Wilma A. (Congdon) Sullivan, 88, of East Providence, formerly a resident of Warren, RI for more than 46 years, passed away on March 10 after suffering complications from a stroke. Married for 64 years, she was the devoted wife of the late William F. Sullivan.
Wilma was born and raised in Providence, Rhode Island, the daughter of the late Cortland Congdon and Phyllis Congdon (Flaherty) Prior to her marriage and children, Wilma was employed as an executive administrator at Amica Insurance Company, a position she greatly enjoyed.
Wilma will always be remembered as gentle and loving. She was graceful and fun with an effervescent personality. Wilma was a gifted dancer from childhood on and as a teenager a member of a dance group in Providence. Wilma was a star at every event; beautiful and exquisitely dressed. At weddings, she was the first to get everyone going on the dance floor!
Wilma had an endearing way. People gravitated to her. She was generous and thoughtful, often hosting family events for her nieces and nephews in her wonderful home in Warren. Wilma always selected the most wonderful greeting cards to recognize special events. She would write personal notes, and her handwriting had the distinctive penmanship of a different era.
Her sons remember Wilma as a warm and caring; with a gentle laugh.
As a grandmother, all the kids have fond and treasured memories of their Mimi. And to her last days, she enjoyed nothing more than having a coffee and a chat with friends, neighbors, and relatives.
Wilma and her husband Bill spent the winter in Treasure Island, Florida, for more than 35 years. They enjoyed an active social life with friends, family and especially the grandchildren. They were involved and always on the go.
Wilma was a devout Catholic and a devoted wife to Bill, caring for him over a lengthy period of illness until his passing in 2024. Wilma is survived by three sons, William and his wife Julie of St. Petersburg, Florida; James and Ellen of Palm Harbor, Florida and John and Stephanie of Cumberland, RI. She will be greatly missed by her grandchildren, Dillon, Parker, Cormac, Megan, Kiera and Aidan. Wilma was also the sister of the late Norma Hurley (Congdon).
Her funeral and visitation will be held on Friday, March 14, 2025, from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM in the PERRY-MCSTAY FUNERAL HOME, 2555 Pawtucket Avenue, East Providence with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM in Saint Martha’s Church, 2595 Pawtucket Avenue. Burial will be held in Gate of Heaven Cemetery. For directions or condolences, please visit www.perrymcstay.com.
