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Ann E. (O’Connell) Gaylor, known to all as Ann, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 18, 2026, at her home in East Providence, Rhode Island, at the age of 95.
Born on July 11, 1930, in East Providence, Ann was the daughter of the late John and Mary (Reberio) O'Connell. She was a lifelong resident of East Providence and remained deeply connected to the community she called home for most of her life. Her presence was a familiar and comforting one to those who knew her, and she was admired for the warmth, kindness, and steady grace she brought to everyday life.
Ann spent many years working as a foot press operator at various jewelry manufacturers. Through her work, she demonstrated a strong ethic, reliability, and quiet determination. She approached her responsibilities with care and pride, and her years in the jewelry industry reflected the diligence and perseverance that defined her life. Her contributions were made with humility, and she earned the respect of those who worked alongside her.
Above all, Ann was a loving, kind, and selfless woman whose devotion to her family was evident in all she did. She was the mother of Charles Duby of East Providence, Manuel Duby of Fernandina Beach, Florida, and Joseph Duby of East Providence. Her children were a source of great pride and joy throughout her life, and she cherished her role as their mother. She was also the grandmother of Ariel LeBlanc, Desiree Howley, Jessica Urban, and Charlie Duby, and she held a special place in her heart for each of them. Her love for her family was steadfast and unconditional, and her legacy will continue through the generations who were blessed to know her.
Ann was the sister of the late Daniel O'Connell, John O'Connell, and Betty O'Connell. She shared lifelong family bonds that helped shape the person she became, and she carried those relationships with her throughout her life. Family meant everything to Ann, and she remained devoted to those ties with loyalty and affection. Her memory will be treasured by those who knew her as a sister, mother, grandmother, and friend.
Those who knew Ann will remember her for her gentle spirit and her unwavering kindness. She had a way of making others feel welcome and cared for, and her selfless nature left a lasting impression on everyone she met. She lived her life with quiet strength and a generous heart, and she found meaning in the simple but important acts of love, support, and presence. Her life was a reflection of compassion, resilience, and devotion to others.
Ann’s long life was marked by enduring love for her family, commitment to her work, and deep roots in the East Providence community. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness and devotion that will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to know her. Her family and friends will remember her always with love and gratitude for the many ways she enriched their lives.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend her visiting hours on Wednesday, May 20, 2026 from 4:00pm-7:00pm in the REBELLO FUNERAL HOME, 901 Broadway, East Providence.
A graveside service will be held on Thursday May 21, 2026 at 9:00am in the Lakeside Cemetery, Rumford.
www.rebellofuneralhomes.com.
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