Philomena Chakoian

Born in Galway Ireland, she was daughter of the late Thomas King and the late Bridget (McDonough) King. Philomena (Ena) immigrated to the United States when she was 32 years old, joining her sister Sarah and her brother-in-law Raymond Schenck in Providence. She worked in administration at RI Hospital for many years and enjoyed babysitting at the former Town Hall Lanes in Johnston.

She was an avid reader, fan of local and national politics and worked alongside her sister Sarah, supporting Rhode Island’s senior Senator Jack Reed’s campaign when he was first elected in 1996. She will always be remembered for being quick-witted and possessing the ability to engage on a very personal level with everyone she met. Ena loved her family and friends dearly and in earlier days enjoyed hosting all at her home for holidays, cookouts, dinners, and a coffee klatch. If you sought advice on life, Ena provided a sympathetic ear, a sharp mind, and a tongue for the truth.

She was the loving and devoted mother to her only child Denise Ann Chakoian and mother-in-law of David John Olney of Providence. She was the last of a large, well known, Galway family of eight sisters and brothers: sister of Michael, Thomas and Eamon King, Sarah Schenck, Theresa Eley, Kathleen Johnson, Maureen Myrescough, and Anne King. She leaves her godson and nephew Sean Eley from the U.K., wife Ruth and their two sons Oliver and William. She also leaves numerous cousins and nephews in Ireland and England.

Her visitation will be held Saturday, July 8, 2023, from 9:00-10:30 a.m. in Pontarelli-Marino Funeral Home, 971 Branch Avenue, Providence, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. in St. Augustine Church, 639 Mt. Pleasant Ave, Providence. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made and directed to the Chakoian Wellness Cancer Fund at the Lifespan Cancer Institute. www.lifespan.org/giving-LCI

For questions on donations please call the Cancer Institute’s development office at 401-444-6500.