Gladys Maria Petrarca

Newport, RI - Gladys Maria Petrarca, 62, of, Newport, RI, died Saturday, January 21, 2012 at St. Clare Home, Newport, RI, surrounded by her daughter, many friends and compassionate staff at St. Clare Home.Born in Valparaiso Chile, on August 20, 1949, she was the daughter of the late Axel Petterson Gonzalez and Hermina Munoz de Petterson.Gladys grew up in Chile; she earned her nursing degree and was a volunteer for the Red Cross in Chile. Gladys moved to the US in 1972, and moved to Newport in 1983. While living in Newport she worked as a nurse at St. Clare Home. Gladys was also a volunteer for the Little Sisters of the Poor. Gladys is survived by her only child Marcela Burke, Marcelas husband Paul her two much-loved and adored grandsons Ryan and Dylan Burke all of Newport, RI. Gladys also leaves behind her sister Joan, her husband Herbert Kowitz, of Va.; two brothers Juan Petterson, of Chile and James Petterson, of Virginia; along with several nieces and nephews. Gladys not only enjoyed but was also an expert knitter and seamstress who crafted many wonderful gifts for her family and friends. Gladys other great passion were her cherished pets; Duky, Ruby, and Packer passed on and her newest puppy Koby.Her funeral will be held on Saturday, January 28, at 9:30am from the Memorial Funeral Home, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30am in St. Josephs Church, Broadway and Mann Avenue, Newport.Burial will follow in St. Columba Cemetery in Middletown.Memorial donations may be made to St. Clare Home Activity Fund, 309 Spring Street, and Newport, RI 02840.