Deborah L. Sliney

Born in Providence, she was a daughter of the late Walter J. Sliney Sr. and Louise (Marchetti) Sliney. She was the beloved mother of Steven M. Sliney and Jennifer S. Boisvert and her husband Michael; cherished grandmother of Jake Boisvert; loving sister of Barbara DiMaio, Walter J. Sliney Jr., Kathleen Crudele, Ann Marie Bolvin, Alfred Sliney and the late Joseph, Alfred and Lori Beth Sliney.

Debbie loved cooking, baking and embroidery and was an avid collector of Betty Boop memorabilia. In the spirit of her beloved Mom Louise, Debbie had an uncanny ability to make meaningful human connections while letting you know precisely where you stood with her. Her superior verbal communication skills and trademark facial expressions will be remembered in our hearts and minds forever.

She truly loved her children and family. Debbie made extraordinary efforts to remain in close contact, too, with many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends by telephone and by way of hundreds of letters she sent them over the years. She extended herself to “reach out and touch someone” inside and outside the family, near and far. Everyone will miss Debbie’s feisty demeanor, salty directness and very kind heart. Remembering the multitude of tender moments we all shared with her would be the greatest tribute to Debbie, especially the many heart-to-heart chats and fond reminiscences with her. Debbie’s flair for dressing up and love of Italian food and chocolate mousse cake, her youthful exuberance, cleverness and generosity will be remembered always.

Visitation will be held Friday 10-12 p.m. followed by her service at 12 p.m.in the Pontarelli-Marino Home, 971 Branch Avenue, Providence. Burial will follow in St. Ann Cemetery, Cranston. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Cherry Hill Manor Activities Fund, 2 Cherry Hill Road, Johnston, RI 02919.