Nancy M. Blais

Nancy was born and raised in Providence, Rhode Island. She graduated from Mt. Pleasant High School and began her career at the Providence Gas Company, later moving to the Providence Civic Center (now the Amica Mutual Pavilion), from which she retired in 2004.

In her retirement, Nancy cherished simple joys: lunch dates with her girlfriends, playing bingo, and trips to the casino to play the slots. She was a woman of immense, quiet generosity; if she had five dollars, she would offer you two if you needed it. She rarely asked for anything in return, unless it involved saving a stray animal or needing a hand with a treasure she’d found at a yard sale.

Upon the birth of her third granddaughter, Jenna, Nancy provided daily support and care, forming an unspoken, lifelong bond that was one of her greatest joys. She lived with her daughter Kim, son-in-law Dave, and Jenna—who provided her with exclusive care and devotion following a stroke until her passing.

All Nancy ever wanted in life was to feel needed, and her absence has created a hole that can never be filled. She was predeceased by her sisters, Angie Mehaffey and Jean Perrille. She is survived by her brother, Tony Perrille, and sister, Lorraine Perrille; her devoted daughter and caregiver, Kim Stoddard, and her family, Dave and Jenna; her niece, Mary Mehaffey-Lally; and her nephew, Chet Perrille, his wife, Melissa, and their children, Devon and Nevaeh. She also had a son and two other granddaughters.

Nancy did not want a wake, as she firmly believed in showing love and appreciation for people while they were alive. Those who loved her will continue to celebrate her life, just as they did every day. Mom, you always asked Auntie Jean to make your Keno numbers hit, so I’m going to ask you both to put a kiss on mine. I love you and miss you.