E.P. Woman Celebrates 109th Birthday

Beatrice Coleman of East Providence turned 109 a few days ago.

The Tockwotton on the Waterfront resident and Brown University alumnae celebrated her birthday with Brown President Christina Paxson and a roomful of family members and sorority sisters of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Coleman is a 1925 graduate of Brown and the oldest alumnae of the institution.  A groundbreaker of her generation, Coleman was one of three African-American women in her class at Brown during an era when many women -- regardless of race -- didn’t finish high school. 

“Miss Coleman has inspired generations of young women at Brown,” said Candace L. Harper, president of the Theta Psi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority.  “Her fortitude, intelligence and the emphasis that she has placed on education and mentoring throughout her lifetime make her a role model for everyone facing seemingly insurmountable odds.  She’s lived her life by setting an example for others.”

Education has played an important role in the 88 years since Coleman’s graduation from Brown.  After finishing her degree, she wanted to teach but couldn’t find a position in her hometown because of her ethnicity, so she moved to Germantown, Pa., where she taught junior high school, before returning to her native Providence. 

Still active at age 109, she attends many group activities -- physical, mental, social and spiritual, reads the Brown Alumni Magazine and Brown Daily Herald, and plays the piano.

Known for her quick wit, nimble piano-playing fingers and penchant for chocolate, Coleman is a vital member of the community at Tockwotton on the Waterfront. 

“We admire her vitality, respect her educational achievements and appreciate her dedication to Brown and the Episcopal Church,” said Tockwotton on the Waterfront Executive Director Kevin McKay.  “She’s living each day to the fullest."

The non-profit Tockwotton community (www.tockwotton.org) has been serving seniors in the Greater Providence area since 1856. The facility moved recently to the East Providence waterfront district, where it provides assisted living and memory care, rehabilitation and skilled nursing care in a home-like setting on the scenic Providence River.