Patricia R. Pella

Patricia R. (Russo) Pella. On February 19, 2026, Patricia Russo Pella passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of love, service, intellect, and quiet strength that will live on in all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Born in Barre, Vermont, she was the daughter of the late Anthony J. and Josephine (Tomasi) Russo. Patricia was predeceased by her beloved brother, Paul Russo, and her dear sister, Phyllis DiMaria.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 63 years, Peter A. Pella — her partner in all things and the steady love of her life. She also leaves behind her three children: John Pella, Shannon Pella, and Stacy Pella Nappo. Nothing brought Patricia greater pride or joy than her five grandchildren — Brent, Maxwell, Anthony, Claire, and Jake — each of whom she loved beyond measure. She is also survived by her brothers-in-law, Joseph DiMaria and Tony Pella, along with many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who were blessed by her warmth and presence.

To know Patricia was to be struck first by her captivating smile — radiant, welcoming, and unforgettable. It was the kind of smile that immediately put people at ease and made them feel seen. She had a wonderful sense of humor, quick-witted and gently mischievous, often delivering her observations with impeccable timing and a sparkle in her eye. Her laughter was genuine and contagious, and she found joy in life’s smallest, most ordinary moments.

Patricia’s brilliance was unmistakable. A graduate of Classical High School, she went on to earn her bachelor’s degree from the University of Rhode Island. Even while raising three children, she continued to pursue her intellectual passions, later earning her Master of Social Work from the University of Maryland. As a social worker, Patricia dedicated herself wholeheartedly to the service of others. She believed deeply in human dignity and met every individual with compassion, respect, and thoughtful care. Her kindness was not performative–it was instinctive. She listened deeply, advocated fiercely, and offered comfort generously.

Never one to stop growing, Patricia earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from American University in Washington, D.C. Her nursing career reflected the same unwavering commitment to service that defined her life. She worked in hospital settings, home health, clinics, and school nursing, but it was in Hospice care that her gifts shone most profoundly. Providing comfort and dignity at life’s most vulnerable moments was sacred work to her, and she carried it out with extraordinary grace and tenderness. Families in their most difficult hours were steadied by her calm presence and gentle strength.

Her professional life was deeply important to her because she believed wholeheartedly in the work of caring for others. Service was not simply something she did — it was who she was. In 1998 Patricia and her husband Peter achieved their lifelong dream of serving as Peace Corps volunteers in the Kingdom of Tonga, South Pacific. In this role, Patricia taught elementary aged girls English and of course, poetry.

Beyond her formal accomplishments, Patricia was an exceptional writer with a brilliant and creative mind. Through her poetry, she could capture entire worlds of emotion — joy, sorrow, longing, humor, memory — distilled into carefully chosen words. She relished the challenge of a writing prompt, embracing it like a puzzle waiting to be solved. Hours, days, even weeks could be spent thoughtfully negotiating the perfect word, the precise line break, the ideal structure. And when she finally found it — when the poem landed exactly as she intended — she would cheer out loud in delight. And she absolutely nailed it.

Her poetry has been published in various poetry journals. Among her favorite forms were Haiku, Tanka, Three Line poetry, and Sestina — styles that suited her disciplined mind and lyrical heart. Her writing reflected the same qualities that defined her life: clarity, depth, compassion, intelligence, and beauty.

Above all, Patricia was deeply loved. She gave freely of herself — her time, her wisdom, her encouragement, her humor, her heart. She celebrated others’ successes as if they were her own. As a mother and grandmother, she took immense pride in the accomplishments of her family, but more importantly, she nurtured their character, confidence, and curiosity. Her love was steady and unwavering — a constant presence that will be profoundly missed but forever felt.

Patricia’s family wishes to express their sincere gratitude for the compassionate care she received from the nurses, doctors, and staff of Hope Hospice Hulitar in Providence, whose kindness and dedication brought comfort to both Patricia and her family.

Patricia's funeral service will be held on Monday, March 9, 2026 at 11:00 AM in the Wilbur-Romano Funeral Home, 615 Main Street

Warren, Rhode Island 02885.

All are warmly invited to attend and celebrate her remarkable life.

Burial will be private.

For directions and online tributes, please visit www.wilbur-romano.com.