Maria S. (Ciavatta) Keil, 70, a beloved wife, mother and sister, passed away on Thursday, January 18, 2024 at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston surrounded by family.   She was the wife of Wayne Keil.

Born in Providence, she was the daughter of Carmella (D'Adamo) and Vincent Ciavatta. She spent her first years of life residing above her grandfather's drugstore on Charles Street in Providence before the family's move to North Providence, where she spent the rest of her childhood. She was the wife of Wayne Keil, her husband of 37 years. They moved to Cumberland after their marriage in 1986 and she has been a resident there ever since.

Maria was a graduate of Classical High School in Providence and went on to earn Bachelors and Masters Degrees in Education from Rhode Island College. She had a rewarding career as an educator, working for the North Providence School Department for 35 years, primarily as a Special Education teacher. In retirement, she embarked on a new endeavor as a reading tutor with Rhode Island Tutorial & Educational Services, helping many students while becoming certified in the Wilson & Orton-Gillingham reading methods.  Her colleagues remember her as a dedicated educator, and a wonderful presence in the workplace.

Maria enjoyed traveling, especially across New England, including trips to Ogunquit, Tanglewood for James Taylor Concerts, and her summer home on Thompson Lake in Maine.  She loved spending time with her many friends, good conversation, movies, and history. Those who love her will always remember her curiosity, sharp wit, and friendly demeanor.

In addition to her husband, she leaves her beloved children, Joseph Keil of Biddeford, ME, and Alyssa Keil of Athens, OH; her brother Vincent Ciavatta of North Providence, RI; as well as many close friends and extended family members.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to Maria's Life Celebration to be held with Visiting Hours on Sunday, February 4, 2024 from 1 to 4 PM and continue on Monday, February 5, 2024 at 9:30 AM in the J. J. Duffy Funeral Home, 757 Mendon Road, Rt. 122, Cumberland. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM in the St. John Vianney Church, Diamond Hill Road, Cumberland. Burial will follow at Resurrection Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to RI Tutorial:

334 East Avenue, Pawtucket RI 02860 or online at https://ritutorial.networkforgood.com/projects/207766-giving-tuesday-2023.

ONLINE MEMORIAL: jjduffyfuneralhome.com/