Beatrice Yolande (DePasquale) Temkin

Beatrice Yolande (DePasquale) Temkin, died unexpectedly at her home in Providence on Thursday, April 28, 2016 at the age of 84.  Bea was the beloved wife of the late Martin M. Temkin.  She was born in Providence, RI on August 9, 1931, the daughter of the late Judge Luigi DePasquale and his wife Marie (Michard) DePasquale.  A lifelong resident of Providence, Bea graduated from Classical High School and attended the University of Rhode Island.  She was awarded a certification of Lay Ministry from Providence College.

Elegant, sophisticated and confident, Bea had a passion for literature, theatre and the arts.  She loved travel; she had a flare for fashion and an incredible sense of humor. Bea Temkin was one of kind.

She was the first Assistant Director of First Night Providence, Director of Volunteers for the Rhode Island Medical Center and was the Society Editor for Rhode Island Monthly.

Throughout her life, Bea was a tireless fundraiser and volunteer for numerous religious, civic and community organizations including: New England Director of Volunteers, Vice President; The AIDS Project, Board of Directors; Cranston YMCA, Board Member; Friends of PPAC, President and Gala Chair; Miriam Hospital-Women’s Association, Board Member; Roger Williams Park and Zoological Society, Fundraising Chair; Jewish Home for the Aged Women’s Association, Board Member; Holy Name Parish Council, Liturgical Chairman and Eucharistic Minister; In-Sight Rhode Island Association of the Blind, Newscaster; Rhode Island Food Bank, Volunteer; Rhode Island Cerebral Palsy Association, Fundraiser; RISD Museum, Member; Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Communicant.

She is survived by her daughters, Donna M. Paolino and husband Arthur A. Coia, and Lisa Temkin Nisky and her husband Michael Nisky, and her son former Mayor of Providence Joseph R. Paolino, Jr. and his wife Lianne.

Always smiling and generous, she was adored by her grandchildren who always knew they would receive encouragement and support from their beloved “Nonnie.”  Her grandchildren include: Mari Marchionte Bianco and her husband Angelo Bianco, Kara Marchionte, Jennifer Romano and her husband Jon Romano, Christina Paolino, Jacqueline Paolino, Joseph R. Paolino III, and Dylan and Leland Nisky.  She is also survived by twin great-grandsons Angelo Joseph (AJ) and Nicholas Bianco, their sister Brooklyn Beatrice, and Leo Joseph Romano.

She was the sister of Eva DePasquale Zito and the late Marie DePasquale Pucci.

Before he died, her late husband Martin wrote: “Bea was a devoted and loving helpmate and understanding caregiver.” He often said that if it were not for her he would not have lived as long as he did.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life on Wednesday, May 4, 2016 at 11:00 AM at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, 901 Atwells Avenue in Providence. Calling hours are respectfully omitted. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Our Lady of Lourdes Church, 901 Atwells Avenue, Providence, RI 02909 or Hope Hospice and Palliative Care RI, 1085 North Main Street, Providence, RI 02904.