Marita "Mimi" E. (Paolilli) Loffredo

Marita “Mimi” Loffredo (Paolilli), of West Warwick, passed away on February 19, 2021 at Rhode Island Hospital, at the age of 55.  An eternal optimist and ray of sunshine, she is beloved by all who knew her.

Marita made her debut in 1965 in Providence, RI, the third of three daughters born to the late Richard F. and Ann P. (Cahill) Paolilli.  She is the much-loved sister of Jean M. Knott, of Johnston, and Anne L. Paolilli, of Warwick.  Marita was raised in Providence and graduated from St. Patrick’s High School and Katharine Gibbs School.  

Marita was diagnosed at the age of 17 with chronic autoimmune disease.  Her courage and character were strengthened by her lifelong health struggle, and in the face of significant adversity she always remained positive and optimistic.  Her condition never defined her, and she lived a full and accomplished life.

As a young woman, Marita worked for the Providence Journal Company and the Rhode Island Hospital Genetics Department.  She later worked for Trader Joe’s at their Warwick store, which she enjoyed doing until 2015, when her illness necessitated she stop.  But rather than rest, the indomitable Mimi turned her attention to creating her own brand of mittens, designed to help those who, like herself, struggled to find a pair to fit arthritic hands.  She opened her own small business and helped people around the world through the sale of her mittens.

Marita is the adored mother of Peter D. Loffredo, BM2 USCG of Baton Rouge, LA, and Michael A. Loffredo, of North Providence.  She looked forward to time spent with her sons and their wives, and delighted in the births of her two grandsons, Anthony and Victor.  Marita was dedicated to her entire extended family: she was thoughtful, supportive, and generous.  She always brought merriment, joy, and lots of laughter to every family gathering.

Marita met her soulmate, Edward P. Flori, of West Warwick, in 2008.  Together they loved relaxing on cruises to tropical destinations, traveling around New England on Ed’s motorcycle, and spending warm nights outside on their porch.  Marita enjoyed a close relationship with Ed’s daughter, Nicole A. Flori, and her little son, Messiah.  And, she had a love-hate relationship (but mostly love!) with their dog, Buddy.

Marita always had a smile on her face and a laugh in her heart, and infused her life with humor.  Her wit and winning personality made her many friends throughout her life, with whom she shared her passions for dance, music, cooking (but mostly eating), art, and sewing (among others!).

Marita is survived by her partner, Edward P. Flori, of West Warwick; her sons, Peter D. Loffredo, BM2 USCG, and his wife Handly Mayton, of Baton Rouge, LA, and Michael A. Loffredo and his wife Jacqueline of North Providence; her two grandsons, Anthony O. Loffredo and Victor R. Loffredo of North Providence; her sisters, Jean M. Knott and her husband Russell of Johnston, and Anne L. Paolilli of Warwick; her niece, Stephanie L. Ovoian and her husband Daniel of Providence; her aunts and uncle; many dear cousins; and many cherished friends.  Marita was predeceased by her parents, Richard F. and Ann P. Paolilli, whom she loved dearly.

Marita’s services will be held on Saturday, February 27, 2021, at Cranston Christian Fellowship, 1114 Scituate Avenue, Cranston, RI 02921.  Calling hours begin at 9 am, with funeral to follow at 10 am.

In lieu of flowers, gifts in her memory can be made to the PAN (Patient Access Network) Foundation.  If desired, donations can support pulmonary hypertension specifically.  https://www.panfoundation.org/

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