Belinda W. Scanlon

Belinda Wright Scanlon

February 25, 1951 - May 10, 2025

Belinda Wright Scanlon passed away peacefully Saturday May 10th, surrounded by her loving family in Watch Hill, Rhode Island. Always thinking of others, she waged a private battle with cancer that well exceeded her doctors' expectations. She did so with her trademark positivity.

A true southern belle, Belinda was born and raised in Bassett, Virginia alongside her brother and sister. Her family was active in the Bassett community and Belinda grew into a talented ballet dancer, head cheerleader, and Homecoming Queen. She attended East Carolina University and graduated in 1973 with a B.S. in Regional & Urban Planning. An early modeling career brought her from Charlotte to Aspen to Paris - one of her favorite places to continue to visit throughout her life.

Belinda met her husband James M. Scanlon aboard the racing vessel Ondine, after which they settled in Westport, CT in 1981. They expanded their family by welcoming two daughters, Siri and Emma. Belinda built a successful and lengthy career in commercial real estate at Albert B. Ashforth Inc. in Stamford, CT, and later at Bernard Realty in Greenwich, CT. She was a mainstay in Fairfield County real estate for over 40 years. She deeply valued her relationships with her clients and colleagues and was known for her integrity and dedication.

Summers were spent in Watch Hill, where she loved gardening, needlepointing, and Fourth of July fireworks on Siri's birthday. She was actively involved with Siri and Emma's schools (Greenwich Academy, St. George's School and Georgetown University) as a class mother and sports fan at Emma's soccer games. She was endearingly referred to as "Belinds" by all of Siri and Emma's friends and was considered a second mother to many.

Belinda always said her greatest life accomplishment was being a mother. As they say, it takes a village and Belinda would be remiss not to mention the support of Mary C. Jarboe, who joined the Scanlon's in 1987 as a nanny and became an irreplaceable part of the family. Later in life, Belinda had the joy of welcoming her two beloved granddaughters, Laine Larkin (1.5 years) and Charlotte Callahan (3 months), born to Emma and Nicholas Unkovic. Happily, Laine was able to enjoy a special year and a half of loving time with her Mimi. Belinda's unwavering maternal love, joie de vie, and courageous spirit will live on through all of her girls left behind, until we meet again.

Belinda is survived by her husband James M. Scanlon, her daughters Siri M. Scanlon and Emma S. Unkovic (Nicholas, Laine, and Charlotte Unkovic), her brother Robert M. Wright Jr. (Donald M. McKay), and her sister Darlene Van Dyke (Keith Van Dyke, in memoriam) and her dear nephews who were her first babies and who hold a deeply special place in her heart, Josh Van Dyke (Barb, Grayson and Hayden) and Darren Van Dyke (Angie, Taylor, Hampton and Hudson). May she rest joyfully in heaven with her parents, Robert Milfred Wright and Elsie Hancock Wright, and her many dear friends who are waiting to hear her distinct voice and see her smile again.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 1pm on Sunday June 22, 2025 at the Watch Hill Chapel, 5 Bluff Avenue, Watch Hill, RI, with a reception immediately to follow at the Watch Hill Yacht Club.

A memorial service will be held in Bassett, VA at a later date, with details to follow.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the March of Dimes in

Belinda's honor

March of Dimes - Team Belinds