LUISA GOMES OSBORNE (ROSARIO), 93, of Providence passed away peacefully with family at her side on Thursday, October 16, 2025, at HopeHealth Hospice & Palliative Care, Providence, RI. She was the cherished daughter of Antonio J. Rosario and Caroline Rosario Smith (Porcher), stepdaughter of Walter A. Smith, and granddaughter of Louise R. Fisher (Green).
Luisa graduated from Hope High School in Providence, RI, in 1951, and was a long-time member of Congdon Street Baptist Church.
Luisa retired as Director of Multifamily Housing at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development-Providence Office, culminating 30 years of work for the federal government. Luisa’s distinguished career included working for the Rhode Island National Guard, the U.S. Navy in Davisville, RI, the U.S. Department of Defense in Springfield, MA, and Hartford, CT, and the Providence Water Supply Board. Luisa was admired by her colleagues, and she earned a reputation for being hardworking, selfless, and always even-keeled.
Luisa became a member of Harriet Tillman Temple #59, of the I.B.P.O.E.W. in 1980. She served as Daughter Ruler from 1982 to 1984, and also served as Treasurer. Luisa was a Past State President of the New England States and Eastern Canada Association. From 1991-1999, Luisa served as Grand Directress of the Grand Temple Assault on Illiteracy Department of the national I.B.P.O.E.W. Through her journey in Elkdom, Luisa received the highest honors in the fraternal order of The Elks as Past Grand Daughter Ruler. Luisa was also a charter member of the Providence Auxiliary of Zeta Phi Beta, formed in 1987, and served as president.
Luisa, known lovingly as Lele or Lee, was a graceful go-getter making an impression everywhere she went. Luisa always showed up. She showed up when it was easy, difficult, inconvenient, or expected. She was a constant to all those who loved her, of which there were many. She embodied integrity and was the model of a family matriarch. Above and beyond was not just a standard, it was the only way Luisa knew how to approach life. She had the warm, gentle touch of a mother and the sharp, focused sense of a warrior. She had a fierce love of her family and a genuine empathy for her neighbor. She had the original, authentic character of a true individual and was more American than apple pie. Luisa is leaving a significant void in the lives of those who held her dear, but she also leaves us with the adaptability and intangibles to remain steadfast on the path to glory. Luisa’s impact will survive through generations of family and friends that come after her.
Luisa joins her love, the late Donald M. Osborne, Sr., in the Kingdom of Heaven. Luisa is survived by her sons, Donald M. Osborne, Jr., and Michael J. Osborne. She was predeceased by her daughter, Donna L. Osborne. Luisa leaves four grandchildren, Charlayne, Luiza of California, Kyle (husband Brian), and Patrick (wife Kristen) of Massachusetts; and five great-grandchildren, Xavier, Harrison, Christopher, Alexandra, and Jessica, who were the lights of her life.
The second of three children, Luisa was sister to Clara G. Horton (Rosario) of California, and the late John A. Rosario. Luisa is also survived by brothers-in-law and sister-in-law, William Osborne (wife Cindy) of California, Jennifer Davis (Osborne) (husband Jeff), and Jeffrey Osborne of California.
Her memory is revered by countless friends and relatives.
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