April 24, 2024

Lois Mary Pazienza, 74, of Saunderstown, passed away peacefully on April 10 with her beloved husband, Marc J. Seifer, by her side.

Born in Providence, she was a daughter of the late Paul and Theresa (DiVona) Pazienza.

Lois grew up in Cranston and graduated from Cranston High School West in 1967. After earning a Bachelor of Science degree in business education at URI in 1971, she began working at the University’s College of Business and simultaneously continued her education, leading to a Master of Arts degree in guidance and counseling in 1976. 

As an administrative assistant in the Accounting Department, one of Lois’ responsibilities was supervision of graduate assistants. This was one of the more rewarding aspects of her job. Working with motivated and intelligent young adults and watching them expand their knowledge and confidence was gratifying and inspiring. Lois committed to fully endowing a scholarship, which was initially started as a retirement gift for 32 years of service to the department from faculty, staff, students, alumni and friends of the College of Business.

Lois lived her life with grace, dignity and joy. With her incredible smile, she was an inspiration to all who knew her. In the winter for many years, she and Marc vacationed on more than a dozen islands in the Caribbean. Traveling to countries in Europe, one highlight was a magical time in Venice.

Besides her husband, she leaves her nieces and nephews, Allyn Pazienza, Myla Ross, Rob Pazienza, Kerry Tyson and Ken Tyson; her cousins, Deb Aubin, Donna Feeley, Michael DiVona, Val Villucci and the late Jo-Ann Ragosta; and six grandnieces and nephews. She was the sister of the late Rena Tyson, Paula Pazienza and Robert (Bobby) Pazienza.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Lois M. Pazienza and Marc J. Seifer Endowed Graduate Accounting Scholarship at URI. See the full obituary.