Sharlene E. Risho

Sharlene Risho, 61, of Pawtucket, passed quietly from this life on Monday December 30, 2024 surrounded by loved ones at the Hope Healthcare Hospice Center in Providence RI. She was the daughter of the late Abraham and Doris (deTonnancourt) Risho and mother to her beloved son, the late Jozef Lopatka who preceded her in death in 2020.  

Beginning at an early age Sharlene lived her life in service to others; from her work at the family grocery store, her years in the food service industry, as a special education teaching assistant and in her vocation as a CNA, she touched the lives of many family, friends, neighbors and strangers in a loving and joyful way. Sharlene was good natured, a hard worker and fiercely independent. She loved cooking and was happy to share a meal with others as often as she could. She also loved true crime stories, murder mysteries, police and legal dramas and always had a good book at the ready. Aside from her son, Sharlene loved music more than anything in the world. She always carried a song in her heart and a tune on her lips. Her smile was infectious, her laughter even more so.

She leaves behind 8 siblings and their partners: Roy and Marie Spiridi of Naragansett RI, Sharon and Ed Letendre of Methuen MA, Joe and Josephine Risho of Pascoag RI, Sheila and Langdon Clough of Warwick RI, Sam and Diane Risho of Pawtucket RI, George and Lucy Risho also of Pawtucket RI, Sheryl and Paul Rabbitt of Wood River Junction RI, and Sharlot McEnery of Rumford RI. Additionally she leaves behind several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews and countless cousins. She also leaves behind her friends, dearest among them Sue Venuti of Attleboro MA.

She will be missed beyond measure.

Her playful spirit, tender heart and joyful song will remain with us always.

Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration of Sharlene’s Life will be held at 11:30 am Saturday January 18, 2025 at Emanuel Lutheran Church, West Warwick RI. Family and friends welcome to gather in the church hall following service. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the American Diabetes Association.