Obituary for Phyllis Turchetta
Our dear mother and family matriarch, Phyllis (Corsetti) Turchetta, passed peacefully on Wednesday, January 12th, at Backus Hospital in Norwich, CT after a period of declining health. Born in Providence on October 16, 1935 to Luigi and Concetta (Gemma) Corsetti, she blessed us with her 85 years of living and loving. Married in 1958, she was the beloved wife of the late Alfonse D. Turchetta for 60 happy years until his passing in 2018.
Phyllis was raised in a traditional Italian-American home together with her beloved - but sadly, now deceased - siblings, Celeste Falcone and John Corsetti, to whom she was their ‘baby’ sister. Phyllis was a proud member and graduate of Mount Pleasant High School, Class of 1953, and was fortunate to have maintained close contact and wonderful friendships with several classmates and childhood friends.
Always hard working and ‘dedicated to the cause’, Phyllis enjoyed her early career as a hair stylist before devoting herself to her ‘dream job’ of full-time Mom, which she did so well and with such great ease, elegance, and love. She was her family’s strongest advocate and supporter, following in her mother’s footsteps; Phyllis was the Mom that her children were always so proud to introduce to their friends!
Fondly remembered and revered as being smart, kind, quick-witted, strong, and proud, Phyllis could always be counted on for that big smile that warmed hearts at the precise time(s) when it was most needed. Her warmth, charm, and knack of always being the ‘Life of the Party’ coupled with her sometimes zany humor and antics, endeared her to so many of us over the years. Most of all, though, her unwavering devotion to her family will forever be missed. These qualities of her character coupled with her heart of pure Italian gold will never be forgotten and now become part of her life’s legacy. Godspeed Mom, you were the best, the absolute best !
Mourning her loss are her son David Turchetta; daughter Susan Turchetta and her son, Joseph; three grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; and scores of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. She was the mother of the late Joseph Turchetta.
Due to current conditions and restrictions, her funeral will be private. Phyllis will be laid to rest with her late husband and son at St. Anne's Cemetery in Cranston. A Memorial Mass and celebration of her life will be held at a later date when it is safe for all to gather in her honor.
Contributions to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis TN, 38105 in her memory would be appreciated. The family is grateful for the compassion shown to Phyllis by the caring staff of Pinnacle Home Health Care in Warwick. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Beraducci Home in Providence.