Lucille Minuto

Lucille Frances Minuto, formerly of North Providence, Rhode Island, was born on December 21, 1945, to Antonio and Lucia (Nassa) Minuto. Lucille ended her beautiful and purposeful life journey on November 27th, 2024, at East Gate Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in East Providence, Rhode Island.

She is survived by her brothers, Russell and Anthony Minuto, and his wife, Rose Minuto, and several Nieces, Nephews, and friends. Her nephew, Christopher James Rossi was her biggest fan. They shared a special bond and connection and she instilled in him his love for music and the arts. She adored him.

Lucille, also known as Lucy or Lulu, was a generous, light-hearted, and adventurous spirit, staying active through walking, weight training, and swimming. She loved cooking, cards, the creative arts, theater, opera, and on…. She ardently enjoyed Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers' ballroom dancing and held tight to her romantic fantasies of celebrity Hugh Jackman. “Lucy” loved animals, especially her beloved dogs Myko and Mimi. Lucille was an avid reader and adventurous traveler, both locally and internationally. She has cooked and hosted many parties for family and friends over the years. Friends will never forget her humor and unfiltered authenticity when asked about her opinion or her unparalleled sensitivity and generosity. She volunteered, sponsored, and donated as part of her many personal and community contributions and worked as a VISTA volunteer at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Providence, RI. 

Lucille began her professional career after graduating from the University of Rhode Island with a bachelor’s degree in science in nursing in 1969; she later received a master’s degree in education, specializing in community health education, in 1978. Her teaching career included working as an adjunct professor at RI College and Chapel Hill University in North Carolina. Her expertise included public health education, grant writing training, consulting, policy development, community organization, and management. Before retiring, Lucille served as Deputy Chief of the state of RI public health program and later as a Health Educator, Consultant, and Trainer for Minuto & Associates, her Private Consulting business. She lived her life with pride, purpose, and much joy!

In a loving effort to support and soothe the souls of loved ones who survived her, Lulu selected This elegy to share. The following bereavement poem suggests that when one leaves this life, one lives on in nature, memory, and love. Lulu’s message…

In accordance with Lucille's wishes, there will be no service. 

Do Not Stand at My Grave

Do not stand at my grave and weep, I am not there, I do not sleep.

I am a thousand winds that blow. I am the diamond glint on snow. I am the sunlight on ripened grain. I am the gentle autumn rain.

When you wake in the morning hush, I am the swift, uplifting rush Of quiet birds in circling flight. I am the soft starlight at night.

Do not stand at my grave and weep. I am not there, I do not sleep. (Do not stand at my grave and cry. I am not there, I did not die!) 

Mary Elizabeth Frye, 1932