Florence B. (Spirito) Marshall

Florence B. (Spirito) Marshall, 96, of North Smithfield, died March 14, 2025 at home surrounded by her family. She was the wife of the late Norman D. Marshall. Born in Cranston, RI, she was the daughter of the late Carlo and Antoinette (Ruggeiri) Spirito.

She was barely over five feet tall but she was always a fearless protector of her family. All who knew her loved her for her warmth, humility and generosity.  Everyone will remember her by her warm smile. At her house, there was always a place at the table for friends and family to sit down, have a meal, enjoy a glass of wine and have a lot of laughs.  Occasionally more than one glass of wine happened. Short visits with friends always lasted long into the night and were filled with laughter.

She was very proud of her Italian heritage and was an incredible Italian cook. Some of the family’s fondest memories of her were her preparing food for St. Mary’s festival in Knightsville, the place she always called her home regardless of where she lived.  Even with her advanced dementia she would still get a huge smile when reminiscing her cooking with her sisters and nieces. Her made from scratch manicotti are legendary as were the traditional seven fishes on Christmas Eve.  Good memories of her family never left her and always brought her happiness.  

She took pride in being a homemaker. In addition to that, she worked at Coca-Cola promoting various new products for the company in local markets. People will remember her as the Coupon Lady because she would hand out promotional coupons while wearing her little red Coca-Cola coat, and also whisper to shoppers about all the best deals and sales the market was having that week.  Later in life she worked tirelessly at Marshall Veterinary Services where she holds the record for earning the Employee of the Month award for consecutive months running.   

Florence leaves her children, Scott Marshall and his wife, Caroline, and Gary Marshall and his husband, Christopher Perrault; her brother, Carlo Spirito, Jr.; nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brothers, Edwin and Walter Spirito; two sisters, Josephine McLendon and Arline Stiles.

Her family would like to thank all the caregivers and staff at the Residence at St. Antoine, and at Hope Health and Hospice for the outstanding care they provided to her, and our family. 

Private funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Holt Funeral Home, 510 So. Main St., Woonsocket.  A celebration of her life will take place at a later date.

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