Althea J Crowley

Born in Providence in 1932, she was the daughter of Allison Boardman and Hazel Baker and granddaughter of Gertrude Whitmarsh and Albert Howard Baker of Seekonk, and Martin and Altoon Hagopian of Rehoboth.

She leaves her most dear ones, daughter Susan Allison Fontaine and husband Ron of Johnston and daughter Judith Lynne Crowley of Cranston, adored granddaughter Allison Boardman Baker and husband Joseph Muccio of Johnston and precious great granddaughters Victoria Allison and Elizabeth Susan Muccio of Johnston, her dear grandson Robert Fontaine and his wife Lindsey of Burrillville and cherished great grandsons Colman Walker Fontaine, Ronan Robert Fontaine and Nolan Baker Fontaine, her brother, Dr. Norman Allison Baker and his wife Elizabeth of Mentone, Alabama, and many cousins. She also leaves her dear, dear friend Connie Avila and her family. Althea was predeceased by her cousin Anne who was more like a sister to her.

Althea was married to Captain Irwin Daniel Crowley, CEC, USN, for 50 years and beyond. As a navy wife for 27 years, she, with her "navy junior" daughters Sue and Judi accompanied him to many foreign duties including Kwajalein, Marshall Islands where on Bikini and Enimetok they were testing "the bomb" (1958), to Rome and Naples, Italy with the NATO group, the Philippine Islands, living on the economy in Manila and Yokosuka, Japan where Captain Crowley was commanding officer, far east for the Civil Engineer Corps.

Another exciting and educational billet was Washington, DC while then LCDR Crowley was at the Pentagon. Weekends in DC were family spent touring museums and attending military band concerts at the newly built Watergate Hotel. Althea found exploring our United States history in DC during the 1960s was so exhilarating.

Upon her husband's retirement from the Navy in 1980 and moving home to Providence, Althea joined the "Red Bridge" Republican Women's group. She served then attorney general Violet as her campaign treasurer. At that time Althea also joined the Providence Art Club. A latent ability to paint pictures arose and she was voted in as an artist member. In August of 1995 Althea was awarded the Bradford Swan prize in the art club's members show for the picture entitled "The Celebration."

Althea spent twelve most enjoyable years at R.I. Historical Society front desk as afternoon receptionist. It was a privilege and important to her, to be giving back and working with knowledgeable historians dedicated to discovering, saving, and sharing R.I.'s story.

In 2005 Althea moved to North Providence, living on Hope Street with neighbors so dear, helpful, and kind.

Althea's funeral will be held on Saturday, February 10, 2024 at 8:45 am from the Russell J. Boyle & Son Funeral Home, 331 Smith Street, Providence. Requiem will be held at 10:30 am in St. Martin's Episcopal Church, 50 Orchard Ave, Providence, RI 02906. Burial will follow in Swan Point Cemetery, 585 Blackstone Boulevard, Providence. Visiting hours will be held on Friday, February 9, from 5:00 - 7:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers donations to the following organizations would be greatly appreciated, R.I. Historical Society, 110 Benevolent Street, Providence, RI 02906, Providence Art Club,11 Thomas St, Providence, RI 02903 or St. Martin's Episcopal Church, 50 Orchard Ave, Providence, RI 02906.