News Summary
Lois Diane Bertini, a cherished philanthropist and community leader, has passed away peacefully surrounded by family. A longtime resident of Pawtucket, she dedicated her life to serving her community and nurturing her family. Bertini was well-known for her kindness and generosity, actively involved in various projects and organizations throughout her life. A memorial service will honor her memory, reflecting on her significant contributions to the community and the impact she made on so many lives.
Pawtucket, RI – Lois Diane Bertini, a beloved community leader and philanthropist, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on September 20, 2025, at the age of 86. Bertini, a longtime resident of Pawtucket and Monument Beach, MA, dedicated much of her life to serving her community and nurturing her family.
Bertini was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother, well-known for her kindness and generosity. She was born to Willard and Ruth (Bischoff) Higgins and was predeceased by her husband, Dr. Richard Bertini, with whom she shared 55 years of marriage. She is survived by three children: Lori Rolfe (Steven), Jena McNulty (Michael), and Richard Bertini Jr. (Kimberly), along with five grandchildren – Heather Daly (Matthew), Eric Pinault (Julia), Michael McNulty Jr., Jonathan McNulty (Sarah), and Jacqueline Loffredo (Michael) – and ten great-grandchildren.
A memorial service and collation to honor Bertini’s memory will take place on Friday, September 26, 2025, at noon, at Swan Point Cemetery. Her ashes will be scattered privately following the service. In lieu of flowers, her family requests that donations be made to Doctors Without Borders or HopeHealth Hospice of Rhode Island.
Educational and Professional Background
Lois Bertini was educated in the Warwick Public Schools and graduated from the RIH School of Nursing, which she attended on the Inez Clark Lord Scholarship. She later furthered her education by earning a BS in Social & Health Services from Roger Williams University. After a career in nursing, she chose to devote her time to raising her family and engaging in community service.
Community Involvement and Achievements
Bertini was a dedicated member of the Pawtucket Congregational Church UCC for more than 40 years. Within the church, she served in various capacities, including singing in the choir and holding positions on the Board of Deacons, Missions, and Governors. She was an active delegate to the UCC Conference, General Synod, and World Ministry and made significant contributions to the RI-UCC Haiti Task Force, which focused on building a clinic and school in Haiti.
Additionally, she participated in the US–USSR Bridges for Peace program, where she delivered medical aid in the aftermath of the Chernobyl disaster. Bertini co-founded and served on the board of the Children’s Museum of Rhode Island, advocating for early childhood education and community enrichment. Furthermore, she served on alumni boards for the Pawtucket Early Childhood Learning Center, the RI Red Cross (also as an instructor), and Weeden Manor for the Elderly.
Legacy and Personal Life
Lois Bertini’s artistic talent was evident in her ability to create warm and inviting spaces through her interior design skills. Family and friends were her greatest joy, and those close to her say she will be profoundly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
For those wishing to learn more about her life and contributions, a full obituary is available online.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Providence Journal: Lois Diane Bertini Obituary
- Wikipedia: Philanthropy
- Legacy: Linda McMahon Obituary
- Google Search: Community Service Contributions
- Legacy: Vincent Sollitto Obituary
- Google Scholar: Community Leadership
- Providence Journal: Obituary for Unspecified Individual
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Nursing
- Legacy: Eunice Hughes Obituary
- Google News: Memorial Services
Author: STAFF HERE PROVIDENCE WRITER
PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER The PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREProvidence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Providence, Providence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as WaterFire, Rhode Island International Film Festival, and Rhode Island Comic Con. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce and Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in finance and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Citizens Financial Group and Textron. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Rhode Island's dynamic landscape.
