Mildred E. Worthen

Mildred Elizabeth “Betty” (Shumway) Worthen, age 80, of Wakefield, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, April 8, 2010, after courageously living with ovarian cancer for 22 years. She was the beloved wife of Leonard R. Worthen for 54 years. Born in Northampton, MA on October 16, 1929, she was the daughter of the late Floyd N. Shumway and Gladys M. (Leigh) Shumway. She grew up in Amherst, MA. In addition to her husband, she is survived by a daughter, Diane E. Worthen-Hirsch and her husband Eric of North Scituate, RI, two sons, Lawrence P. Worthen and his wife Diane, of Exeter, RI, and David R. Worthen of Wakefield, RI, a sister, Mary L. Doleva of Greenfield, MA, and a brother, Richard L. Shumway of Amherst, MA. She leaves three grandchildren, Amber and Nicole Worthen and Amanda Worthen-Hirsch, and two step-grandchildren, Alex and Liza Hirsch. Betty was very active in the community, serving as a Cub Scout Den Mother and with the local Bluebirds. She was a devoted member of the Peace Dale Congregational Church, serving as a deaconess, a Sunday school teacher, and as a member of many committees. She served in many capacities as a member of P.E.O., a charitable organization dedicated to providing educational opportunities to young women. A librarian at the Jones Library in Amherst, MA for a number of years, Betty enjoyed reading and poetry, and was a member of the Triangle book club. She enjoyed singing with the Sweet Adelines, service with the Triangle Club, and charitable work. She loved gardening, long walks, cooking and entertaining, and playing bridge, and she was a member of many local bridge groups, including the South County Slams. Betty was devoted to her family, and was always happiest when she could get together with family and friends. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 24, 2010 at 11 am at the Peace Dale Congregational Church, 261 Columbia Street, Peace Dale, RI. No calling hours will be held. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Chapter B-RI P.E.O. Scholarship Fund, c/o Marian Bowers, 43 Conant Lane, Kingston, RI, 02881, or to the Domestic Violence Resource Center of South County, 61 Main Street, Wakefield, RI 02879, in her memory would be appreciated.