obits.html

Celebrating the Lives of Mathewson Street's
Dearly Departed

*Helen E. Mowry

Helen E. Mowry of Cranston died Thursday, January 31, on her 91^st birthday at the Nancy Ann Nursing Home, Foster, Rhode Island. She was the wife of the late Leslie F. Mowry, Jr.

Mrs. Mowry was born in Fall River, MA, the daughter of the late Harold and Edith (Carter) Castle.

Mrs. Mowry was a 1938 Magna cum laude graduate of Brown University where she was a member of the Phi Beta Kappa and was a Elisha Benjamin Andrews Scholar. She also received a degree in Secretarial Science from Bryant College in 1939 and a Master of Library Sciences from the University of Rhode Island in 1969.

Mrs. Mowry worked at Brown University from 1939-1958 in the Graduate School Office as a secretary to the Dean, as Administrative Assistant and Registrar for the Summer School of Applied Mathewmatics. She joined the Cranston School Department in 1962 teaching third grade and served as an Elementary School Librarian, Technical Services Librarian, Administror-Librarian for the Summer Library Program and coordinator of School Library programs, retiring in 1986. After retiring Mrs. Mowry served as Secretary of Meshanticut Park Baptist Church in Cranston. She enjoyed knitting, had served as treasurer of the Oak Lawn Garden Club and volunteered at the Central Library Office of the Cranston School Department.

She is survived by two sons, John L. Mowry of Cranston and David D. Mowry of Warwick and one grandson, Jason Mowry.

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*Phyllis Ruth Mayo

Phyllis Ruth Mayo, 85, long-time resident of Cranston, departed this life on Wednesday, January 9, 2008, at the Masonic Home in Wallingford, CT.

Phyllis was born in Providence on September 18, 1922, the daughter of the late Leland R. and Lydia K. (McKenzie) Mayo. Prior to retirement, she was a registered nurse and teacher at the Rhode Island Hospital. She earned a BS from Brown University in 1945 and an MS from Boston University. She had a life long love of Golden Retrievers and was an active member of the Providence County Kennel Club. She was also an active member of Mathewson Street United Methodist Church. She was predeceased by her brothers Leland R. Mayo, Jr. and Clyde R. Mayo. She is survived by seven nieces and nephews, and nine grand nieces and nephews.

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*Elizabeth Ann (Betsy) Frerichs

Betsy Frerichs, 50, of 229 Medway St., Providence, passed away on February 2, 2007, at Rhode Island Hospital. Born in Providence. She was the daughter of Drs. Ernest and Sarah Frerichs. She lived in Barrington for 22 years and in Providence for the past 28 years.

Betsy was a Sales Representative for the Fuller Brush Co. She was educated in the public schools of Barrington with a 1975 diploma from Barrington High School. She completed in 1980 an Associate in Arts degree in Early Childhood Education from Rhode Island Junior College and was subsequently graduated from the Sawyer School in Pawtucket. She was a lifelong member of the Mathewson Street United Church in Providence and actively participated in its Bell Choir.

She is survived by her brother, David S. Frerichs and his wife, Barbara, of Warren; two nephews; David S Frerichs, Jr., and his wife, Heather, of East Providence, Justin A. Frerichs, and his wife, Johana, of Los Angeles; two nieces: Marcia Zell Pedini of Athens, Maine and April Frerichs of Los Angeles; two great nieces: Justine Frerichs and Jiselle Mariella Frerichs of Los Angeles; and two great nephews: Alex and Connor Pedini of Athens, ME. She was also the sister of the late John A. Frerichs of Los Angeles.

Betsy reached out in loving concern to anyone in need, especially children as well as anyone who had been injured in the experience of life. Her friendships were international in character, and she showed an unlimited for others' joys and sorrows. Kindness and love were hallmarks of her personality, endearing her to a wide circle of persons touched by her transparent sincerity and character. Her life was marked by a fighting quality and a contagious love of life which she employed to overcome her own limitations and to embrace others needing support.

Remembrances may be sent to the Meeting Street School, 1000 Eddy Street, Providence, RI 02903, and to Mathewson Street United Methodist Church, 134 Mathewson St., Providence, RI 03903

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*Jean Piper

Longtime parishioner Eleanor Jean (MacArthur) Piper, a resident of Winslow Gardens, East Providence, RI, died Tuesday, May 29, 2007, at The Miriam Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island, after a brief illness. She had recently celebrated her 90th birthday.

Jean is survived by her loving husband of 65 years, Walter, who is a resident of the Linn Health Care Center in East Providence, RI. She is also survived by her daughter Catherine Mansperger of McConnellsville, Ohio, and her daughter and son-in-law, Nora and Rev. Jonathan Almond of Cranston, RI. Jean delighted in her grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Nathan, Diane, and Justin Almond of Chester, VA; Joshua Almond and Elizabeth Adams of Phoenix, AZ; Sarah, Erik , Gretchen, and Finn Baudendistel of San Antonio, TX; Jose, Damion, and Anthony Almond of Pawtucket, RI; and Elizabeth Almond of Providence, RI.

Jean was born in Smiths Falls, Ontario, Canada, but lived most of her life in northeastern Ohio. She and Walter were mainstays of East Shore UnitedMethodist Church, Euclid, Ohio prior to moving to Rhode Island in 1999 to be nearer family. Jean was a generous and caring person who went out of her way to perform acts of compassion and service for others. She was an excellent seamstress, adventurous cook, superb organizer, and enthusiastic traveler. She enjoyed playing bridge and gardening. Jean was a person who honored her commitments and lived life to the fullest with humor and courage.

Her life was celebrated in worship on Sunday, June 3rd. A memorial and committal service will be held in Ohio mid-summer. Condolences and gifts should be directed to Mathewson Street UMC, 134 Mathewson Street, Providence, RI 02903.

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*Walter Piper

Walter Stanley Piper, Jr. died just eleven days after his wife of 65 years, Jean. We, his family, share these words from his memorial service on June 17, 2007 (Father’s Day).

At 89 years all his earthly possessions fit into two boxes and a couple of plastic bags but he died a wealthy man. We just couldn’t find a container large enough for his patience, generosity and good humor. We just couldn’t box up his endurance, courage, faith and love.

Walt Piper was born in the flats of downtown Cleveland, the area along the Cuyahoga River that was rimmed with steel mills. It was a crowded neighborhood of immigrants. Perhaps it was this early environment that gave him his keen ear for languages and his comfortable way with persons of different heritages. When the Army sent him to Rutgers University to study French during World War II, he became so proficient he dreamt in French. Then he was posted to Japan and the Philippines and never used his language skills during his military years. However, it served him well in his conversations with French-speaking staff at the Elder Care Center. He could hold a conversation in nearly every language he encountered and loved to speak the Christian liturgy in Greek and Latin.

He was a wonderful carpenter, crafting our early bungalow attic into an apartment for my mother’s parents. My grandmother was very frail and my father was big and gentle. After my grandfather died Grandma’s health confined her to the upstairs. I remember keenly my dad carefully carrying this tiny lady downstairs on Christmas morning so she could enjoy the festivities.

But there were some things he couldn’t do well. Daddy wasn’t much of a skater but he built a rink in our backyard so all of the neighbors, old and young, could ice skate. He rigged it with lights and sound and sprayed water on it each night after he came home from work, standing in the dark with the freezing hose so we could have a great time. He wasn’t much of a swimmer but he made a great floating raft out of his body so we could clamber on and splash about. He wasn’t much of an athlete but he gamely played softball on the church team until he broke his arm and called it quits.

He loved music. He came from a family of musicians and his warm, strong bass voice sang for years in the church choir; in the car as we drove along; in the elder care choir and even with his dying breath.

He loved God and the church. He gave countless hours of volunteer service and resources to the church he helped to build in Ohio. He set a lifetime example of tithing, regardless of how limited his personal resources. He and Mom were first on the scene for every dinner and work project, and last out of the building for every event. Dad used all his resources for God’s work; even using his company’s beer truck to help the pastors deliver medical mission supplies. While he could still swallow food, he was asked if he wanted communion. The resounding eagerness of his “Yes!” was emblematic of his deep desire to be connected to the God he loved.

In the 1960’s Daddy risked his all his earthly resources in opening his own business, which eventually failed, but his dream was never for personal wealth. He dreamt of being a philanthropist, making gifts to make the world a better place for all humankind. While the economy of the world might see failure, I see tremendous success. His wonderful traits and gifts are a heritage and legacy without measure. His gave comfort and hope to frail nursing home roommates. His love of music and languages continues here in our own church’s culture of multilingual music. His patience and courage allowed him to play with and enjoy his grandchildren and great-grandchildren even when his pain (he had five hip replacements) was debilitating. His abiding generosity was even bigger than his human frame, and Daddy was a big man!

They say you can’t take it with you. I think that all depends on what “it” is. Daddy certainly took with him that which mattered most, and that was love. He crossed over from this life into that which is to come on a bridge built on the loving thanksgivings he voiced for life with all its joys and sorrows. He carried his smile and song as an offering into the eternal mystery and left behind a wonderful legacy of integrity and generosity.

He died a very successful and very wealthy man.

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*Ridg Shinn

Dr. Ridgway F. Shinn, Jr., husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, teacher, historian, author, musician, civic and church leader died December 14, 2006, at age 84. His family was by his side. He leaves his wife of 62 years, Clarice Wagner Shinn; his five children: Jenifer Tait, Ridge Shinn, Craig Shinn, Jeremy Shinn, and Beth Shinn; eight grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

Ridgway F. Shinn, Jr. was Professor of History at Rhode Island College and named Professor Emeritus upon his retirement. He earned degrees in history at Oberlin College (BA) and at Columbia University (MA and PhD). His tenure at RIC was from 1958 to 1987. He served as the first chairman of the Department of History, the first Dean of Arts and Sciences, and Vice President for Academic Affairs. In 1981, he was named Distinguished Service Professor of the College.

An historian with particular interests in Britain, the British Empire and Commonwealth, he taught at all levels of education in Connecticut, California, New York and Austria. He was a published author of research studies, articles, and reviews. He published a major study in 1990: Arthur Berridale Keith, 1879-1944: The Chief Ornament of Scottish Learning (Aberdeen University Press), a biography of a world authority on Sanskrit, oriental studies and the constitution of the British Empire.

Dr. Shinn was the recipient of multiple grants, awards and honors associated with his scholarship. He received grants from the Canadian government for studies in Canada, from the Scottish Arts Council, and from the Rhode Island College Faculty Research Fund. In 1982, he was named an honorary life member of Friends of Edinburgh University Library in recognition of the work he did in preparation of the Guide to Keith’s papers in that library.

In the mid-1960s, he was the Project Director for the Providence Social Studies Curriculum Project, curriculum research and revision from kindergarten through twelfth grade, which was undertaken with major grants from the US Office of Education (1964-65, 1966-69). This project designed a model for linking academic resources of Rhode Island College to curriculum revision and social studies content in cooperation with teachers and staff of the Providence Public Schools. The results were reported in July 1970 as “A Study of a Geo-Historical Structure for a Social Studies Curriculum” (Cooperative Research Project 6-1195-1-10-1; US Department of Education).

Dr. Shinn was a member and leader of many professional organizations and academic societies over his career including the American Historical Association, New England Historical Association (Executive Committee, 1978-81, 1986-88; Vice President and Program Chair, 1984-85; President, 1985-86; Executive Secretary, 1986-87), North American Conference on British Studies, Rhode Island Historical Society, and Rhode Island Social Studies Association (President, 1961-64). He maintained membership in Kappa Delta Pi (Education) and Phi Alpha Theta (History) honor societies.

In the community, Ridgway served in leadership roles with many boards, commissions and civic organizations including the Governing Board of the RI State Council of Churches; the Board of Directors of the American Heart Association (RI Affiliate); Cub Scouts (Cubmaster, Pack 1 Johnston, RI 1960-1963); Rhode Island State CROP, a hunger advocacy organization; Rhode Island Chamber Music Series; Dodeka; and the Board of Directors of the Elizabeth J. Johnson Pawtucket History Research Society. His leadership was widely felt in the Methodist Church locally at Mathewson Street Church, United Methodist Elder Care, and in District and national governing boards.

An accomplished organist and pianist, Ridgway studied organ at Oberlin and studied piano in Vienna for two years with Professor Paul Weingarten of the Vienna Academy of Music. He served as organist in churches in Waterbury, Connecticut; Reedley, California; Mamaroneck, New York; and most recently at Mathewson Street United Methodist Church in Providence, Rhode Island. He also served as choir master in several of these appointments. He enjoyed performing chamber music with colleagues from the music department at RIC and performing solo organ recitals.

On his retirement, he and Clarice initiated the Ridgway F. Shinn, Jr. Study Abroad Fund at Rhode Island College. Clarice and Ridgway traveled extensively in the United States and throughout the world. They personally supported children and grandchildren in foreign travel to generate an understanding of other cultures, traditions and governments. The Shinn Study Abroad Fund extends this interest and commitment to RIC students. The fund is dedicated to helping RIC undergraduates study outside the United States. To date over 44 students have studied abroad as Shinn Study Abroad Fellows, with study travel in countries spanning the globe, such as Armenia, Egypt, Chili, and Palestine. This fund is one of the designated funds for memorial donations.

Devoted to family, his 62-year marriage with Clarice became a cornerstone for his five children, eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. The family also became a center for an extended family and many, many friends attracted to their moral and empathetic life. Clarice, an educational specialist in the area of learning disabilities, retired from the Cranston Public Schools. She is well known for her collection of over 1400 ethnic and international dolls.

Consistent with their love of travel, in 1960 they embarked on a summer-long cross country exploration of the United States in a VW bus taking all five children on a journey to California, plus their nephew, John Case, for the return trip. Family gatherings celebrated their marriage (40th in Rhode Island, 50th in Edinburgh, Scotland and 60th in Ottawa, Canada). For several years, they gathered their eight grandchildren for a week long “Cousins’ Camp” which predictably included van tours with historical lectures en route to the region’s historical, cultural and geographical landmarks.

The Ridgway Foulks Shinn, Jr. and Clarice Wagner Shinn family includes the following:

---Jenifer Ann (Shinn) (b. 8/47) is married to Russel Tait. They reside in Manchester, Connecticut. Their daughter, Charlotte Rose Tait is engaged to Seth Usher and will marry next May. They live in Riverside, Rhode Island.

---Ridgway F. Shinn, III (b. 10/48) is married to Lynne Pledger. They reside in Hardwick, Massachusetts. Their son, Newell Pledger Shinn, lives in Richmond, Indiana. Daughter Rosa Reyna (Pledger Shinn), her husband Cory La Due, and their son, Isaac, live in Barre, Massachusetts.

---Craig Wagner Shinn (b. 9/51) is married to Kathy Shinn and resides in Canby, Oregon. Their eldest daughter Karrie Lark Pelling is married to Gartz Gould. They live on Vashon Island, Washington with their two children, Maya and Eli. Son Erin Jakob Ridgway Shinn is on a yearlong travel adventure in New Zealand. Daughter Caitlin Anne Shinn lives in Eugene, Oregon.

---Jeremy Foster Shinn (b. 9/52) is married to Carolynne Shinn and lives in Weare, New Hampshire. Their son, Wesley Graham Shinn lives in Portland, Oregon. Their daughter Courtenay Elizabeth Shinn is just returning from Peace Corps service in Madagascar.

---Beth Alison Shinn (b. 2/54) is currently pursuing a doctorate in Edinburgh, Scotland and has lived in Mexico and in Japan (18 years) as a missionary.

In the culminating four days of Ridgway’s life, the children and grandchildren traveled from as far as Africa and New Zealand to be present in a vigil of music, prayer, humor and love kept by his hospice bedside. As each family member arrived, Ridge acknowledged each person with “amazing” or “wow.” Lucid and communicative to the final moments of his life, he actively participated in the decisions regarding his care and directed his attention to the timing and nature of family and community memorial services. In these last days, visits and contacts by an extensive number of friends and family and the “amazing” network of people whose lives he has touched testify to his remarkable life.

A memorial service was held on December 23, 2006 at Mathewson United Methodist Church in Providence, Rhode Island. Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers can be sent to the Shinn Study Abroad Fund at Rhode Island College Foundation, RIC Development Office, 600 Mt. Pleasant Ave., Providence, RI 02908 or Mathewson Street UMC at 134 Mathewson St., Providence, RI 02903.

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