Amaral, Antonetta, ‘Etta’, 91, of Calderone Street, was called home to God on Saturday September 22, 2012 from the comfort of her residence and in the presence of her loved ones. She was the beloved wife of the late Anthony J. Amaral.

Etta was born in Barrington to the late Antonio and Carmenia (Grande) DeSpirito. She was the mother of Anthony D. Amaral and his wife Patricia of Hobe Sound, FL and Jack Amaral of Warwick, three grandchildren; Colin Amaral of St. Lucie West, FL, Erin Schultz of Easton, CT and Alynn Bensel of Jupiter, FL, two great grandchildren; Hagan and Wynn Bensel, a sister; Eva Monti of Barrington, a sister-in-law; Clara DeSpirito of Barrington and several nieces and nephews. She was the sister of the late Jacob, Antonio, Samuel, Armando and Delfino DeSpirito and Mary Raffa.

Etta was educated in the Barrington Public Schools. She was a working mom having been employed by local industries including the former Newth Rubber Co. and Kliestone Mfg. as well as a domestic worker in a number of Barrington homes.

Most importantly, Etta was a devoted wife and dedicated mother. Although she had to work outside her home to help support her family, she never wavered in her determination to provide her children with security, education and an enjoyable childhood. She may not have had an extensive formal education but she possessed what can only be described as the equivalent of a Bachelor’s degree in compassion and a Master’s degree in empathy.

Etta enjoyed traveling throughout North and South America as well as frequent trips to Europe. She loved to sing and listen to music but is best known for her daily three to four mile walks. She won the Rhode Island Senior Olympic Speed Walking competition for five consecutive years.

Etta was a devout Catholic and a lifelong communicant of Holy Angels Church.

Her funeral will be held on Wednesday September 26, 2012 from the W. RAYMOND WATSON FUNERAL HOME, 350 Willett Avenue, Riverside at 8:45 am with a Mass of Christian Burial in Holy Angels Church, Maple Avenue, Barrington at 10 am. Burial will follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery.

Calling hours are Tuesday 4-7 pm. Flowers are respectfully omitted. Contributions in Etta’s memory to Holy Angels Church, 341 Maple Avenue, Barrington, RI, 02806 or Home & Hospice Care of RI, 1085 North Main Street, Providence, RI, 02904 would be deeply appreciated.