Eleanor (Plante) McGarry

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Eleanor (Plante) McGarry, 90, passed peacefully at her home on November 3, the home that she and her husband built themselves. She was married to her late husband, William McGarry, for 43 years.

Born and raised in Providence, RI, she was one of nine children and was the last surviving member.

Known as “Honey” to all family and friends, she worked hard all of her life, holding many different jobs, including working as a telephone operator and ultimately retiring from Kenney Manufacturing in Warwick at the age of 62. Anyone who knew Honey knew that she took enormous pride in her dedication to her family, always putting her children before herself. She was a great supporter of all of their endeavors. She worked incredibly hard to make them feel “rich” despite many tough times, always making them feel more fortunate than actual life circumstances. Thanks to her, the family had the opportunity to make many great memories at the family beach house in Matunuck, RI. She loved a clean house, clean windows and beautiful window treatments. She took care of her own home, inside and out, until she was 89 years old.

She loved going for rides to see what was going on all across our beautiful state. She also enjoyed experiencing great food at venues throughout RI. Her stoicism and realism in the face of a terminal illness was admirable and eased the pain for those who loved her. The true measure of life is how long you exist after you’re gone. She will live forever in many, forever in us.

She is survived by her four children: William McGarry, Matthew McGarry, Tami Case, and Kelly McGarry. She is also survived by her nine grandchildren: Ryan and Meagan McGarry, Gregory and Kyle Case, Matthew, Daniel, Andrew and Caitlin McGarry, Mateo McGarry; three step-grandchildren, Christine, Mark, and Nicole Colicci; and nine great-grandchildren.

Her family wishes to acknowledge the wonderful care she received from the many nurses and nurse assistants at Rhode Island Hospital and the many caring physicians, most notably her primary care physician, Dr. Dana Chofay, and her gastroenterologist, Dr. William Chen, for their outstanding care and compassion.

Services will be private. Memorial contributions may be made in Eleanor’s honor to the Pancreatic Cancer Network at www.pancan.org