Stapleton Family Funeral Home
and Crematorium Center

Mancini, Carol Ann (D’Emilio), 74, a lifelong resident of Cranston, passed peacefully Thursday, 9/22/2022, at home. Born in Providence, she was the daughter of the late Dominic and Ann (Pietrantonio) D’Emilio, and sister of the late David D’Emilio. She was the beloved mother of Dayna Mancini-Simmons (George), Laura (Chuck) Mishan, Merrimac, MA and Jeffrey (Bella) Mancini of Sag Harbor, NY, Nanny to Zoey Simmons and Aunty to Zane, Lily, Violet and Magnolia Mishan, Paulo and Paloma Mancini.

Carol’s personality was big, loving, caring, and infectious. She was a natural leader from early on when she built massive teams in AL Williams, Mary Kay, and Herbalife. She also led several bowling leagues at Cranston Bowl for both kids and adults and often volunteered at women’s shelters. Her leadership and entrepreneurial spirit continued when she inherited Oopsy Daisy Flower Shop from her beloved late brother, David. For many years she spent many nights, weekends, and holidays doing weddings and creating memories for any and all special occasions. However, she dedicated most of her life to serving the elderly. She was a passionate advocate for elder care and spent a large part of her professional career as a nursing home administrator in various homes throughout RI, MA, and CT. She made lifelong connections and friendships with her residents, staff, and colleagues.

To many she was a friend – the best kind of friend, that was more like extended family. When she loved, she loved BIG and you always felt that love and friendship through her words and actions. She enjoyed entertaining, throwing pool parties, never missed a St Mary’s Feast, and always sent handwritten Christmas cards and letters. She loved to travel and enjoyed vacationing in Aruba and coastal Maine.

But her most important and best role in life was as a mother. She was a selfless, loving, caring mother who would do anything for her daughter (and later in life, granddaughter). She sacrificed, she supported, she stopped at nothing to give her family everything - from basics, to education, to everything in between. She was a one-of-a-kind mother, the kind that goes above and beyond selflessly through thick and thin, no matter what. Her legacy will live on as she was the true living example of what a mother should be.

Our hope is that you remember the good times – the parties by the pool, the funny things she said and did, the memories you have of her in the good times. As a family, we have so many memories that we will remember that will bring a smile to our faces. We hope that you smile too when you think of our “Queen,” who found the perfect home on Queen Street. She always said, “this too shall pass,” adding, “and so she did.” Sorry mom, I couldn’t put it on your headstone, but I am adding it here as a homage to your one-of-a-kind personality.

Her life will be celebrated with calling hours Sunday 4:00 to 7:00 in the Stapleton Family Funeral Home, 684 Park Avenue, Cranston with a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Mary Church, Cranston Street, Cranston Monday at 10:00. Burial will be in St Ann Cemetery, Cranston.