Kimberly G. P. Sutton

A bright light has been extinguished. Kimberly G. P. Sutton, of Bristol, R.I., died suddenly on Dec. 6 at her home in Naples, Florida. She was 68 years young.

Born in Providence, Rhode Island, she was the daughter of the late Louise and William Pearce. She was the beloved wife, best friend, partner, and confidant of Howard G. Sutton II for the past 33 years.

While she loved Bristol and tolerated Naples, she was a "Vineyard Girl" at heart. She relished growing up in barefoot summers at "hatetoguitit" on East Chop, including driving a cab for Roger's Taxi and shuffling fares to and from the ferry during her high school years.

She was in her element on the Island, surrounded by family and friends. Some of her happiest times were the twenty years spent at her little enclave in Hidden Cove, nestled by the salt marsh that fed Sengekontacket Pond and Vineyard Sound - waiting for the annual pilgrimage of the Ospreys and the cacophony of the peepers, tending her magnificent gardens, staking out her piece of sand on State Beach, hanging out at The Lookout, and playing a rousing game of Hi-Lo Jack until that Cinderella hour.

A graduate of Katherine Gibbs, she worked at the law firm of Edwards and Angell and then at The Providence Journal Company, where she met and then married the self-proclaimed luckiest guy in the world. She was sage counsel, constantly reminding her husband that janitors were as essential as U.S. Senators and to be the "people's publisher."

She was vivacious, with a radiant smile and an intense positive energy that lit up any room she entered. At the same time, she was unabashedly honest. She literally was a force of nature. And oh, could she dance!

She was a prolific party planner and fundraiser, raising millions of dollars for worthwhile non-profits, especially those helping fellow underserved Rhode Islanders. She chaired, or co-chaired, the Crossroads RI Annual Event for eleven years, the Salve Regina Governor's Ball twice, the RI Philharmonic Ball, the Black & White Urban League Ball, the Johnson & Wales Epicurean Society, City Year's Starry, Starry Night, and events for St. Andrews School, School One, and Providence Country Day. She was chairing the Blithewold Gala in 2026. She served on numerous other fundraising committees and capital campaigns.

She served on the Board of Governors of Bradley Hospital and the Blithewold Board of Directors. She was a previous trustee of the Providence Public Library, St. Andrews School, and Linden Place.

She was a member of The Squantum Association and Fall River Country Club. She was previously a member of the RI Country Club, Quidnessett Country Club, Clambake Club, Hideaway Beach Club, Bristol Yacht Club, Aurora Club, Hope Club, and University Club.

She is survived by her son, Howard John Sutton, and his spouse, April Sutton, and her grandsons, Howard William Sutton and Timothy Stauffer. She also leaves behind her siblings, Susan Rasmussen (Ned), Craig Pearce, and Raymond Pearce ( Leanne).
Also, her beloved nephews, niece, grandnieces, and grandnephews.

" i love you much (most beautiful darling) more than anyone on the earth and i like you better than everything in the sky" – e.e. cummings

A gathering of family, friends, and loved ones will be held next Spring, when the grass is green, the irises are in bloom, and the waters of Bristol Harbor glisten, to fondly remember and honor this beautiful lady. In accordance with her wishes, there will be no cheap wine, long speeches, or sad faces. Dancing will be allowed.

Instead of flowers, we encourage donations to the Howard G. Sutton Endowment for Crossroads Rhode Island, 160 Broad St., Providence, RI, 02903, or online at www.crossroadsri.org.