Dorothy "Dottie" J. McCaffrey

Dorothy Jean “Dottie” McCaffrey, of Providence, RI, passed away peacefully, surrounded by love, laughter, and memories—just as she would have wanted. Known for her fearless honesty, generous heart, and deep devotion to her neighborhood, Dottie made an unforgettable impact on all who crossed her path.

Daughter of the late Hugh S. and Margaret (Melei) McCaffrey, Dottie was the sister of Barbara Marandola Yates and Karin Abbruzzese. She was the aunt of Leslie Marandola DiNanno and her husband, David, of Boxford, MA; Mark Marandola and his wife, Sandra, of Tinton Falls, NJ; and John Abbruzzese and his wife, Houda, of East Greenwich, RI; and her great-nieces and nephews: Nicholas DiNanno, Anthony DiNanno and his wife, Laura, Catherine DiNanno, Jenna Marandola, Mark Marandola, Brian Marandola, Marco Abbruzzese, and Lorenzo Abbruzzese. She was predeceased by her longtime companion, Alys (McKivergan) Jacques.

Few people who met Dottie ever forgot her. Her political ballads could’ve gone viral—sharp, satirical, and never short on opinion. Whether she was belting out one of her homemade ditties or an old country favorite, Dottie brought boldness and laughter wherever she went. Her wardrobe was as colorful as her personality—bright hues, never black, and always that same blouse in five different shades. Her signature style, like her spirit, was unmistakable.Dottie’s legacy is woven through the streets of Providence. She worked proudly as a meter maid, a crossing guard, and most notably as the administrative assistant to Fire Chief George Farrell—though, as she often reminded him, she was the boss. A fierce neighborhood advocate, she co-founded the Concerned Citizens of Mount Pleasant, helped preserve the Ryan Post Building, and was instrumental in establishing Mount Pleasant Memorial Park. If she wasn’t beautifying the neighborhood or raising funds for local politicians, she could be found working in her garden or on one of her many projects. She had a gift for reinvention, running a women’s clothing boutique, a ceramics business, and "McCaffrey and McKivergan’s" restaurant with Alys. Her home was also legendary. The basement “Backstreet Pub” featured a player piano, Broadway posters, and of course, a karaoke mic—Dottie’s stage for spontaneous performances.

Dottie was a protector of the vulnerable and a champion for those in need. She was equally devoted to animals—especially her beloved Pretty Kitty.

In her final years, Dottie was lovingly supported by her tenant and dear friend, Br. Roger Chingas; her devoted friends at Uncle Tony’s; and her cherished friend, Rep. Joanne Giannini, with whom she shared over 45 years of daily laughs, calls, and unwaivering friendship. Dottie touched the lives of so many in her community and never arrived empty-handed—whether it was a box of peanuts for a passerby or Caserta pizza for the family to share. And of course, there was always a song.

More recently, Dottie faced more discomfort and health challenges than she let on. Never one to burden others, she masked her pain with resilience, often cutting conversations short rather than reveal how difficult things had become.

Dottie’s memory will live on in the stories, songs, and lessons she left behind. She was a force of nature, a bright light, and a loving sister, aunt, friend and neighbor.Visiting hours will be held on Friday, April 25, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at Maceroni Funeral Home, 1381 Smith Street, North Providence, RI. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, April 26, at 10:00 AM in Blessed Sacrament Church, 179 Academy Avenue, Providence, RI. Burial will follow in St. Ann’s Cemetery, Cranston.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Dottie’s memory may be made to the Providence Animal Rescue League, 34 Elbow Street, Providence, RI 02903 (www.parl.org), or to Blessed Sacrament Church, 239 Regent Avenue, Providence, RI 02908