Zita E. McCabe

McCabe (Donnelly), Zita E., RN, 82 of Johnston passed peacefully on Thursday, June 26th, 2014 at Roger Williams Medical Center, Providence, surrounded by the love and comfort of her family. Born November 25, 1931 in Providence, she was a daughter of the late James P. and Zita E. (Walker) McCabe.
Wife of the late John “Pat” Donnelly, she was the beloved mother of Zita Mirabile (Gerald) of Johnston, Patrick Donnelly (Paula) of North Providence, Col. Michael Donnelly, RIANG/ USAF, (Pamela) of Scituate, and John “Jack” Donnelly (Jessica) of Providence, and the loving grandmother of Kristina, Katharine, Sean, Laura, Luke, and Sarah Donnelly. She was the dear sister of Paula Clark (Donald) of Weymouth, MA and the late James McCabe (Olive) of Wyndam, CT and a special aunt, cousin, and friend to many.

A graduate of St. Xavier’s Academy and the RI Hospital School of Nursing, Class of 1952, Zita was proud of her 55-year nursing career during which she saw both private and hospital duty in Providence and Florida, public service, and supervisory duty at Cherry Hill Manor in Johnston, retiring in 2007. Zita was an active volunteer and parishioner at Our Lady of Grace Church in Johnston and participated in many craft and cultural activities at Hamilton House, Providence. Over the years she completed many chair-caning, painting, and knitting projects and traveled and cruised to many wonderful places. An avid reader, politics and news aficionado, and accomplished quilter, she enjoyed the Red Sox, her Irish heritage, time(s) with her grandchildren and family, and relaxing with her cat, Kate Finnegan. She was admired for her Depression Era work ethic and frugality, strong faith, personal convictions and perseverance, elegance, and class. With her chin up and head held high, Zita fought the good fight and will be sorely missed but fondly remembered by those who were close to her.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Our Lady of Grace Church, George Waterman Road at Lafayette Street, Johnston, on Wednesday, July 2nd at 10:00 am. Prior to interment at St. Ann’s Cemetery, Cranston, the Nurses’ Nightingale Tribute will be bestowed. Relatives and friends may call on Tuesday, July 1st from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at “Woodlawn”, 600 Pontiac Avenue, Cranston. Contributions to a favorite charity and random acts of kindness in Zita’s memory would be appreciated. Arrangements entrusted to Berarducci & Sons and coordinated by Thomas P. Tatro.

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