Bertha "Bee" (Hicks) Wainwright, 103 years old, died on Tuesday, July 12, 2011 at St. Elizabeth Home, East Greenwich, RI. She was the devoted wife of the late Edwin M. Wainwright for forty years.

She was born on June 1, 1908 in Newton, Massachusetts. Bee lived in Needham, Massachusetts until moving to Ocean Point Condominiums in East Greenwich nearly 30 years ago.

Upon graduation from Newton, MA High School, she worked at the Boston State House in department of public safety. She was one of the founders of the Charles River Association for Mentally Challenged Citizens in the Needham area, and the first "Den Mother" for a cub scout troop.

She began her many years at Glover Memorial Hospital now Deaconess/Beth Israel after all of her children were in school. Bee worked full and part-time until she retired from the hospital at the age of 72. After moving to Rhode Island, she volunteered at Kent County Hospital in the gift shop for more than 8 years.

Bee was the oldest of four children and was predeceased by her sister Marion Day and her two brothers, Alfred Hicks and Fred Hicks.

Bee was the Mother of the late Robert M. Wainwright. She is survived by her daughters, Nancy W. McLeod of SilverLake Ave. of Warwick, Susan M. Clark of Millis, MA and a son, Richard M. Wainwright of Palm Coast, FL. She was the loving Grandmother of Jane, Lynne, Douglas, Kim, Wendy and Lonnie and great-grandmother to six.

Her passions were her children and their families, reading, writing poetry and traveling. At St. Elizabeth's Home, she was known for her quick wit, extensive knowledge in many subject areas and her joy of happy hour. The lives of all who knew Bee were enriched and changed. We will miss her,

In lieu of flowers, gifts in her memory may be sent to the East Greenwich Free Library, 82 Peirce Street, East Greenwich, RI 02818 or St. Elizabeth Home, 1 St. Elizabeth Way, East Greenwich, RI 02818 would be appreciated.

A private memorial service will be held at a later date. Arrangements by THE URQUHART-MURPHY FUNERAL HOME.

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Urquhart - Murphy Funeral Home
800-812 Greenwich Avenue
Warwick, Rhode Island 02886
401-737-3510