Bernice C. Parfitt, 93
Bernice C. Parfitt, native of Easthampton, MA and longtime resident of Holyoke, MA and Cranston, RI, also Brighton Gardens of Dedham, MA, died Saturday, October 14 in St. Patrick’s Manor of Framingham, MA. She was married for fifty-three years to the late J. Robert Parfitt, originally of Holyoke, MA.
Mrs. Parfitt leaves her daughter, Rebecca Parfitt Kennedy, son-in-law, Paul Vincent Kennedy of Needham, MA, grandchildren, Meaghan and Peter Parfitt Kennedy, and sister, Edna Campbell Murphy of Charlestown, RI. Several nieces, grandnieces, grandnephews, and great grand nieces and great grand nephews also survive her.
Daughter of James Alexander and Ethel Guertin Campbell, she was born in Easthampton, MA on June 2, 1913. She attended Smith College and then moved to Boston University where she earned her Bachelors degree in English literature in 1933. Upon her mother’s paralyzing stroke, Bernice changed her career plans in Boston to return home, caring for her family and working as a librarian in the town library. Later, as secretary to Williston Academy’s Alumni Secretary, Mr. Boardman, she maintained correspondence with ‘the boys’ overseas during WWII. After her daughter was born, she worked with her husband in his contracting and decorating business, Parfitt Decorating Co., Inc. During the late ‘60’s she began a 10-tenure as church secretary of the First United Church of Christ in Holyoke. For several years, she provided care for her husband.
Bernice was a regular volunteer in this church and later, in Cranston, RI, she was active in the Meshanticut Park Community Baptist Church. She served as a teacher, in community service projects, and on the church leadership council. She also was a Girl Scout Leader for several years, and provided weekly sewing lessons to her daughter and friends. In addition, she was active as secretary and community volunteer in the Cranston Garden Club. She was a wonderful knitter, cook, seamstress, gardener, and listener.
A memorial service will be held Sunday, October 29 at 2:00 PM in First Parish Unitarian Universalist of Needham, Dedham Avenue, Needham, MA. In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Mrs. Parfitt to St. Patrick’s Manor, 863 Central Ave., Framingham, MA 01701-4892 or to Northfield Mount Hermon School, 206 Main Street, Northfield, MA 01369-1089 would be greatly appreciated.