Remembering Ernestine Bash - Obituary
Ernestine Maxwell Bash, 86, formerly of North Kingstown, RI and Cornish, ME passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Monday, October 12, 2026, at Newport Hospital.
Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Ernestine was the daughter of the late Edward and Ernestine (Gleckler) Maxwell and was raised in Oakmont, Pennsylvania. Ernestine graduated from Wilson College in Chambersburg, PA, where she earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. Soon afterwards, she met a young naval officer, John (Jack) Bash, on a blind date. They married after a brief courtship and enjoyed 63 years of marriage dedicated to family and a lifetime of adventures.
The Navy shaped the early years of their marriage, and Ernestine and Jack traveled broadly. Living first in Germany and then in numerous towns along the Eastern Seaboard, they built their family, raising three daughters. Ernestine embraced the life of a Navy wife with grace, resilience, and a remarkable ability to make a home wherever life took them. She transformed the unfamiliar into places filled with warmth, comforts, and a sense of belonging. Through changing circumstances and the many demands of Navy life, she met each new chapter with quiet strength, determination, and an unwavering commitment to her family. They eventually set down their roots in Saunderstown, Rhode Island.
In their later years, Ernestine and Jack were drawn to Cornish, ME, a small hamlet built on a rich history, a thriving antiques community, and enduring small-town traditions, reflecting so much of what they loved.
Ernestine had a deep passion for history, art, and the stories that connect us to the past. As the owner of Cottage Treasures, first in North Kingstown, RI, and later in Cornish, Maine, she devoted herself to the world of antiques and collectibles. Her business was a place where history, craftsmanship, and the handiwork of artisans could be appreciated and remembered for the stories they told. Ernestine loved discovering the tales behind the pieces she found, and especially the history of the families or artists from which they came. Families often brought Ernestine their heirlooms, trusting her to research their origins, uncover their histories, and assess their value. To her, every object had a voice and a human connection, reflecting her belief that the stories of our past are treasures worth keeping.
Beyond her business, Ernestine gave generously of herself to her neighbors and the organizations that brought them together. In Rhode Island, she was dedicated to St. John the Divine Church, where she was a member of the vestry and led youth groups and other committees; the Willett Free and Middletown Libraries, where she was librarian for a number of years; Camp Nokewa Girl Scout Camp, where she was director and affectionately known as “Sunshine;” the Saunderstown Yacht Club and South County Garden Club.
As an active member of the Cornish community, Ernestine served on the board of the local business coalition, historical society, and contributed her creative talents to many of the town’s celebrations and festivals. Ernestine was also devoted to St. Peter’s Church in Bridgeton, ME. She and Jack helped rebuild the congregation with a new chapel and St. Peter’s Cafe, a soup kitchen, where care and compassion were offered to those in need. Her commitment to helping others reflected a generous spirit and a deep understanding of the importance of kindness and community. She also maintained a lifelong connection to the P.E.O. Sisterhood and most recently enjoyed a special connection to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Wickford.
Her interests were as varied as they were heartfelt. She loved painting with water colors, flower gardening, her dogs, playing Bridge, Scrabble, and Bananagrams, and finding the beauty in the world around her. But, most of all, her greatest joy was her family. Ernestine made every milestone small or large a special joyful event or celebration, often punctuated by her famous cherry pie. One of her happiest moments was the day she became “Granny.”
In addition to her husband, she is survived by her three daughters, Susan Bash, Jane Kirkpatrick (Steven), and Nancy Marchand (Andrew); her sister, Barbara A. Maxwell; and her grandchildren, Taylor Kirkpatrick, John Kirkpatrick (Sowmya), Evelyn Marchand, and Kathryn Marchand. She was also Granny B to Lillianna Carter-Hoffman.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a celebration of life service on Saturday, November 21, 2026, at 11 a.m. at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 55 Main St., Wickford, RI. There will be a reception to greet the family at 12:15 pm, across the street, at St. Paul’s Parish Hall, 76 Main St., Wickford, RI.
The family extends their profound gratitude to the staff at The Grand Islander Senior Living in Middletown, RI and especially to the ICU staff at Newport Hospital for the compassionate and loving care they provided to Ernestine and her family.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Ernestine’s memory are encouraged to support a community charity of their choice, carrying forward her spirit of kindness, generosity, and commitment to bringing a little sunshine into others’ lives.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Fagan-Quinn Funeral Home of Patrick Quinn Funerals & Cremations, North Kingstown, RI; www.PatrickQuinnFuneralsandCremations.com
