Obituary

Arlene I. Wilson

Tue, 03/25/2014 - 1:00pm

Arlene Isabel Wilson, 95, a former teacher, artist and a curriculum supervisor in the State Department of Education in Rhode Island, died March 14, 2014 at the Lincoln Home in Newcastle, after a brief illness. She died surrounded by her friends at the Lincoln Home, where she had resided for over 10 years. She previously maintained homes in Cranston, R.I., and Boothbay Harbor.

Arlene Wilson was born on March 29, 1918, in Providence, R.I., the daughter of the late Leonard M. and Jennie (Drew) Wilson. She was a graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design and Brown University, where she received her master’s degree. Subsequently, she attended post-graduate level studies at The National Gallery in Washington, D.C., and the Haystack Mountain School of Crafts in Maine.

She served for over 26 years at the Rhode Island State Department of Education as the Coordinator for Art Education. In that capacity, she was responsible for the supervision of art education from kindergarten through the 12th grade in all of Rhode Island. She later served as a consultant for technical assistance, curriculum development and teacher training in Rhode Island.

During this period and during her long retirement, she traveled abroad extensively, often to observe and study the locales art and cultures in various countries. She was most enthusiastic about her visits to the great Pyramids of Egypt and the Great Wall of China. She was a dedicated proponent of the visual arts, as well as frequently attending local theater and concert productions.

By her own admission, she was herself an artist of modest achievement. Over the years, her work was displayed at many amateur and professional exhibits, including the Providence Art Club, where she was a lifetime member and a dedicated supporter. For many years she was involved in local art affairs in the Boothbay Harbor area. She was an active participant in the Boothbay Harbor Arts Council, the Boothbay Region Garden Club, the Forty-Niners Club and the Congregational Church Women’s Club.

In her final years at the Lincoln Home, she occasionally delivered topical lectures on the arts and humanities to visitors and the residents.

She leaves no survivors; it was her request that donations be made in her name to the Lincoln Home, 22 River Road, Newcastle, ME 04553 and the Rhode Island School of Design, 2 College St., Providence, RI 02903

She was a member of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Newcastle, where there will be a celebration of her life later this spring. She will be interred at Swan Point Cemetery, Providence, R.I.

We invite you to share your condolences and memories by visiting www.hallfuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements are entrusted to Simmons, Harrington & Hall Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 975 Wiscasset Road, Boothbay.