Maureen D Leyden

North ProvidenceMaureen D. Leyden, 77, beloved wife of John T Leyden Jr., Retired Adjutant RI State Police, died peacefully at home on January 10, 2018, surrounded by her loving husband and children. She was the devoted daughter of Melba (Loffredo) and Joseph Collins, and cared for her parents at home until their death. Sister to Joseph Collins (deceased) and Pauline Olivas. She graduated from Mount Pleasant High School and attended the University of Rhode Island. A woman of rare beauty that radiated from deep within, she was chosen to be Miss Irish America of Rhode Island in 1962. She was an office manager for Deloitte Haskins and Sells. Her true talent was in designing wedding gowns. A seamstress from the heart, each daughter was given a wedding gown created by her mom. Her children are Doreen (Leyden) Wiggins M.D. and husband Mark Stamoulis DVM, John T. Leyden, III, Retired Detective Lieutenant RI State Police and wife Lisa (Sousa) Leyden, Darlene (Leyden) Walsh and husband Kerry Walsh Esq., and Dianne L. Leyden, Esq. and fiancAC. Patrick DiGiorgio. She was Nana to 14 grandchildren and a great grandson, all of whom brought her great joy. Maureen's love of children extended outside of her immediate family and she and her husband provided foster care for children in need in the early 1970s. Maureen enjoyed cooking and baking, gardening, golfing and spending time in Florida with friends. She was determined to live her life her way, and she succeeded. Her tenacity, spunk, and loving heart will be sorely missed.Her family would like to thank The Thomas C. Slater Compassion Center, especially Ray and Barbara, for their assistance and kindness. The funeral service will be held Tuesday, at 11:00 am in the Russell J. Boyle & Son Funeral Home, 142 Centerville Road, (Rt. 117) Warwick. Burial will be in Saint Ann Cemetery, Cranston. Visiting hours Monday 4-7 pm. In lieu of flowers donations to Hope Hospice & Palliative Care Rhode Island, 1085 North Main Street, Providence, RI 02904 in her memory would be appreciated.