Lila Manfield Sapinsley, 92

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Lila Manfield Sapinsley, former R.I. Senate minority leader, public utilities commissioner, chairwoman of the Rhode Island Housing and Mortgage Finance Corporation and an early champion of women’s issues and transparency in government, died suddenly at home Dec. 9.

Vigorous until the end, she tutored and mentored children, and had recently weighed in on local politics by both public debate and the written word. As a legacy, she leaves an entire generation of women politicians in R.I.

She was active in countless organizations that served her community, including Trinity Repertory Company, Butler Hospital, Providence Public Library, RI Board of Regents, Dorcas’ Place, American Civil Liberties Union, Planned Parenthood of RI and Wellesley College. She was predeceased by her husband of 69 years, John M. Sapinsley, and she is survived by four daughters, Jill Mooney (James), Carol Rubenstein (Alan), Joan Sapinsley (Richard Lewis) and Pat Sapinsley (Harold Levy) and nine beloved grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Lila Sapinsley Fund at Inspiring Minds, 763 Westminster St., Providence, R.I. 02903 or inspiringmindsri.org for the purpose of continuing her work to mentor young girls.