Mary Ellen (Reynolds) Dubuc

Mary Ellen (Reynolds) Dubuc, 74, of North Smithfield, RI, passed away on Monday, April 7th. Born in Manhattan, New York City, to the late Patrick and Catherine (McKenna) Reynolds, and predeceased by her brother, Robert “Bobby” Reynolds, she was a proud New Yorker. Fierce, brilliant, and loyal, Mary Ellen lived a life marked by unwavering love, sharp wit, and deep purpose.

She is survived by her beloved husband of 46 years, Leo D. Dubuc Jr. (and their dog, Sully), and their two children, Brian R. Dubuc  and his wife, Erin Dubuc, and Kimberly A. Tavares and her husband, Ralph Tavares Jr. She was the cherished grandmother of Owen, Leim, and Ellie Dubuc, and Maceo and Rafael Tavares, who were truly the lights of her life.

Mary Ellen was immensely loyal to those she loved. She was whip-smart, wise beyond measure, and possessed a prodigious vocabulary.

She held degrees from Marymount Manhattan College, Columbia University, and Rhode Island College. A lifelong learner and tireless advocate, she dedicated her career to improving the lives of individuals with disabilities. Her work as a grant writer, educator, and administrator at The Arc of Northern Rhode Island, The Collaborative, and Smithfield Public Schools left a lasting impact on countless families.

Mary Ellen’s faith was a quiet but steady presence in her life—she was a devout Catholic who attended church regularly and often turned to prayer and novenas for comfort and strength.

Her legacy lives on in her family, her work, and in the many lives she touched.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, April 26, 2025 at 10:30AM in St. John the Evangelist Church, 63 Church St., Slatersville. Burial will follow in the parish cemetery. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Holt Funeral Home, 510 So. Main St., Woonsocket.

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