Associate’s Degree- another dream realized.  Shirley managed to find the perfect balance of family and self and served as a role model for her growing girls.  We will treasure all the memories she created for us as children and as adults and her endless devotion.

Shirley is survived by her 4 daughters- Sharon Mathews (John), Donna Diorio (Rick), Judy May (Kenny) and Renee Gaudreau (Dan Wickoren).  She leaves 7 grandchildren that blessed her life- Michael, Brian and Matthew Gaudreau, James and Madison May, Adrienne Diorio and Nathan Mathews.  She also leaves 3 great grandchildren- Elias, Noelle and Liana, their mother Holly Gaudreau and son-in-law Neil Gaudreau.  Shirley was the sister of the late Rosemarie Moro with whom she shared a special bond, half sisters Nancy and Barbara and many nieces and nephews that held special places in her heart.

Shirley’s family extends their heartfelt gratitude to her “visiting angels” Betty, Heather, Tabetha, Cecilia and Meg.  These special women enriched her life with their friendship and care.  Special thanks to Continuum Hospice for their compassion and support and ensuring that Mom was always treated with grace and dignity as that was how she lived her life.

Please join our family in remembering Shirley and a life well lived.  Calling hours will be at Hill Funeral Home, 822 Main Street, East Greenwich, RI from 4-7PM on Wednesday, 6/28/23.  Burial arrangements will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the North Kingstown Food Pantry, 445 School Street, North Kingstown, RI will be gratefully accepted.