Lilwen “Ginger” (Thomas) Pezzelli, 98, of Warwick passed away on Sunday, January 10, 2021. Born in the Rhondda Valley, South Wales, U.K., on New Year’s Day 1923, she was the youngest of two daughters of John and Elizabeth Thomas.
Lilwen met her late husband Frank while working for the British Foreign Service after World War II. They wed in London in 1947, moved to Rhode Island in 1949, and were married almost 61 years until his death. They were the co-founders and former owners of Brentwood Nursing Home. She loved her adopted country, and became a naturalized citizen, but always remained proud of her Welsh heritage. She enjoyed gardening, music, reading, and golf, but most of all spending time with her family.
She is survived by her cherished daughters Vicki Tarro of Warwick and Carol Wise (Daniel) of Midlothian, VA, two granddaughters Alexandra Kanaczet (Matthew) and Catherine Wise, and two great-grandchildren Caroline Lilwen and Jack Edward Kanaczet. She is also survived by many family members in Great Britain and Rhode Island. She was predeceased by her son Frankie, son-in-law Albert Tarro, and her sister Anne (Bill) Parton.
Her family gratefully acknowledges Sue and Thom Whipple and the entire staff at Cedar Crest Nursing Centre who lovingly cared for her in her final years.
If desired, donations may be made in her memory to Warwick Public Library, 600 Sandy Lane, Warwick, RI 02889, for use in the Children’s Department.
Funeral service and burial at the Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Exeter will be private. Arrangements by the Urquhart-Murphy Funeral Home, 800 Greenwich Ave., Warwick. www.murphyfuneralhomes.org
