Astrid I. Fowler

ASTRID I. FOWLER July 19, 1930 - August 13, 2018Astrid Ingeborg Fowler was diagnosed with cancer the day after her 88th birthday.. .She passed away peacefully in her sleep, comforted by family and friends at home while her grandson played guitar to her by her bedside.Astrid served the community for 12 years, making excellent "matches," as the volunteer coordinator of the Friendly Visitor Program of Child and Family Services.The only child of Gus and Ingeborg Selander from Sweden, Astrid was born, baptized and raised in Newport. Astrid graduated from Rogers High School in '48 and LaSalle Junior College in 1950. She married her childhood friend, Billy Wright, at Trinity church. A homemaker in Pennsylvania, upstate New York and northern Jersey, 'Sully' worked as a secretary to doctors. After 19 years, she bravely parted with her best friend husband over alcohol abuse. The Swedish words astrid ingeborg mean divine strength. Astrid remarried to a tender man she met when visiting Wright. As her parents aged, the dutiful daughter returned to Newport. She bought the Selander home when Gus and Ingeborg moved to Blenheim senior living. Gus became known as 'the mayor' there.Astrid thrived with card parties; she taught contract bridge. Sully enjoyed picnics on a little sailboat and adored her series of dogs. Her favorite plant, African violet, bloomed amidst her colorful creative interior design. She sparkled when she danced jitterbugg and loved to share good laughs with her precious friends and family.Her devoted husband William Fowler preceded her in death. She is survived by three children - Bruce Wright, Cheryl Triplet and Bill Fowler and three beloved grandchildren - Rejoice Triplet, Lars and Michelle Wright.Gracious thanks to her loyal friend Barbara Wright and her faithful paternal cousin Marge Lawton and to all the kind people in Astrid's life. May happiness be with you all forevermoreA memorial service will be held Saturday, January 26, 2018 at Trinity Church 141 Spring Street Newport, RI 02840, at 12:00 PM.To honor Astrids deep love of dogs, in lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations to The Robert Potter League.