Avis M. Bachus

Avis M. Bachus, 97, of Heatherwood Health Care Center, Newport, formerly of John Street, Newport, died Tuesday, February 2, 2010 at Heatherwood. Born in Newport, RI on March 13, 1912, she was the daughter of the late Leslie and Lydia Barlow Clarke.Avis grew up in Newport and attended Newport Schools. As an adult, she worked in domestic service her entire career. She was a part of many families in town, often filling the role of grandmother for the children of the families she helped. Avis also had a special way with animals, a gentle loving sprit, animals seemed drawn to her, especially as she walked to and from work, often having the neighborhood pets follow along for a block or two. She was a giving and humanitarian woman who gave everything she could to her family, friends, and neigbors. At Christmas, she sent out hundreds of cards and made sure everyone was remembered.She is survived by a son William Bachus of Newport, RI , granddaughters Karen Bachus and Jane Salecki, and grandson William M. Bachus, as well as Great Grandchildren Nicholas and Morgan Salecki. She was preceded in death by a brother Frederick Clarke and sisters Barbara Angel and Norma Stohlberg. His funeral will be held on Thursday, February 4, at 12:00 noon in Memorial Funeral Home, 375 Broadway, Newport. Burial will be in Island Annex Cemetery in Newport.Calling hours will be held Thursday morning from 11:00am-12:00pm in the Memorial Funeral Home.Memorial donations may be made to Robert Potter League For Animals, PO Box 412, Newport, RI 02840