Mrs. Eunice Rhoda Fratus Bishop, age 86, of, Boynton Beach, FL, passed away peacefully on Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025 at Delray Trauma Center in Delray, FL. following a head injury incurred in a slip and fall.

Eunice was born September 16, 1936, in Providence, RI, of the late Manuel and Mary Rose Morris Fratus. She graduated with honors from East Providence High School in 1955. Despite her petite stature, she played the French Horn in the high school marching band and played with authority. She met her husband Herman on a blind date for her senior prom. They dated for 2 years before marrying for what would be a 68-year adventure.

Eunice is survived by her husband, Herman Frederick Bishop, her son, Kevin Edward Bishop, and two daughters Mary Hope Bishop (Jim Roberts) and Wandajune Bishop-Towle (Jonathan Towle). She doted on her four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. They and many other family members cherish the beautiful quilts she so lovingly made for them. Eunice is also survived by one of her sisters, Esther Roberta Fratus Gould, and many nieces and nephews.

Always community minded, Eunice was involved in many non-profit organizations over the years. While she living in Rhode Island and raising her children, Eunice was active in The Samaritans, a suicide hotline, first as a volunteer, then as Program Director, supervising over a hundred staff and volunteers. Subsequently she was co-director with her husband Herman of East Bay Youth Ministry Center, where she led youth prayer groups and retreats. For many years, she taught at Job Corps, a federal career training organization for disadvantaged youth, helping students attain their high school diploma. In keeping with her passion as a volunteer, she served on the Inland/Wetlands Commission in Putnam, CT for 6 years with 2 of those as Chairperson. She was also a volunteer for Special Olympics.
Eunice had such passion for sports, all sports. She was a 10-year season ticket holder to her beloved New England Patriots and a true tailgate party aficionado. She was for years, the consummate hockey and soccer Mom to Kevin and his number one fan. She and Herman loved to dance and organized and ran Bishop's Dancing Pairs, instructing in round dancing for 12 years at Odd Fellows Hall in East Providence.

Eunice was a devout Catholic. She was an active participant in many church groups over the years, most recently as Eucharistic Minister at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Melbourne, FL, where she and Herman lived for 20 years. While at Lady of Lourdes, Eunice was president of their local chapter of Catholic Council of Women, a national organization, for one year, of her 8-year membership.
Eunice was preceded in death by three of her sisters, Ethel Rose Coutu-Deveney, Edna Ruth Crevier, and Elaine Rita Fratus.
Eunice will be cremated, as to her wishes and laid to rest at Gates of Heaven Cemetery in East Providence, RI at a future date and time to be announced.

A Catholic Funeral Mass was held at Our Lady of Lourdes, 1710 Hickory Street, Melbourne, Florida, on February 3, 2025 at 10:00 AM. A Celebration of Life was held in Melbourne, in the parish hall, where family and friends gathered to celebrate the beautiful life, she lived.

A Catholic Memorial Mass was held at Emmanuel Catholic Church, 15700 South Military Trail, Delray, Florida, on February 8, 2025 at 2:00 PM. A Celebration of Life as held at Duffy's Sports Grill, 6545 Boynton Beach Blvd., Boynton Beach, Florida.

A Catholic Funeral Mass to be held at St. Mary's Church, 218 Providence Street, Putnam, Connecticut, on April 25, 2025 at 3:00 PM. A celebration of life will be held at 4:00 PM, at Knights of Columbus Hall #64, 68 Providence Street, Putnam, Connecticut 06260.

There will also be a Catholic Memorial Mass to be held at Watson's Funeral Home 350 Willett Ave, Riverside, Rhode Island, April 26, 2025 at 1:00 PM. A second Celebration of Life will be held at 2:15 PM, at Gregg's Restaurant, 1940 Pawtucket Avenue, East Providence, Rhode Island.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Samaritan's of Rhode Island .