Mary Falk

Mary E. Falk, 99, of Providence, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 21st, surrounded by her loving family and friends—just one month shy of her 100th birthday.

Born in Providence, she was the daughter of the late Giovanni “John” and Josephine (Curci) Pugliese.

In 1947, Mary married the love of her life, Alfred Falk, who preceded her in death. Together, they built a life centered on honesty, respect, and integrity—values they lived by and instilled in their children.

Mary’s warmth and kindness touched everyone who knew her. She had a special way of making people feel welcomed and loved, often serving as a source of comfort and strength. Her generous spirit drew in neighbors, nieces, and nephews alike, along with countless strangers who fell in love with her charm. Her home was always filled with laughter, love, and support. Family was her greatest joy, and she devoted her life to theirs with unwavering love, compassion, empathy, and resilience.

Mary enjoyed and embraced life to the fullest, in good times and especially in the difficult times. She was an empath who felt so deeply and loved so fiercely- a rare quality to possess these days. Her motto over the past few years had become “every day is a bonus”. The wife of a renowned chef, Mary enjoyed the best foods and culinary adventures and had quite the sweet tooth. She loved music and dancing, and shared that love with her family, friends, and grandchildren. Mary also thought of her home as her sanctuary. You could always find her sitting at her kitchen table basking in the sunlight from her large window, or in the warmer months, out on her beloved porch, where she felt the most at peace and spent the final day of her life.

She is survived by her daughters: Judith Andreozzi, Janice Tanzi, and Shirley Hoyle, along with Shirley’s fiancé, David Bliss. She was a second mother to her beloved grandchildren: Robert Tanzi, Lauren Andreozzi and her husband Michael Haigh, Tiffany and Heather Tanzi, Adam and Amanda Andreozzi, Kasie Hoyle, and Aaron and Dylan Tanzi. Mary also leaves behind her cherished great-grandchildren: Isabella, Aviana, Maverick, Leighton, and Jasiah. She will also be greatly missed by her fur-grandbabies: Wolfie Moon, Luci, Tucker, Willy, and Cersei Cat.

Mary was predeceased by her siblings: James, Domenic, Charles, Julio, and Louis Pugliese.

All friends and family are welcome to celebrate Mary’s life at A Mass of Christian Burial held on Thursday, September 25, 2025, at 10:15 a.m., St. Pius V Church, Eaton Street, Providence. Visitation is respectfully omitted, and burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Mary’s memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.