Maureen Gariepy

Newport, RI - Maureen (Sweeney) Gariepy, died peacefully on May 15, 2012 at her home in Newport.She was the widow of the late Paul Emile Gariepy. Born in Boston, she was the daughter of the late Joseph A. and Adelina (Artesani) Sweeney.Maureen's surviving family includes her three children: Michele, of North Providence, Paul Edward of Pawtucket and Elena of Newport. Also important to Maureen was William (Bill) Waterman, who became a loyal friend and caregiver. She was the sister of Saundra T. Skinner of Quincy, Massachusetts and the late Myles J. Sweeney.Maureen was a graduate for the former Academie Moderne in Boston. The school prepared her for a career as a model in an era when department stores held frequent fashion shows to present new lines of clothing. Maureen worked as a model throughout New England, doing trunk shows and charity events. As a child, Maureen studied dance and piano. She resumed piano lessons in the 1990s, continuing her weekly lessons until last fall. She also studied Spanish throughout her life, at Brown University, Salve Regina, and most recently, private lessons at home. Crafts held a special interest for her. She excelled in sewing, knitting, quilting, rug making and basket weaving. Maureen was happiest in the summer, when she could garden in the morning and go to the beach in the afternoon. Her property Exploded with color, from the wisteria in the back yard to the window boxes on the front porch, or piazza as Maureen called it. In the afternoon, it was off to Peabodys Beach, where she was regular since the 1970s. Paul Edward gave Maureen many of his watercolors over the years, but Maureen especially treasured his panorama of the beach. Calling hours will held on Friday, May 18, 2012, from 4-8pm in the Memorial Funeral Home, 375 Broadway, Newport, RI.Funeral Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, Maureen would prefer a donation to one of her favorite organizations, which included Friends of the Waterfront, The Newport Art Museum, and the Redwood Library. Or Visiting Nurses of Newport and Bristol Counties, who in conjunction with the staff of Consistent Care of Jamestown, and the volunteers at Meals on Wheels, made her last months a comfortable as possible. Visitation MAY 18. 04:00 PM - 08:00 PM Memorial Funeral Home 375 Broadway Newport, RI, US, 02840 info@memorialfuneralhome.com http://www.memorialfuneralhome.com