Bernice W. Sminkey Obituary
Bernice W. (Ward) Sminkey, 83, of Westerly, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving daughters on Wednesday, September 27, 2023. She was the beloved wife of 54 years, of the late Richard "Dick" Sminkey. Petie, as she was known, was born in Westerly, RI, on July 25, 1940. She was the youngest of nine children born to the late John J. and Anna (Nichols) Ward.
Petie graduated from Westerly High School in 1958, and attended Bryant College in Providence, R.I., where she received a Bachelor of Science in business education in 1962. In 1975, Petie completed a Master of Science in business education from the University of Rhode Island. She was a teacher at the Westerly High School until her retirement in 1996.
Petie was a dedicated mother and loyal friend. She and her husband treasured time spent with their daughters, their partners and eight grandchildren. They enjoyed travel and vacations with long-time friends, including annual visits to Naples, Florida. Petie also dedicated herself to quilt-making and eventually became a teacher of the craft. In collaboration with fellow quilters in Westerly and North Stonington, she proudly served her community by giving away quilts to people in need.
Petie will be joyfully remembered and deeply missed by her daughters Laura Sminkey of Cessy, France and children Noah and Livia of London, England; Linda Tryder of Quincy, MA and children Corey of Walpole, MA and Zachary of Naples, FL; Susan Cucca, husband Michael and their children, Jarrod of Exeter, RI and Jordan of Richmond, RI; Sharon Dodge, husband John and children Maxwell and Ellie of Westerly, RI; great-grandson, Gunner Lamb; sister Mary-Ann (Ward) Correll; many nieces and nephews, and devoted friends. She was predeceased by brothers John Jr., James, Robert, Richard, Norman and William Ward and sister Dorothy Rewick.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Bernice's name to Westerly Senior Citizens Center, 39 State Street, Westerly, RI 02891.
Calling hours will be held from 4:00pm to 6:00pm on Wednesday, October 4, 2023, at the Buckler-Johnston Funeral Home, 121 Main St. Westerly, RI.
A graveside service will be held the following day, October 5, 2023, at 11am at River Bend Cemetery, Westerly, RI.
