"I will miss her radiant smile and twinkling eyes. We were acquainted with Beatrice via First Unitarian Society's Circle Suppers and we we went to her beautiful condo on Old Sauk Road for a potluck dinner years ago. She was a wonderful person and your family has my deepest sympathy for your loss. "
In loving memory of
Beatrice Ann Wright
December 16, 1917 - July 31, 2018
Madison/Lawrence, Kansas - Beatrice Ann Wright, December 16, 1917-July 31, 2018.
Beatrice A. Wright, Ph.D., played a leading role in changing social thought about the experience of people with disabilities and influenced social policy about their full inclusion into every domain of life. Her commitment to the personal dignity and human rights of all, regardless of their level of physical or mental ability was the overarching theme of her scholarship, teaching, and advocacy work for more than 75 years. Her two books, Physical Disability -a Psychological Approach (1960) and the substantially revised and expanded second edition, Physical Disability - a Psychosocial Approach (1983), redefined the field of rehabilitation. She received the American Psychologist Gold Medal for life achievement in psychology in the public interest in 2016.
Beatrice Posner married M.Erik Wright (M.D., Ph.D.) when they were graduate students in 1940. Until his death in 1981, he remained her sweetheart, colleague, and closest companion. Beatrice, as a parent, placed a high value on intellectual pursuits and was a very enthusiastic supporter of the projects and creativity of their three children, Colleen S.W. Rand, Erik O. Wright, and Woodring E. Wright. All three children profited immensely from her support and love. Beatrice is survived by her children, 7 grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren. She will be buried next to her husband in Lawrence, Kansas.
Memorial donations may be made to KU Endowment in support of the Beatrice A. Wright Faculty Scholarship in Health and Rehabilitation Fund. Send donations to KU Endowment, P.O. Box 928, Lawrence, KS 66044 or give online at www.kuendowment.org/givenow
Cress Funeral & Cremation Services
3610 Speedway Road
(608) 238-3434
Tributes
"I have known Beatrice almost since the time she relocated to Capitol Lakes and began attending the First Unitarian Society. She was a regular at our monthly UU gatherings at Capitol Lakes until memory and mobility issues became major obstacles. She was a wonderful conversationalist, always had an intelligent and telling comment to offer in our post-presentation discussions. Beatrice was warm, funny and very supportive of my ministry. Indeed, remarkable in so many ways, as this obituary clearly conveys. Michael Schuler, Minister Emeritus, First Unitarian Society of Madison"
"Beatrice was such a kind and thoughtful person. We were introduced to her through a common friend. We met periodically to discuss films. Beatrice always had such insightful comments and a wonderful sense of humor. "
"So lovely and inspiring to have known Beatrice. I will miss her presence in the community. Jody Whelden"