Barbara “Nana” Rotella (Cianci)

Barbara “Nana” Rotella (Cianci), 90, of Riverside and formerly of Johnston, passed away peacefully at home on September 7th, 2024 surrounded by her loving family.

Barbara was born on August 17, 1934 to the late Costantino and Elizabeth “Betty” Cianci (Scungio). She worked at the Providence School Department as Payroll Supervisor for 39 years and was a long-time member of the Business and Professional Women’s Foundation (BPW) and was a past state President during her tenure.

Barbara was the wife of the late Riccardo Rotella and leaves behind her brother, Alfred Cianci, and her sister Joan Montella. She also leaves behind her son Richard Rollingcross, and was welcomed into heaven by her daughter Teresa Augusta, her son Michael Rotella, and her son-in-law Alfred Augusta. She was also the mother-in-law of Donna (Rotella) D’Ambrosio.

Barbara also leaves behind her granddaughter Amanda Augusta, with whom she lived with, her children: Jace, Jaden, Justin, and Jaylee Pena and their father Corey Pena; her grandson Anthony Augusta and his son Avery; her granddaughter Gina (Domenic) Montecalvo and her children: Sofia, Isabella, and Domenic Jr. ; her grandson Robert (Emily) Andriole and his children: Emily, Anthony, Viviana, Mia, and Julian; her granddaughter Christina Rotella and her children: Timothy, Hailey, and Blake; and her grandson Michael (Nicole) Rotella and his daughter Alaina. She also leaves behind her nephew Michael (Trina) Cianci and nieces Carolyn (Don) Cianci-Damato and Elizabeth (George) Geaber.

Barbara lived a life full of service, from her 39 years working in the Providence School Department, to her work with the Business and Professional Women's Foundation. Most notably, Nana; as most people called her, lived her life providing limitless love and support for all who seeked it.

From adventures to the beach and getting lost all the time with her kids and nieces and nephew, to yearly trips to New Hampshire and Lake George with her grandchildren, upstate New York with her great grandchildren and the countless sleepover parties, everyone has a memory of life with Barbara. She loved to feed everybody! The Sunday dinners with her famous gravy and meatballs and the amazing spreads at every holiday are memories we will treasure forever. The Old Gold Straights with Wintergreen lifesavers and the way she said bottle! Her amazing pancakes with peanut butter and chocolate chips. She would literally do anything for anybody and welcomed everyone to the family like they were one of her own. Nana’s greatest passion in life was providing for her family, whom she loved immensely. She was everyone’s Nana and will be missed dearly.

Calling hours will be Thursday, September 12, 2024 from 5pm-8pm at Rebello Funeral Home- 901 Broadway East Providence, 02914. Her Mass will be on Friday September 13, 2024 at 11:00am at St. Mary’s Church-1525 Cranston St. Cranston, RI 02920.