"I looked up Sandra, hoping to reconnect with her after the more than forty years since she brought my second child into the world. What a sad shock to discover that she has gone on. But now the gratitude I meant to express to her will be directed to her family. Sandra was the perfect midwife. She attended my labor and the delivery of my daughter in the full sense of the phrase, providing support, direction, comfort, encouragement, and experienced knowledge. Little in my bedroom has changed since that momentous evening, so I remember every moment with vivid joy. I still can see Sandra helping me into different positions, and her smile as the baby emerged into her capable hands. I am so very sad that she and I cannot reminisce together.... "
In loving memory of
Sandra M. Perkins
June 23, 1944 - August 31, 2021
Sandra M. Perkins, 77, of Middletown, RI, passed away on August 31, 2021. Sandra was born in Newport, RI to the late William H. Perkins and Artemus M. Perkins. Sandra was educated in the Newport School system and with advanced education became a Registered Nurse and Certified Nurse Midwife for 50 years.
For advance education, Sandra graduate for the Newport Hospital School of Nursing in 1966; a Diploma in Christian Education from Zion Bible Institute in East Providence in 1971; and 1974 she earned a Certificate in Nurse Midwifery from the University of Mississippi. In 2003 she earned a Certificate in Pharmacy Technician from Western Career College in California. Sandra received an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters, from Frontier Nursing University in Kentucky.
In 1977, she was one of the co-founders of McTammany Nurse-Midwifery Center in Reading, PA. Sandra was also employed by Sutter Memorial Hospital, CA; Newport Hospital, Newport; and the University of California Davis Medial Center, OB/GYN Clinic, Sacramento, CA.
Sandra is survived by seven sisters, Cynthia L. Smothers of Middletown, Pauline A. Moye of Newport, Marsha G. Mitchell of Sacramento, CA, Hope Perkins of Newport, Marjorie L. Wingate of Trenton, NJ and Roselyn L. Tynes of Hampton, VA, as well as step-sister Yolette Barnes of Sacramento, CA. She leaves a host of nieces and nephews; and grand nieces and nephews in Newport, RI, Sacramento, CA, Pittsburgh, CA; Virginia Beach, VA, Hampton and Newport News, VA; Trenton, NJ, Exeter, NH; Killeen, Texas; Greenville, North Carolina who loved her dearly. Survivors include several cousins in RI and other states. She was the sister of the late William H. Perkins Jr., Vietnam Veteran. Family gatherings were very special to Sandra.
She also leaves several colleagues among nurse midwives: Kitty Ernst, CNM of PA and Myra Farr, CNM in FL. Her friends included Sheila McMann Daniels, Leah and Lynn Stewart as well as a friend Marsha Souza of Sacramento, CA. She was a life-long care-giver to many as well as a Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM).
Sandra enjoyed cooking, and creating flower arrangements. She wrote short mid-wife stories "Babies Alive" and "Mid-Wives Memoirs." Sandra was a member of the American Association of Birth Centers (AABC).
Throughout her young and adult life, Sandra was mentored by Mrs. Martha Jackson and Rev. David Jackson of Attleboro, MA; as well as by Kitty Ernst (CNM). In Christian faith, Sandra made three missionary trips to Africa as a choir member and as a mid-wife.
A Graveside service to be held in Trinity Cemetery, East Main Road, Portsmouth, on Tuesday, September 7, 2021 at 1:00 pm .
Memorial donations can be made to a life wellness organization of your choice.
Tributes
"To the Perkins Family Sending prayers and condolences to the family. Will always remember your beautiful smile. Rest in Heavenly peace. Barbara Vieira Burke"
"We praise our Holy Father that you are with Him in your forever home! May you have eternal peace as you reunite with other family members and friends. We are celebrating the positive and adventurous life you led while here on earth. Your niece, Christina remembers all the good times with you especially just you and her with ice cream! Our family here in Pensacola and Cape Coral, Florida love you so very much and will always remember the joy and smiles you shared with us. Love always, Marion, your niece Christina and her children, Charles Jr., William, Emanuel, Kierra, Eboni and Andrew. Our prayers are with the Perkins family!"
"May you rest in peace. Condolences to the Perkins Family."
"I miss you Auntie Sandra With Love, Julian"
"We are so sorry to hear that your loved one has passed on to her heavenly home. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of sorrow. May God be with you all. Darlene, Wilma, Steven, & Jack"
"Long lasting friendships are the best. I am so honored that Sandy felt the same. How many times I have thought about the entire Perkins family,and wondered where and how you all were doing.. A wonderful family and always wonderful memories. Heaven gained a beautiful angel when Sandy arrived ! My love to each one."
"My Deepest Condolences to the Perkins family in the passing of your love on. May God be the source of your strength. God Bless"
"May you rest in Heavenly Peace Sandra."
"To the Family Of Sandy, Sandy will be missed It was such a pleasure taking Care of her for the last 2 years she was such ajoy to be around . I will miss seeing her smiling face each day. May she ride high with the angels and spread her loving wings around you during this time of need. Carrie CNA"