Margaret Sumner

SUMNER – Margaret H. Sumner, 91, of Attleboro, passed away on Monday, January 16, 2023, at the Southeast Rehabilitation & Skilled Care Center, North Easton, MA. She was the wife of the late Russell Sumner Sr.

Born on December 12, 1931 in Pawtucket, RI, she was a daughter of the late Martin Sr. and Elsie (Mowry) Ryan.

Margaret worked as a sales executive in the Fashion Industry and an administrator assistant at Brown University. She was a dedicated member of the American Gold Star Mothers and enjoyed spending time with her large family. Margaret was a medical miracle living 70 years with only one lung. She could light up a room with her enthusiasm, beautiful smile and bright blue eyes. Margaret was a woman ahead of her time, a real “free spirit”. She loved to travel, in 1956 she drove across the country with her girlfriend to California. Margaret traveled by train across Canada and down the west coast to California. When her children were younger, she bought a motorhome camper and traveled with her two daughters to Florida stopping along the way to pick up her friends and by the time they reached their destination there were 10 friends traveling with them. Margaret was always delighted to welcome a new baby into the family. She loved watching her grandchildren and great grandchildren compete in their local sporting events.

Margaret is survived by her two loving daughters, Susan Brennan and her husband John of Barrington, RI and Leslie Paradis and her husband John of Lincoln, RI; her many beloved grandchildren, Meghan Brennan of Bristol, RI, Jonathan Brennan of Riverside, RI, Nathan Brennan of Grants Pass, OR, Sarah Brennan of Barrington, RI, Josh Paradis of North Attleboro, Lauren Paradis of Lincoln, RI, Matthew Paradis of Cumberland, RI, Julie Wagner of Nottingham, NH, John Paradis of Lincoln, RI, Amanda Paradis of Lincoln, RI, Andrew Sumner of Caledonia, Ontario Canada, Sean Spicer of Burrilville, RI and Donna Spicer of North Port, FL; also, her 24 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

She was the mother of the late Sandra L. Spicer and Russell J. Sumner Jr. and sister to the late Martin S. Ryan Jr. and Donna Rourke.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a visitation from 4 – 7 p.m. on Friday, January 20, 2023 at the Duffy-Poule Funeral Home, 20 Peck Street, Attleboro.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, January 21, 2023 at St. John the Evangelist Church, 133 North Main Street, Attleboro. Burial will follow at the Newell Burying Ground, West Street, Attleboro.