Corinne M. Ricketson

Corinne Marcia (Budlong) Ricketson, 76, of Warwick, passed away peacefully on April 10, 2026, after a courageous 15-month battle with cancer. Corinne battled glioblastoma with the same persevering strength with which she approached her life, and faced her journey with grace, wisdom and humor. She had a tenacious faith that she shared with anyone willing (or unwilling) to listen, an unwavering commitment to her family and church, and a deep, unconditional love for God, her people and her pets.

Born in Providence, she was a music teacher in Cranston Public Schools for 30 years, an accomplished musician in her own right and teacher, directed her church choir and played the violin for most of her life. She taught countless children how to play the recorder and auto harp (spaghetti arms!), including her own children. She was a member of the Warwick Symphony Orchestra for over a decade and was very active as a member of the Oak Lawn Community Baptist Church, serving in a number of musical and leadership roles over the years. She was also an avid gardener.

She is survived by her sister Marilyn Drummond (Tom) of Cranston, Rhode Island, and her children Matthew Ricketson (Jody) of Swansea, Massachusetts, Laura Dwyer of North Kingstown, RI, Amy Ricketson (David) of Smithfield, RI, and Mark Ricketson (Kim) of Los Angeles, California. She will be lovingly remembered by her grandchildren Giovanni, Mya, Delaney, Abigail, Drew, Francesca and Henry, nieces and nephews, cousins, extended family members, friends and special caregivers.

Corinne was deeply devoted to her sister, her lifelong confidante, and showed up for her children in every way – rides, rehearsals, and relentless encouragement – and truly reveled in her favorite role of all: Grammie to her grandchildren. She approached gardening as she did everything else – with dedication, attentiveness, and a quiet appreciation for the beauty of nature and growth. A patient listener, she always seemed to have just the right words of wisdom for any situation.

Having filled the world with her own beautiful melody, she now rests on a final, perfect note.

A celebration of life will take place on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at 10:00AM at Oak Lawn Community Baptist Church, 229 Wilbur Ave., Cranston.

The family encourages those wanting to do something to remember Corinne to go listen to some live music or support the arts in some way, or to go outside and plant something beautiful.

Funeral Arrangements have been entrusted to THE URQUHART-MURPHY FUNERAL HOME,
800 Greenwich Avenue, Warwick, RI.

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