Patricia A. (Bello) Cimalore

Patricia A. (Bello) Cimalore, age 75, passed away peacefully on Monday afternoon, September 26, 2022, at South County Hospital in Wakefield, RI surrounded by her children. Beloved daughter of the late Helen (Robak) and Charles Bello, she was born in Uniontown, PA, on January 12,1947. Patsy is survived by her children: Lisa House (Mark) of Wakefield and grandchildren Emma, Oscar, and Henry; Tammy Cimalore Brinkley of Ocean Springs, MS and her son, Thomas Cimalore Jr. (Deana Casale) of San Diego and their boys, Thomas III and Luca. Patricia is also survived by her sister, Rosalyn Starcich (Steve) of Port Orange, Florida. Her departure from this earthly realm reminds us that angels are watching over us as she rejoins her heavenly family and infant son.

Known lovingly as ‘Patsy’ by her many friends and family, she graduated from Westerly High School in 1964, and the Shepard-Gill School of Practical Nursing in Boston. Having devoted 40 years as a nurse at the Westerly Hospital she also shared 14 years of that same tender caregiving at The Elms’ Dedicated Memory Care Communities: The Carriage House & Chestnut Cottage until she retired in 2016.

With a genuine desire to serve others, nursing came naturally to this loving mother of three, each of whom were proud to call her MOM. Along her life’s journey, Patsy amassed countless friends whom she cherished dearly. Her best friend referred to her as the “Pied Piper of People.” A truly genuine and gentle soul whose spirited kindness touched everyone; Patsy was the first to lend a hand any way she could and did so with a heartfelt purity of purpose that positively impacted every situation. Patsy’s most fulfilling accomplishment was being a mother to her three kids and proud “Grammie” to her five amazing grandchildren. For her, family was everything. With an abundance of love to share, she also openly invited many non-biological others into her loving fold with an endearing encouragement and inclusivity that was hallmark of her warm personality. The child of a huge animal advocate, Patsy also extended the same benevolence to all of nature, especially dogs and cats whom she considered family. To know Patsy was to truly love her, and scores of people surely did.

Nothing gave her greater pleasure than attending every school/sporting event for her kids, and likewise cheering on the grandchildren she so adored. Patsy enjoyed traveling, skiing, the beach, making pierogies with her family, celebrating her Polish heritage, and adventure of every kind whether it was wandering through flea markets, attending festivals, or rooting for her favorite team, the Red Sox--her joyous enthusiasm often leaving her voiceless for days.

Patsy served proudly as Secretary of the Westerly Hospital Union for several decades and was a member of the Westerly High School Scholarship for Trade Schools Foundation. While raising her children, she volunteered for the PTO and CYO, chaperoning and coordinating events and programs. After her retirement she volunteered at the South Kingston Senior Center. During the last chapters of her life, she was appointed as an Ambassador at Brookdale Senior Living where she sashayed her nursing career and warm demeanor to welcome newcomers to the facility and help foster community while continuing to advocate for excellent patient care for residents.

Patsy leaves an endless legacy of compassionate love and spirited kindness. Although her family deeply grieves her loss, they are comforted by the undeniable knowledge that her life of service touched many. Her memory will forever be a blessing to all.

The family wishes to thank the devoted staff at Brookdale Senior Living Facility, South Bay, in Wakefield for their compassionate care. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Golden Huggs Rescue, Inc. P.O. Box 299, Waitsfield, VT, 05673 www.goldenhuggsrescue.org, a favored nonprofit Patsy’s animal-loving soul had long supported.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, October 3, 2022 at 11:30 am at Immaculate Conception Church, 111 High Street, Westerly. There will be no procession from the funeral home. Burial will follow at St. Sebastian Cemetery in Westerly. Calling hours will be held prior to mass on Monday, October 3, 2022 from 9:00 am to 11:00 am at Rushlow-Iacoi Funeral Home & Crematory, 64 Friendship Street, Westerly.

For online condolences, please go to: www.rushlowiacoifuneralhome.com