Madeline Miniutti

Madeline (Ballerini) Miniutti, 100, of Portsmouth, R.I., passed away peacefully on Oct. 26, 2025. Born in Brattleboro, VT., on June 6, 1925, she was the daughter of Italian immigrants, the late Amedeo and Grace (Impala) Ballerini.

Madeline grew up in Dorchester, Mass., where she attended Girls' Latin High School and worked at her father's grocery store. During World War II, she worked as a Candy Striper CNA on the maternity ward at St. Margaret's Hospital. She attended the Fisher School for secretarial training and worked for many years at General Motors. She married Leonard A. Miniutti in 1961 and they moved to Norwell, Mass., in 1971 to raise their children. In Norwell, she belonged to a gourmet cooking club and a bridge club. They moved to Warren, R.I., in 1997 to be closer to their grandchildren.

She regularly attended St. Mary of the Bay Catholic Church and became an active member of the Red Hat Society, The Women's Club of Newport County, and the Portsmouth Senior Center. She enjoyed spending a couple of months a year at her summer home in Falmouth, Mass., and she and her husband loved to travel by car or plane across the US and Europe. She lived with her daughter for eight years before transitioning to Brookdale Senior Living in Tiverton. Her favorite activity was spending her free time with her grandchildren, who brought her immense joy.

Madeline is survived by her daughter, Dr. Jane Miniutti (Dr. Scott Keigwin) of Portsmouth, R.I., her son, Robert Miniutti (Elizabeth) of Jamestown, R.I., and her brother Sam Ballerini of Norwell, Mass. She also leaves behind her beloved grandchildren Matthew, Paige and Henry Keigwin and Katherine, Anna and Emily Miniutti. She was predeceased by her husband, Leonard A. Miniutti, and her brother Joseph Ballerini.

Madeline made friends wherever she went, whether touring about Italy with her beloved Lennie, or holding court with multiple generations of neighbors after moving in with Jane. She was Grammy Maddie to this extended family, sought out at every party, and enjoyed by all.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, Nov.1, at 10 a.m. at St. Barnabas Church, East Main Road, Portsmouth. Burial will follow at St. Mary's Churchyard, Portsmouth. Donations in Madeline's memory may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children or Operation Smile.

Online Tribute at www.memorialfuneralhome.com

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