It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Beverly Marie Dunning (Croce), 91, of Smithfield, RI, beloved wife, mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, cousin, and friend. Beverly passed away peacefully on February 9, 2025.
Beverly was born on August 15,1933, in Providence, RI, to Benedetto Croce and Lucia (Manni) Croce. She is survived by her brother Robert Croce and his wife Suzanne of Clearwater, FL, four children, including Robert F. Dunning of Voluntown, CT, Christopher J. Dunning and his wife Natalie of Chepachet, RI, Dean K. Dunning and his wife Stacy of Warren, RI, and Angela DiMartino and her husband Christopher of Hope, RI; as well as numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and extended family. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Robert S. Dunning, son Michael A. Dunning, and sister Bernadette Levin (Croce) with whom she has now been reunited.
Beverly discovered her passion for caregiving at a young age. She graduated from the Rhode Island Hospital School of Nursing in 1955 and dedicated more than 40 years to providing comfort and healing to countless patients. Her gentle hands and kind heart made a difference in every life she touched, and she remained a source of wisdom and encouragement to colleagues and loved ones alike. Even in her last days she would complete her evening rounds at Bayberry Commons, making sure the staff knew when she was going to bed so they would remain vigilant in her absence.
Beyond her career in healthcare, Beverly was an artist at heart. She pursued her creative side as a student at Rhode Island School of Design in interior design. She found beauty in the world around her through creating her own art, and expressed her love through making art projects, Halloween costumes, and puppets for the shows for the cub scouts where she was a den mother.
Above all, Beverly cherished her family. She was a loving wife and the proud mother of five children, whom she raised with unwavering love and support. Her strength and resilience were the foundation of their lives, and her legacy will live on through them.
Calling hours and a celebration of Beverly’s life will be held at Anderson-Winfield Funeral Home in Greenville, RI on Thursday, February 20 from 5-7 PM where family and friends will gather to honor the beautiful life she lived. Committal Service at the RI Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery in Exeter, RI will be held on Friday, February 21 at 12:30 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to Hope Hospice 1085 North Main Street Providence, RI 02904. www.hopehealthco.org HopeHealth Hospice Services
Beverly’s kindness, creativity, and unwavering love will be dearly missed but never forgotten.