Jeanne Marie Mellow

Jeanne Marie Mellow, 61, of Water Street, Portsmouth, RI died peacefully in her home with her family Friday morning, November 5, 2010.Gigi brightened the lives of all she touched with her sassy sense of humor and beautiful smile. Loved and revered for a most generous spirit, she was known best for her wonderful, infectious laugh.She was the wife of Dr. Barry Mellow, mother of Tara Mellow, Becky Mellow Breslin, Katie Mellow Gross, Cherie Mellow Waluk, and Laura Mellow and grandmother/Ya-Ya to Molly Carlson, Alex and Sammy Breslin, Benjamin Gordon, Savannah Gross and another soon-to-be-born granddaughter. She was a sister, aunt, mentor, and dear friend to very many.Jeanne, born to the late William Arnau and Jean Arnau of Narragansett, was raised in Pelham, New York with her seven brothers and sisters though she spent her summers on the beaches of Rhode Island. A born caregiver, Jeanne ventured to New York City at the age of 18 to pursue her dream of being a registered nurse and attended school at St. Vincents Hospital in Greenwich Village where she met Barry. In 1972, they moved to Rhode Island where she pursued her other dream of becoming a mother and started her brood.Jeanne worked for several years as a school nurse in the Fall River school district though her primary calling was as mom, second mother, friend and confidante to all who crossed her path. Drawn in by her wise and loving nature, many took advantage of her open-kitchen policy and sought shelter in her kind heart and warm home. The best of life for Jeanne involved sitting at her table with a cup of Tasters Choice and a worthy Scrabble opponent though few could rival her or out in her beautiful gardens. Her second home was the beach and Jeanne was never more alive than when she was diving into the ocean or riding waves to shore. Jeanne will be missed so much by so many.Her funeral will be held Saturday, November 13, 2010 10am from the Connors Funeral Home, 55 West Main Road Portsmouth, RI with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11am at St. Barnabas Church, 1697 East Main Road Portsmouth, RI.Calling hours will held on Friday, November 12, 2010 from 4pm-8pm at the funeral home.Contributions in her memory may be made to Big Sisters of Rhode Island, 1540 Pontiac Avenue, Cranston, RI 02920.