Winona Duphiney Sebastianelli

A devoted and loving wife to the late Eugene Gravel (10 years) and the late Joseph Peter Sebastianelli (14 years), Winona leaves behind her children, Walter Sebastianelli, and wife Carmela of Johnston, RI, Laura Sebastianelli, and husband Michael Sieracki of Alexandria, VA, Roberta, and husband Eric Perreault of Utrecht, Netherlands, and Joseph Sebastianelli of Coventry, RI, who loved her dearly, as well as her beloved grandchildren Joel, Andrew, Emma, Lillian, and Joseph.

Winona was the daughter of the late Wilfred I. Duphiney, portrait artist and Rhode Island Heritage Hall of Fame Inductee, and the late Marie (Tardiff) Duphiney, sister to the late Marie Duphiney and is survived by her sister, Roberta Stamp of CT.

Winona (Nona) grew up on Oak Swamp Reservoir in Johnston, RI and shared many fond memories of her time on the lake with her sisters and friends boating in the summer and skating in the winter. She met the late Joseph Sebastianelli while employed at The Driftwood Restaurant in Pawtuxet Village, and after marrying, raised a family of 4 in both Dayton, OH and in Coventry, RI.

Winona enjoyed training and working as a nurse’s assistant in the 1980’s in what was one of many roles in her life of caring for others. After the death of her husband Joseph, Winona provided for her family for 15+ years working for MetLife in Warwick, RI. But her real joy in serving and caring for others was fulfilled in many facets after her retirement.

Winona was a tireless caregiver. She provided countless meals, visited those with no nearby family, happily filled the role of rectory housekeeper when called upon, always rising to the needs of others with a joyful heart of service. Her most fulfilling role later in her life was serving as an Elderly Companion for several families over many years, developing close relationships of mutual love and gratitude.

Winona’s faith was a source of constant solace, guidance, and support throughout her life. Her first sacraments were received at Saint Joseph’s in Scituate, RI. She guided her young family in the Saints John & Paul parish in Coventry, RI. And later in her life enjoyed the parish of Saints John & James in West Warwick, RI. Winona’s love and adoration of the Blessed Mother Mary was a constant in her life.

Winona enjoyed playing the piano, tended the loveliest gardens, and made legendary apple pie, marble cake, and frosted butterscotch cookies. She valued time spent with family dearly and hosted innumerable family gatherings filled with food, fun, music and love.

Winona spent the last years of her life cared for by her children, living in Johnston, RI with her son Walter and his wife Carmela. She greatly enjoyed her time at the day program of Hope Alzheimer’s Center in Cranston, RI, before her admittance to Steere House in February 2020. A Memorial Mass followed by a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date, to be determined. Those wishing to honor her memory may make a donation, in lieu of flowers, to the Hope Alzheimer’s Center, 25 Brayton Avenue, Cranston, RI 02920.

A livestream of Winona's Mass of Christian Burial will be available on YouTube through St. Phillip Parish, Friday June 5, 2020 at 11 AM. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIl86D5_BZMf4p5StH4Jkiw