Eugenia Wilkes

Eugenia V. “Gina” Wilkes (Ricci), 80 passed away peacefully on December 14, 2021. She was the beloved wife of the late Ralph R. Wilkes Jr., who passed away in January 2021; devoted mother of David A. Wilkes and Michael E. Wilkes (Stacy); cherished grandmother of Michael and Andrew Wilkes; daughter of the late Dr. Eugene and Violet (Saggese) Ricci; sister of the late Elaine Ricci and Edward Ricci Sr.; and sister in law of Diane Ricci, Charles Wilkes (Carolyn), and Ellen Tillier (Paul). She also leaves several cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Born in Providence, Gina lived most of her life in North Providence. She graduated from St. Mary’s High School and received her Associate’s Degree from Bryant College. After graduating, Gina spent time working in the law office of the former Governor, Dennis J. Roberts. She also had other clerical jobs working for the Jewish Home for the Aged and Providence College. She was a long time parishioner of St. Lawrence Parish and part of the Women’s Association in the parish. Gina loved doing many things, but some of her favorites were watching her children play baseball and basketball, dancing with her husband, spending weekend afternoons with her grandchildren and grand dogs, and watching the Yankees on television during the summer nights. She had a long battle with breast cancer and fought the disease to the very end.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial Saturday at 10:00 a.m. in the Our Lady of Grace Church, 15 George Waterman Road, Johnston followed by burial in Highland Memorial Park, Johnston. In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, www.stjude.org.