Charlene Barron

Charlene Barron, 73, of North Providence, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 18, 2024 after a long, courageous battle with multiple myeloma. Born in Providence, she was the daughter of the late Dominic and Iolanda (DePasquale) Rianna.

Charlene started her 30 year career as the office manager for KFC Management Corp of East Providence and was affectionately known as the “Chicken Lady,” serving chicken lunch to all the kids at Saint Augustine’s School for years. In 2002, she became the equity loan supervisor for Navigant Credit Union for a period of 17 years before retiring in 2019. Throughout her tenure at Navigant, Charlene was recognized with numerous awards for her hardworking nature, going above and beyond. Both her co-workers and her customers held her in the highest esteem.

Charlene’s greatest joy was spending time with her family especially her grandchildren. She loved taking rides in the Mustang to Colt State Park and the beach. She also had a unique talent and love for gardening. Charlene had a true passion for life, living every moment with that infectious smile on her face that would light up a room. To know Charlene was to love Charlene.

A loving mother, grandmother and sister, she is survived by her long time companion, Stephen Iannetta, her two loving daughters, Amy Barron of Providence and Danielle (Jose) Barron of Providence; her former husband James Barron of North Providence; a stepson, Jason (Caitlyn) Iannetta of North Providence; three siblings, Kenneth Rianna (Joan) of Greenville, Donald Rianna (Leslie) of Tennessee and Janice Rianna of North Providence; three grandchildren, Jonathan, Desmond and Eleanora. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews, who she adored.

Her funeral will be held on Thursday, September 26, 2024 at 9 a.m. from the Maceroni Funeral Home, 1381 Smith St., North Providence, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in St. Augustine Church, 639 Mount Pleasant Ave., Providence. Interment will be in St. Ann Cemetery, Cranston. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 25, 2024 from 4 – 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations in Charlene’s memory may be made to The Dana Farber Cancer Institute.