Annamae Beyette

Beloved matriarch Annamae (Minor) Beyette, 97, also known as Ann or Annie, of Narragansett RI passed away October 15, 2022. She was the beloved wife of the late Henry “Hank” Beyette.

Annamae was born in Des Moines, Iowa to Frederick K. Minor and Anna Long Minor but lived most of her life in Rhode Island and Massachusetts. She is a graduate of VanSickle Junior High School, Classical High School, and Springfield Hospital School of Nursing. Annamae worked as an RN and nursing educator in several Springfield hospitals and medical offices. After that she worked as an industrial nurse at Wico Electric Company in West Springfield. Always enthralled by learning endeavors, Ann enrolled at Springfield College where she earned her degree in teaching while raising her daughter Christine and her younger sister Donna. That led to becoming a science teacher and school nurse at Trade High School. When the Springfield Armory closed Ann and Hank moved to Narragansett, Rhode Island. In Rhode Island, Hank worked at Quonset Point and Ann taught science at the Warwick Public Schools for many years until her retirement. She took great pleasure in teaching--bringing healthcare and the joy of learning to countless people.

Throughout her life Annamae was friendly, inquisitive, clever, frugal, generous, and “in charge”. She felt that we all have a duty to be of service to others. Annamae’s dedication to civic duty led her to support innumerable causes and individuals through volunteer work and charitable donations. She loved traveling and meeting new friends. After Annamae’s retirement the Beyettes drove their Winnebago to Florida every year and spent the rest of the year in Narragansett. She and Hank were enthusiastic members of a traveling rock and mineral collecting club. Annamae also took great pride in being a Betty Crocker Test Kitchen Cook, never passing up the opportunity to share her creations. Her granddaughters have many fond memories of spending summer days at Sand Hill Cove beach; followed by evenings filled with delicious meals, rollicking card games, jewelry making, adventure planning, and visits from life-long friends. Annamae will be greatly missed!

Annamae leaves behind her daughter, Christine (Beyette) Hickey; grand-daughters, Erin Hickey and Rachel Valenti; and great-grandson, Theodore Valenti.

Besides her husband Henry, she is predeceased by her sister, Donna Woodworth.

Due to the serious illness of several family members a memorial service will be conducted at a later date, when those who love her can participate. Please contact the family if you wish to join us in celebrating her life.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to her great-grandson’s health and education fund, via Rachel Valenti, 719 Yeatman Ave, Webster Groves, MO 63119 or the Carter Center, Attn: Office of Development, One Copenhill, 453 Freedom Pkwy.