Passing of Mrs. T, Our Matriarch
Anna Grace Madden Tillinghast, 91,
died peacefully July 30 at her home in Glocester, RI, of pancreatic cancer.
Born in Somerset, Massachusetts, on June 19, 1928, to John Madden and Elizabeth Holt Madden, she was the sixth of seven children.
A graduate of Somerset High School, she earned a B.A. from the Rhode
Island School of Design in Landscape Architecture in 1951. On graduation, she then
established her own architectural practice, designing buildings and landscaping for
clients in Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
She designed numerous residences around Ocean Drive and Cliff Walk in Newport, in addition, the windmill at Hammersmith Farm for Hugh and Janet Auchincloss.
She also worked with the Preservation Society of Newport County in their efforts to conserve colonial architecture.
An active supporter of the arts, Anna was a trustee of the RISD Museum, and also an early supporter of the Newport Music Festival.
On July 23, 1957 Anna married Alfred Earl Tillinghast. In 1970 they purchased land in Glocester, RI. Subsequently in the succeeding years with the assistance of their three children, they built a family campground, Bowdish Lake Camping Area.
In 1971, along with a group of friends and parents, Anna established The New
School, an independent school in Newport. Anna also served as the first president of the
school, now The Pennfield School in Portsmouth.
Mrs. T was a loving and devoted mother and grandmother who will be deeply missed.
She is survived by her three children and their spouses: Guy Tillinghast and wife Kelly of
Yarmouth, Maine; John Tillinghast and wife Carrie, of Glocester, RI; and Jane Sherman and
husband Bruce, of Washington, DC. She leaves five grandchildren: Sam, Meredith
and Christopher Sherman and Evelyn and Benjamin Tillinghast. She also leaves a
sister, Dorothy Madden, of Deerfield Beach, Florida.
At her request, Anna’s body has been donated to the Brown Medical School.
I am so sorry to hear this…i grew up camping at bowdish lake campground. Mrs. T was always a wonderful person..always smiling…she will be greatly missed
My heart breaks for the family. I have know her since 1977. I had the opportunity to visit Mrs T last year. As always she knew me by name after many years. I’m truly sorry for your loss. She was a great woman who will be missed. My heart goes out to John, Jane, and Guy, all who know personally. Mrs T had many friends and has made so many memories for so many people through the camp ground alone. It was my second home. I’ll never forget her and the great memories at Bowdish lake. Please Rest In Peace. You will be missed.
We have known Mrs. T for over 30 years. She saw our children grow up and, thankfully, has met our granddaughters. She was a remarkable woman who led a quite remarkable life. To John, Jane and family, losing a parent is so very hard, no matter the age. May your wonderful memories comfort you at this very sad time. Although we are unable to attend her memorial service, our thought and prayers are with you and your entire family. Please accept our heartfelt condolences. We will always remember her in our hearts and prayers.
So sorry for the loss of this amazing woman. Prayers for all.
She was remarkable,I send my prayers.
Mrs. T, I’m so sadden by this, I’m in tears…She was a Avery special woman and when I asked her if she had a job she called me her Angel as at the time she needed someone to run the rec hall. I loved her and the rec hall…John I’m so sorry and please tell your family I send my condolences…Barbara
We have lost a great woman who truley cared about the happiness of children! We will miss Mrs. T and the enjoyment and sense of fullfillment she gave to Miss Britany here at Pow!Science! when she had the opportunity to meet Mrs. T and bring science and fun to the kiddos of Bowdish Camp!
Mrs. Hema remembers the first time when Mr. Eric came to Bowdish, he did not realize how far of a distance he would travel, but when he met Mrs. T he saw how passionate she was to provide fun for children they had an instant connection.
Please accept our heartfelt condolences. We will always remember her in our hearts
I just heard about Mr T i am be on words i m beside my self i loved her with all my heart i work for her over 17yr i can’t i just heard today i wish. I new sooner i am so so sorry for all her family i would of been there she was such wonderful boss and friend my heart is broken i haven’t got to see her i will keep her in my prayers we laughed alot i am sorry more then i can say love u. Mr u’ll all ways be on my heart u will be truely missed my dear friend