Obituary of Mary Ann West

Mary A. (Shanley) West, 89, formerly of Eaton Street, Providence, passed away Wednesday, November 16, 2022. She was the beloved wife of the late George J. West III, they were happily married for 53 years. Born in Providence, she was the daughter of the late John J. and Anastasia (Healy) Shanley. 

She attended St. Pius V School, St. Patrick's High School, and graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Education from RIC, formerly called RICE Rhode Island College of Education, and Masters work thereafter at the University of Rhode Island. Mrs. West was a teacher with the Providence School Department for over 34 years, many of which were as a reading specialist & elementary school teacher at William D'Abate School. She also was an elementary teacher at Ralph St. School, Althea St. School, and West Broadway School. 

Mrs. West was a lifetime parishioner of St. Pius V Church and loved to sing as a member of the choir. She was a Eucharistic Minister, an active volunteer with the Church, and a member of the Rosary Altar Society & Club Dominicana. She was also an active volunteer for Capital Ridge at Providence Assisted living facility and Elmhurst Extended Care. She volunteered for Providence College Veridames, the Providence Teachers' Union, the Executive Board of PTU Retirees Chapter, the RI Federation of Retired Teachers, and the American Federation of Retired Teachers.
 
Mary was a beautiful pianist and greatly enjoyed playing her baby grand with her grandchildren at her elbows. She was an avid gardener, golfer, and PC Friar fan and enjoyed spending summers at her former Narragansett residence. Most of all, she was a beloved creative, joyful mother and grandmother, a constant presence at St Pius Schoolyard at dismissal to take her grandchildren home for snacks, homework, and play, where she often challenged them in hoops.    

She is survived by her children George J. West IV, Marianne West Davidson (husband Lenworth "Skippy") of RI, Kevin G. West of FL, and John J. West (wife Dale) of MA; a brother John J. Shanley (wife Judy) of MA, and her sister-in-law Louise Shanley of FL, and nine grandchildren, George "Jay" V, of LA, Daniel S., Matthew J., Charlotte Rose L. West, Lindsey P. Pietruszka, Brian, Krysann, and Jaybian Davidson, Kendal Abney, three great-grandchildren Brody and Brycen West & Jayce R. Falandys. She is the sister of the late Thomas W. Shanley.

The West/Shanley/Heatherman family extends heartfelt and immeasurable gratitude to all of the staff and caregivers at Capital Ridge Assisted Living Providence, Cedar Crest Nursing Home Cranston, and Continuum Care Hospice for their devotion to caring for Mary and our family.

Friends and relatives are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Tuesday, November 22, at 10 a.m. in St. Pius V. Church, 240 Eaton St., Providence, RI. The family will receive guests at the Church at 9:30 a.m. The burial will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, East Providence, RI. 

Kindly omit flowers. Donations in Mary's memory can be made to Capital Ridge Assisted Living Providence (Harbor Center) or the Alzheimer's Association at alz.org in her memory. 

For further information and online condolences, please visit MOUNTPLEASANTFH.COM.

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