Obituary of Edith Elizabeth Baptista

It is with great sadness that the family of Edith E. "Blue Swallow" Baptista announces her passing, which was on June 14, 2020, at the age of 91. Edith will be lovingly remembered by her children, Walter Jr. and wife Norma Jean, Patricia (Baptista) Booker and husband Samuel, and adopted daughter, Sharna. Edith will be fondly remembered by her three grandchildren, James Sean Baptista and wife Carla, Aaron R. Williams, and wife Abby, and Kali J. "Mequinnoag" Reis, and by her sister, Gladys Dora Edmonds. Edith was predeceased by her husband of 67 years, Walter L. Baptista Sr. who passed away on March 16, 2018, and her sister Marlene Lewis. Edith also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, close friends, and tribal members. She also leaves behind seven blended grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, and three great-great grandchildren. She was an active member of the Seaconke Wampanoag Tribe and served on the Council, various committees, and head of the Elders. Born on November 20, 1928, and raised in Pawtucket, RI, the daughter of the late Gladys D. Lewis of East Providence and stepdaughter to the late Thirsford Lewis; Edith was a long-time resident of East Providence. In the early years, Edith graduated from East Providence High School then went on to attain a certification as a Licensed Practical Nurse through a program with Rhode Island Hospital. She met a handsome young man by the name of Walter L. Baptista and after a wonderful courtship, they married on June 17, 1949, at Union Baptist Church in Pawtucket, RI. After working as an LPN, Edith began a new career as head nurse of the West Unit for Butler Hospital; she held that position for many years before transitioning to a Physical Therapy Assistant with Banister House in Providence, RI. She also worked as a liaison for the One Church One Child Program with the Urban League of Rhode Island where she helped many children by aiding in the placement of these remarkable children to the loving care of individuals and families who were happy to adopt and love them. Sister Edith Baptista was a faithful member of the Olney Street Baptist Church for many years and served the church well until her health began to fail.  She enjoyed being a part of the church family and used her gift of drama to work with the Sunday School Department producing and directing plays for Easter and Christmas. She was very enthusiastic about each production and encouraged our youth and any adult who wanted to participate in throwing their whole self into whatever character they portrayed. She knew how to engage even the shiest person in the group.  She was an encourager, not an enforcer.  She was very exact but gentle in her execution. As one who was very interested in the health of African Americans, she became the director of the "Get Healthy, Stay Healthy" program which was the first health program held within the confines of the church but was open to anyone who lived in the East Side community.  The program lasted for several years, during which time she used her expertise to write grants to fund the program. Sister Baptista was also a member of Women's Ministries where she shared her gifts of ministry with the sisterhood that was borne under the leadership of Dr. Mamie Oliver in September 1996.  The Scitamard Players, the oldest Black theater company in New England, launched in 1938 and performed Plays by Langston Hughes and other black poets and writers. Edith was a member of this talented company and performed the role of Ruth in the play "A Raisin in the Sun," which was probably the longest-running and most successful show for the group. Edith also acted in performances with Trinity Repertory Company, and during the summer, with Theatre By the Sea in Matunuck RI where she was rubbing shoulders with Hollywood and screenplay actors for many summer seasons. She was a member of several organizations such as the "Chums," Eastern Star, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated auxiliary Providence Zeta Amicae…just to name a few of her many involvements. Funeral service will be held on Saturday, June 20, 2020 ~ viewing 10 am Service 11 am Edith will be laid to rest with her beloved husband and family at the Seekonk Cemetery.