Betty Jaffe, 90

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Betty Joy Rossyn Jaffe passed away Dec. 18, 2020. She was the beloved wife of the late Dr. Alfred Jaffe; they were married for 54 years. Born in Boston, Massachusetts, she was a daughter of the late George and Dorothy (Alpert) Rossyn.

Throughout her life, Betty demonstrated a strong intellect and curiosity. Whether it was current events, history, literature or crossword puzzles, Betty was quick with an answer, yet open to new ideas. After graduating from Smith College, she married the love of her life and moved to Providence, where she spent her time nurturing her family.

She served on the board of directors of the Bureau of Jewish Education and the Temple Emanu-El school board and served a term as president of the Smith College Club of Rhode Island. Once her children were all school aged, she earned a masters in history from Brown University and worked for the Mayor’s Office of Community Development as an architectural historian. After retiring, she volunteered as a counselor at Planned Parenthood, tended her beautiful garden, joined a book club, played bridge, watched tennis religiously, served as a board member for the Sandra Bornstein Holocaust Education Center and, most importantly, reveled in her grandchildren’s activities and successes.

She is survived by her children Miriam Jaffe and her husband, Martin Browne, David Lewis Jaffe and his wife, Cori Miller, and Sarah Jane Jaffe and her husband, Richard Eisert; and grandchildren Edward Browne, Zachary and Sydney Jaffe, and Alexander and Nathaniel Eisert.

Contributions in her memory may be made to the Sandra Bornstein Holocaust Education Center, 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence, RI 02906 or Planned Parenthood, www.plannedparenthood.org.