Stephanie Svagan

Stephanie Svagan, 89, of 30 Kingstown Rd., Narragansett, died on November 18, 2010, surrounded by her family. She was the wife of the late Dr. Alois Svagan. She is survived by daughters, Irene S. Azzinaro and Lucy Svagan Giuliano, sons-in law David Azzinaro and David Giuliano, their five children and ten grandchildren. Born in Krasce, Slovenia to Martin and Ivana (Urankar) Stefan, she was raised with seven brothers and sisters. In Slovenia she is survived by many nieces, nephews, their children and grandchildren. As a young woman, she left her village for the city of Ljubljana, where she served as a nurse during WW II and where she met her husband. Her nursing career continued after she immigrated with her husband and daughters to the US in the early 1960’s. She worked for Quality Care, tending to the elderly and the ill. Her lifelong devotion to caring for others extended not only to her family and patients, but also to anyone in need. She was especially fond of animals and nurtured any creature that crossed her path. She was an avid reader of history and politics, and traveled extensively. She also loved to paint, particularly the Narragansett Towers. Her paintings were always in high demand by family and friends. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Monday at 2:30 PM in St. Thomas More Church, 53 Rockland St., Narragansett. Burial will be in New Fernwood Cemetery, Kingston. Visiting hours Sunday 3-6 PM in the Avery-Storti Funeral Home, 88 Columbia St., Wakefield. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Welcome House, 8 North Rd. Wakefield, RI 02879, Pet Refuge/North Kingstown/Exeter Animal Protection League, 500 Stony Lane, North Kingstown, RI 02852 or Volunteer Services for Animals, P.O. Box 6263, Providence, RI 02940.