Obituary: Elda Ferretti, 92, Sewing Instructor

Elda Ferretti, 92, of Slate Hill Farm, Middletown, formerly of Glen Farm, Portsmouth, died Wednesday, February 5, 2014, at Newport Hospital.

She was the wife of the late Antonio Giovanni Ferretti.

Born in Fall River, MA on August 31, 1921, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Marie Ann (Godin) Plante. She was the sister of the late Herve Plante, Rhea A. Fillion, Jeannette Chapdelaine, Lorraine V. Gregory, and Leda O. Hollins.

She was a communicant of St. Anthony’s Parish in Portsmouth and later St. Lucy's Church in Middletown.

Elda worked as a sewing instructor and sales associate for the Singer Sewing Center in Newport for 15 years where she was well-known for teaching basic and advanced sewing techniques, and loved doing so. She also worked as a sales associate at the Cherry & Webb clothing store in Newport and later at the JC Penney department store in Middletown. She had been an active member and past president of the Middletown Rotary Ann's Club, and had served at the Middletown polls for years.

Although busy outside her home, Elda was an excellent homemaker for her husband and family, where she produced much joy for her family and all those who visited. She was an outstanding cook and canner, and was known for her warm and gracious hospitality and sumptuous dinner parties. After marrying her beloved Tony in 1942, she learned to cook all the Italian meals that he so enjoyed, especially at holiday time. She was also known for her elegant style, from her hair to her wardrobe, and could be seen driving around Aquidneck Island in her Cadillac for many years.

Elda enjoyed vacationing and traveling with her husband Tony to many locations in the United States, the Caribbean, Hawaii, and Europe, where they made many close and lasting friends.

She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law Russell A. and Martha E. Ferretti of Hamilton, NJ, her son and daughter-in-law Steven M. and Pamela A. Ferretti of Gloucester, RI, her daughter and son-in-law Marybeth and James A. Greifendorf of Newport, RI, thirty-one grandchildren, and twenty great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her extended family members Pasco Ferretti of Middletown, Rose and Gerald Iadeluca of East Greenwich, Diane Ferretti of Coventry, and many nieces and nephews residing locally and throughout the United States.

Calling hours will be held on Saturday, February 15th, between 8:30 and 9:30 at Memorial Funeral Home, 375 Broadway, Newport, followed by a funeral mass at St. Lucy's Church in Middletown at 10:00 a.m.

Burial will be in Trinity Cemetery, East Main Road, Portsmouth