Josephine Finnegan

Josephine B. (Mantoosh) Finnegan, 104, of East Matunuck, RI, passed away on Saturday, January 3, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. Born in Maine to her loving parents, the late Joseph and Louise (Kibin) Mantoosh, she moved to Providence, RI as a young girl. Where she attended Oliver Hazard Perry High School.

Josie raised her family in Providence and spent her summers at Roy Carpenter's Beach since 1945, before permanently moving to East Matunuck 40 years ago. She was the devoted wife of the late Terrence J. Finnegan, II, PFC, and a deeply cherished mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

Josie lived a full and vibrant life, marked by creativity, energy, and generosity. She was a talented artist, an accomplished seamstress, and a skilled furniture remodeler, bringing beauty and creativity to everything she touched. She was also an avid gardener, a passion she shared with her daughter, always keeping busy and never one to sit still.

Known for her incredible work ethic, warmth, and generosity, Josie made everything from scratch and especially loved to cook her famous homemade pancakes, golumpki (Polish stuffed cabbage) and other Polish dishes, along with her beloved blueberry or fruit pies. Her home was a place of warmth, delicious aromas, where family and friends always felt welcome. Even at the remarkable age of 104, up until just a few months ago, she could still be found a few mornings a week working at the Ocean Mist.

Josie loved live music and never turned down a late night out at the Ocean Mist. She proudly held her "reserved" seat for the bands and loved chatting with locals and visitors alike. She was a storyteller at heart and often said, "Oh, I could write a book with all the things I've seen." Her gift of conversation, sharp wit, humor, and vibrant spirit will forever be remembered.

Josie leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, and warmth. She will be forever remembered by her children, Rosemary K. Finnegan and Kevin V. Finnegan, and is reunited in eternal peace with her beloved sons, Bruce Robert Finnegan and Terrence J. Finnegan III. She will also be lovingly remembered by her grandchildren, Lynne Finnegan and Aaron Finnegan, and her great-granddaughter, Keia DePina McKinney (Davis), her grandchildren and great-granddaughter will especially miss their beloved "Granny Josie," whose stories and presence will remain in their hearts forever. She is also survived by her brother, Steven Wiatrowski of Bradenton, Florida, along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends. She was the beloved sister of the late Louise Lee, Leona Vilandrie, Laura Midgley, Wanda Miller, Elaine McCarthy, Joseph Wasiuk, Stanley Mantoosh and Johny Wasiuk.

A celebration of life will be scheduled, and details will be announced by the family on the Ocean Mist social media page:
www.facebook.com/TheOceanMist/

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Josie's name to:
Union Fire District, South Kingstown, P.O. Box 3492, Peace Dale, RI 02883

Or to Hope Hospice & Palliative Care Rhode Island, 1085 N Main St, Providence, RI 02904
www.hopehealthco.org/ways-to-give/donatenow/