Obituary – Cause of Death : “Mama Lemon, Eileen Rao, Matriarch of Providence’s Mr. Lemon, Passes Away at 94”

Remembering ‘Mama Lemon’: Eileen Rao, matriarch of Providence’s Mr. Lemon, dies at 94

Providence, RI – Eileen Rao, affectionately known as ‘Mama Lemon,’ has passed away at the age of 94. The beloved matriarch of Providence’s iconic Mr. Lemon establishment left a lasting legacy with her unwavering commitment to serving the community. Her death on December 31, 2023, has left many grieving the loss of a remarkable woman who touched the lives of countless individuals.

Born in Providence in 1929, Eileen Rao dedicated her life to her family and the family business, Mr. Lemon. The establishment, known for its delicious lemonade and refreshing treats, has been a staple in the community for over six decades. Eileen played an integral role in the success and growth of the business, becoming an iconic figure in Providence.

Mrs. Rao’s journey began in the early 1960s when she and her late husband, John Rao, opened the first Mr. Lemon stand. What started as a small lemonade stand quickly grew into a beloved establishment known for its commitment to quality and exceptional service. Eileen’s warm smile and kind-hearted nature made her a favorite among customers, who affectionately referred to her as ‘Mama Lemon.’

Under Eileen’s guidance, Mr. Lemon expanded to multiple locations throughout Providence, becoming a cherished place for families and friends to gather and enjoy delicious treats. Her commitment to providing the community with a unique experience and high-quality products helped establish Mr. Lemon as a beloved local institution.

Eileen Rao’s impact extended far beyond the business she helped build. She dedicated her life to the Providence community and was actively involved in numerous charitable initiatives. Eileen believed in giving back and often volunteered her time at local schools, hospitals, and community centers. She was known for her generosity and willingness to lend a helping hand to those in need.

While the cause of Eileen Rao’s death remains unknown, her passing has left a void in the hearts of those who knew her. Friends, family, and loyal customers have been sharing memories and expressing their condolences on social media, highlighting the positive impact she had on their lives.

One customer, Sarah Thompson, shared on Twitter, “Mama Lemon was a true gem. Her lemonade always put a smile on my face, but it was her kindness that touched my heart. She will be deeply missed.”

Another customer, Mark Roberts, wrote, “I’ll never forget Mama Lemon’s warm embrace every time I visited Mr. Lemon. She made everyone feel like family. Rest in peace, Mama Lemon.”

Eileen Rao’s legacy will undoubtedly continue to live on through Mr. Lemon and the memories she created with her customers. Her dedication to serving the community and spreading joy through her delicious treats will forever be remembered.

As the Providence community mourns the loss of ‘Mama Lemon,’ they will also celebrate the incredible impact she had on their lives. Eileen Rao’s unwavering commitment to her family, business, and community leaves a lasting impression and serves as an inspiration for generations to come.

Rest in peace, Mama Lemon. Your memory will forever be cherished in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing you..

Remembering ‘Mama Lemon’: Eileen Rao, matriarch of Providence’s Mr. Lemon, dies at 94 https://t.co/VfklehmVPx

— RightInRI (@RightInRI) December 31, 2023

Condolences

@RightInRI said Remembering 'Mama Lemon': Eileen Rao, matriarch of Providence's Mr. Lemon, dies at 94 providencejournal.com/story/news/loc…