North Kingstown Town Clerk Jeannette D. Alyward Dies at 65

Jeannette D. (Fage) Alyward, age 65 of North Kingstown, passed away on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, following a brief illness. She was the beloved wife of James R. Alyward for 19 years. Born in Bronx, NY, Jeannette was the daughter of John Harry Selby and Helena Anne (Harview) Selby.

She was the loving mother of Jennifer L. Barnes (husband, Christopher), Michele A. Hawkins (husband, John); stepmother of James R. Alyward III (wife, Melissa), and Whitney L. Alyward; cherished Nanny of Adelyn, Ethan, Greyson, and Landon; and caring sister of Keith Fage (wife, Martha), Robert Fage (husband, Bob), and Steven Fage (wife, Heather). Jeannette is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

In 1998, Jeannette began her career with the Town of North Kingstown, where she faithfully served her community for many years, most recently as Town Clerk. Her work was more than a job—it was a reflection of her character. Jeannette approached each day with dedication, integrity, and a deep sense of responsibility, giving her all to the people and the town she cared for so deeply. She carried a quiet pride in her role and leaves behind a lasting impact on the community she so wholeheartedly served.

Jeannette found great joy in life’s simple, meaningful traditions—especially the annual family vacations to Old Orchard Beach in Maine, where countless memories were made by the shore. Summers at home were just as special, often spent by her pool, which became a gathering place for family, friends, and neighborhood kids. She was a devoted and loving grandmother who took immense pride in her grandchildren, never missing an opportunity to cheer them on from the sidelines.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, March 22, 2026 from 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM, with a Memorial Service to immediately follow at 5:30 PM in the Fagan-Quinn Funeral Home of Patrick Quinn Funerals and Cremations, 825 Boston Neck Rd., North Kingstown. Her burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Jeannette’s memory may be made to the Al Southwick Memorial Fund, c/o James P. Howe, Trustee; South County Commons, Bldg. 36, Unit C-6, South Kingstown, RI 02879, (Checks made payable to: Allen R. Southwick Trust Fund), to help support recreation opportunities and scholarships for local children.