Maria C. "Evelyn" Canning

Maria C. “Evelyn” Canning ( Calderone), 91, died July 26, 2012. She was born in Providence on January 13, 1920 to Giula (Marra) and Domenico Calderone. Evelyn was married to Charles Canning for 45 years until his death in 2006.

In 1942, Evelyn began a 38 year career working for the railroad. She was proud that she was among the first women to hold jobs on the railroad that had previously only been open to men. During their retirement, Evelyn and Charles enjoyed traveling in this country and Europe, and they especially enjoyed their numerous trips to Las Vegas. They spent many summer weekends in their RV at the Breachway in Charlestown.

She is survived by her son, Robert A. Plante; her grandsons, Christopher Plante and wife, Cynthia and Jeremy Plante and wife, Kara Ritchie; great grandchildren, Sarah Grace, Stephen, Joshua and Jordan; her sister, Madeline Hammond and her former daughter-in-law, Diane Gerzevitz. She was the sister of the late Louise Policelli and the late Romeo Calderone.

Evelyn was a proud member of the Emblem Club of Smithfield and over the years held many offices in the Club. She loved the Emblem Club’s banquets, conventions, and charitable endeavors. She particularly enjoyed the competition involved in electing state and national officers of the Club. Evelyn made wonderful friends through her membership in the Emblem Club and her Emblem sisters remained loyal friends during her last illness.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial Tuesday, July 31, 2012 at 10 a.m. in St. Augustine Church, 639 Mount Pleasant Ave., Providence. Visiting hours respectfully omitted. Burial will be in Highland Memorial Park, 1 Rhode Island Ave., Johnston. In lieu of flowers, donations in Evelyn’s memory to Home and Hospice Care of Rhode Island, 1085 North Main St., Providence, R.I. 02904, will be greatly appreciated.