Beatrice M. (Smart) Philbrook

Beatrice M. (Smart) Philbrook, daughter of Viola B. Smart and Benjamin F. Smart, passed away peacefully on September 18, 2025, at the age of 99. Born on February 14, 1926, she cherished her identity as a “Valentine’s girl,” celebrating the day of her birth with lifelong joy.

Raised in the Riverside section of East Providence, Rhode Island, Beatrice graduated from East Providence High School in 1944. Her early years shone with grace as she briefly modeled clothes for the Providence department store Cherry & Webb, reflecting her elegant style. Following her early career, Beatrice served as an instructor with the “Home Demonstration” organization, teaching rug braiding. She then bred, raised, and showed boxers and poodles in local dog shows, showcasing her passion for animals. Beatrice also belonged to the Riverside Congregational Church in Riverside, Rhode Island, reflecting her community spirit.

Beatrice built a dedicated career as a bank teller with Industrial National Bank while raising her two sons after the passing of her first husband, Charles F. Duell, in 1961. She later married Carroll Philbrook of Rehoboth, Massachusetts, who passed in 2005. With remarkable strength, Beatrice managed her affairs and remained in her Rehoboth home until the last few months of her life.

Her legacy lives on through her children, Thomas C. Duell and his wife Nancy, and William Keith Duell and his wife Gail; her grandchildren, John Thomas Duell and his wife Aime, Elizabeth G. (Duell) Deeney, and Benjamin Duell and his wife Nicki; and her great-grandchildren, Lucy Duell, Isaac Duell, Alexander Duell, Nancy Deeney, Dorian Deeney, Lucas Duell, and Theodore Duell.

Beatrice’s enduring strength and warm spirit left a lasting impression on all who knew her. A private memorial gathering for family will be announced soon.