Arlene Wolstencroft

WESTERLY - Arlene 'Peg' Wolstencroft, died peacefully at the Royal Westerly Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center on June 16th, 2025. Peg, born on July 3rd 1923, was the daughter of the late Raymond and Grace Hopkins. She is survived by her son Sam Wolstencroft III and his wife Louise Duquette of Bonita Springs, FL; her son Jerry Wolstencroft and his wife Debra Pare of South Kingstown, RI; Jerry's ex-wife, Ruth Pulver of Peace Dale, RI; 5 grandchildren Ryan, Keara, Brett, Latisha and Justin Wolstencroft; five great-grandchildren, John Laudanno, Chase and Quinn Wolstencroft, Holden Schneider, and Leila Wolstencroft; and several nephews and nieces. Peg was predeceased by her husband Samuel Wolstencroft Jr., her brothers Richard and Stewart Hopkins, grandson Tyler Wolstencroft, and Sam's ex-wife, Cheryl Wolstencroft.

A lifelong RI resident, Peg grew up on a farm in Shannock and graduated from Westerly High School. Shortly after high school, she married her husband of 65 years.

Peg had a wide variety of employments. During WWII, while her husband was deployed in England, she worked at Quonset Point where she operated an engraving machine. Later she worked in the bakery at the former Big G grocery store in Westerly. During summers, Peg worked as a server at Paddy's Wigwam in Misquamicut. Eventually, she archived documents and drawings on microfilm and microfiche at Arcata Microfilm in the former Benny's building. She ended her employment history working in the microfilm department at Electric Boat in Groton, CT.

Peg and Sam were founding members of the Dunn's Corner Community Church, Presbyterian. For enjoyment, Peg attended her sons' youth and high school sports events and played hand bells at church. She enjoyed painting, ceramics and other arts and crafts. She was an assistant Den Mother for Cub Scouts of America, a mentor for local students who participated in the Daughters of the American Revolution scholarship competitions and a member of the Women's Auxiliary at the Amancio Falcone Gaccione VFW Post. After retiring, Peg and Sam attended U.S. Army/Air Force 34th Bomb Group annual reunions at various locations across the country as well as European trips with local friends, neighbors and friends from the Bomb Group reunions.

Family members would like to express their thanks and gratitude to the entire staff of the Royal Westerly and the Hospice team for their love and care for the last 5 years especially during the difficult COVID-19 period. While enjoying a long and healthy life, Peg ended her years with dementia but she always maintained her sense of humor and some dance moves while roaming the halls with her walker.

Calling hours will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, June 27th at the Buckler-Johnston Funeral Home located at 121 Main St. in Westerly, RI. Funeral services followed by a reception will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 28th at the Dunn's Corner Community Church, Presbyterian located at 221 Post Rd. in Westerly, RI. Following the reception, everyone is invited to an outdoor open house at 75 Little Comfort Way, South Kingstown, RI, weather permitting (bring a chair). A brief burial service will be held on Monday, June 30th at 11:00 a.m. in the RI Veterans Memorial Cemetery chapel located at 301 South County Trail in Exeter, RI. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to a wounded veterans charity of your choice such as the Wounded Warrior Project or Disabled American Veterans.