Marcelle A. (Dowd) Gillen

Marcelle (Dowd) Gillen, 98, passed away peacefully with family at her side Friday morning, November 10, 2023 at home in West Warwick. She was predeceased by her husband Earl T. Gillen in 2010 and her daughter Joanne St. Sauveur in 1988. She was born in Providence, RI on December 31, 1924 to the late Thomas A. and Marcelle F. (Charreyron) Dowd. She was the sister of the late Rosemary D. Soares-Richardson, the late Robert Dowd and the late Janine St. Jean.

In her younger years Marcelle was an avid horse woman who spent her free time riding at the nearby stables. She continued to ride horseback in her spare time while working as a telephone operator for The New England Phone Company. Marcelle also volunteered as a nurses aide during WWII.

Marcelle was a committed mother to three children and active in many school programs and functions including the US Savings stamps program, chaperoning of dances and events and the PTA. She was a stay at home Mom until her youngest went off to college and found she enjoyed working outside the home. Over the years Marcelle had many interests and was always busy with sewing, baking, knitting, quilting and later in life became active in the senior center and the YMCA. She loved her Tai Chi classes and swimming. Marcelle also loved the theatre and was a season ticket holder at the Providence Performing Arts Center.

By far, Marcelle was best known for her kindness and devotion to friends and family.

She is survived by a son, John Gillen of Pomfret, CT; a daughter, Patricia Gillen of West Warwick, RI; two grandsons, Justin Gillen and his fiancée Kimberly Hahn of Felton Pennsylvania and Jason and Rachel Ann Gillen of Stewartstown, Pennsylvania and a great grandchild, Josie Gillen of Stewartstown, Pennsylvania.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend a visitation on Wednesday, November 15, 2023 from 10:00-11:00 a.m. in the PRATA-GALLOGLY Funeral Home, 78 Providence Street, West Warwick followed by a funeral home service at 11:00 a.m.  Interment will be private.  In lieu of flowers contributions to B Free Farm Animal Sanctuary, P.O. Box 432, Tiverton, RI 02878. Information and condolences, please visit: www.PrataGallogly.com

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