Cecilia Perry

Cecilia Perry (August 9, 1936 – May 16, 2024)

Cecilia ("Cece") Carolyn Perry, 87, a long-time resident of Bristol passed away peacefully on May 16, 2024.  Cece was born (as a twin to sister Emily) on August 9, 1936, in Bristol, RI, to Calbraith Bourne and Marie Lea Perry.  Cece graduated from Colt High School in Bristol and earned Bachelor of Education and Master of Education degrees from Rhode Island College. She also received a Master in Divinity degree from the Episcopal Divinity School in Cambridge, MA. Cecilia worked as a teacher for the Sawyer School, as a bank teller for Industrial National Bank and later as a middle school reading teacher for the Central Falls and Pawtucket School Districts. She was then ordained as an Episcopal priest and her ministry included service at rural parishes and care facilities in Rhode Island.

Cecilia is survived by three sons, Cliff and his wife Suzanne, Matthew, and John and his wife Kathleen; by her sister Eleanor and her brother Matthew and his wife Georgia. She is also survived by two brothers in law Robert Barrett and George Seavey; several cousins, many nieces and nephews (and their children), and extended family and friends in southern New England. Cece was predeceased by her parents; her former husband, Clifford; two daughters who died in infancy (Mary Isabel and Laura); and her sisters Emily, Alicia, and Elizabeth.

Cece grew up in a longstanding family in Bristol that cherished music, education, and compassion for others. Along with her parents and siblings she looked forward to summer vacations on Prudence Island and large and often animated family barbeques, especially around the 4th of July parade in Bristol. She sang in community choral groups, attended folk festivals and concerts (with a special affection for Gilbert & Sullivan operettas), and volunteered in the community. Cece cared deeply about social justice issues and was a passionate advocate for women’s rights. After raising her three sons, she traveled around the United States and then internationally, most notably to Canada, Greece, and Israel. Nevertheless, Bristol remained Cece’s dear home even while away and she was an enthusiastic advocate for all things Bristolian. She attended countless Bristol Fourth of July Parades and was a frequent walker at Colt State Park where she did not hesitate to greet old friends and make new ones. She followed the local and state political scene with great interest. 

A service celebrating Cece’s life will be held at St. Michael's on Thursday, September 19 at 11:00 am. Condolences may be shared with the family by mailing them to Cliff Harbour, PO Box 581016 Elk Grove, CA 95758. The family also extends their sincere gratitude to the Silver Creek Rehab Center staff members for the compassionate care they provided for Cece.

Because Cece’s commitment to and passion for the Episcopal Church guided her life from beginning to end, the family requests that in lieu of flowers or other memorials, family and friends consider donating to the general fund at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, 399 Hope Street, Bristol, RI 02809. 

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