Esther Lilli

Esther Olga (Andreozzi) Lilli, 90 in the early morning hours of Sunday, September 30, 2018, died peacefully in her sleep, at her home in North Providence.

Esther was born in Providence on April 14, 1928, she was the daughter of the late Domenic and Columba (Delli Colli) Andreozzi. She lived a long, happy life with the love of her life, the late Frank Lilli, who she had met while jitterbugging at the Mill Hill club in the late 1940s. Their happy marriage resulted in the birth of two daughters, Christine Lilli Pascarella of Johnston, R.I., and Diane Lilli of Montclair N.J.

Esther leaves behind four beloved grandchildren, including Laura Pascarella, Andrew Greenberg, Daniel Greenberg and Alexa Martins, plus a wonderful son-in-law, Edward Pascarella, and two loving former sons-in-law, Jeffrey Greenberg and Carlos Martins. She also leaves behind sisters Eleanor Corsetti and Corrine Caldarone., plus numerous nephews and nieces. She was predeceased by her sister Elizabeth DiPrete, and brothers John and Robert Andreozzi..

An avid reader, Esther devoured books of fiction daily for her entire life, and was a well-known face at the North Providence Library. She adored reading romance and mystery novels, and also never missed her weekly appointments at her favorite beauty shop in North Providence. Esther also enjoyed visiting Foxwoods and Twin Rivers Casino, where she often said “If I break even that’s good enough for me”.

At Hope High School, Esther performed in the drama club and went on to work at Gladdings Department Store in Providence, where her lifelong love for fashion was born, and then as an administrative assistant at Columbus Bank in Providence.

Esther and Frank Lilli loved vacationing in Cape Cod, and also enjoyed vacations in Maine, New Hampshire, New York, New Jersey, Italy, and on numerous cruises. In one memorable trip to Italy as a widow, a besotted Roman taxi driver was so smitten with her he serenaded her as they drove across the bumpy cobbled streets, while her two grandsons applauded from the back seat. She was a gifted cook, and renowned for her eggplant, meatballs and Sunday gravy; loved a strong Martini with two olives and remained a happy, humble and loving mother and grandmother throughout her long life.

Her funeral will be held on Friday October 5, 2018, at 8:45 a.m., from the A.A. Mariani and Son Funeral Home, 200 Hawkins St., Providence, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial  at 10 AM in St. Ann Church, 200 Hawkins St., Providence. Burial will be in St. Francis Cemetery, Pawtucket. Calling hours will be Thursday, Oct. 4, 5-8 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Ann Church Memorial Fund, 2 Russo St., Providence, RI 02904.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.