Dorothy M. Sarni

Dorothy M. (Bellavance) Sarni, 80, of Matunuck, R.I. and Pittsburgh, PA, passed away on Monday, November 10, 2008, at her home with her daughter Karen by her side. She was a loving wife to Vincent A. Sarni for 43 years, and a devoted mother to Louise Degrass and her husband, Dennis of Matunuck, R.I., Karen Driscoll and her husband Stephen of Pittsburgh, PA and Vincent A. Sarni, Jr. and his wife Deborah of Perrysburg, OH. She was the beloved grandmother of ten grandchildren, Derek, Daniel, Stacia, Stephen, Michaela, Katelyn, Tony, Megan, Patrick and Christopher. She was born in Providence and was the daughter of the late Cyril and Mary (McGuirl) Bellavance, and a sister to the late Dr. Cyril Bellavance and Louise (Bellavance) Fogarty. She was a graduate of Classical High School and the University of Rhode Island. After graduation she worked for a time as a home economist for Colgate-Palmolive. For the past 39 years Mrs. Sarni resided in Pittsburgh, PA and spent her summers in Matunuck, RI. In Pittsburgh she was a volunteer for the Guild for the Blind of which she was also a graduate. For many years she was closely involved with the Pittsburgh Opera, and was a patron of the River City Brass Band and several Pittsburgh based charities. In Matunuck she was a loyal and generous supporter of the Matunuck Community Association and received their first Distinguished Citizens Award. Mrs. Sarni was a very humble yet strong person who touched many people’s lives. She was a faithful woman to God, the Church, her family and friends. Her courage and grace in the face of difficult medical challenges was an inspiration to all who knew her. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Wednesday, November 19th at 10:00 AM in Saint Romuald Chapel, Matunuck and may call at the Avery-Storti Funeral Home, 88 Columbia Street, Wakefield on Tuesday November 18th, 5-8 PM. Burial will be in Saint Ann Cemetery, Cranston. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations may be made in her memory to The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, 120 Wall Street 19th Floor, New York, NY 10005, The Eye and Ear Foundation, 203 Lothrop Street S119-BST, Pittsburgh, PA 15213 or a charity of your choice. A memorial Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, December 6, 2008 at 10:00 AM at Saint Louise de Marillac Church, 320 McMurray Road, Pittsburgh, PA.