Cecelia Agnes Diggins

Cecelia Agnes (Coffey) Diggins, age 95, passed peacefully into eternal life on December 17, 2025, at her home, surrounded by the love and devotion of her daughters. She was the cherished wife of the late Joseph V. Diggins, Sr.

Born in Fox Point, Cecelia was the daughter of the late Daniel J. and Cecelia A. (Fox) Coffey, and proudly carried the spirit of her neighborhood with her throughout her life. A graduate of Cleary School and a Class of 1947, graduate of Bay View High School, she treasured her education and the friendships that shaped her early years.

Cecelia dedicated more than two decades of service to the City of Providence Planning and Development, retiring in 1990. Her work was marked by diligence, empathy, and an unshakeable belief in the importance of community. A lifelong parishioner of St. Joseph Church, her faith was the quiet foundation of everything she did.

She was a woman of many talents and simple joys. Cecelia found deep happiness in cooking and baking, especially her Irish bread. She loved walking her beloved dog, Foxy. She also enjoyed sewing, knitting, gardening, and refinishing furniture, bringing beauty and care into every corner of her life. For 65 years, she made her summer home at Roy Carpenter’s Beach, where she spent countless peaceful hours sitting on her deck, sharing memories with family and friends. She was an inspiration to her family.

Cecelia possessed a rare combination of gentle nature and resolute strength. She was a dedicated advocate for individuals living with mental illness, locally and nationally, including lobbying members of Congress in Washington D.C. She was honored with an award from MHARI (Mental Health Association of Rhode Island) for her outstanding advocacy for the State of Rhode Island. Her compassion moved her to action, and her voice was one that never wavered when it came to helping those who needed it most. Known for always going above and beyond, she touched lives in ways both quiet and profound.

She leaves behind her loving daughters, Ellena A. Diggins and Susan M. Diggins, who were honored to care for her through her final days. Cecelia was also the mother of the late Joey V. Diggins, Jr., whom she now joins in eternal peace. She is survived by her sister and best friend, Helena Eldredge, and was predeceased by her siblings Mary Brown, Anna Coffey, Margaret Joyce, Josephine Murray, and Catherine Coffey whom she loved dearly. She is remembered fondly by all her nieces and nephews, as well as lifelong friends; Pat Rossi, Jean Kelly, Ginny Bessette, and Evelyn Blair, with whom she shared decades of stories, support, laughter, and countless long phone conversations.

Her visitation will be held Sunday, December 21, 2025, from 4:00–6:00 p.m., at the Russell J. Boyle & Son Funeral Home, 331 Smith Street, Providence. Funeral services will begin Monday, December 22, 2025, at 8:30 a.m. from the funeral home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Church, 92 Hope Street, Providence. Interment will follow in St. Ann Cemetery, Cranston.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Cecelia’s memory may be made to the Fox Point Boys & Girls Club, 90 Ives Street, Providence, RI 02906, an organization reflecting the community roots and values she held close to her heart.