Florence Tilles, 98

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Florence (Trinkel) Tilles passed away May 30 at Hallworth House, Providence. Flo was the wife of the late Norman Tilles.

Born in Providence, on July 4, 1921, the daughter of Benjamin and Carrie Trinkel, she was predeceased by her twin brother, Bernard “Buddy” Trinkel, who died in combat during WWII; brother Murray Trinkle; and sister, Doris Packer.

She is survived, and deeply loved, by her three children: Sandra Tilles of Whitethorn, California; Donna Tilles and her husband Brian Stahl of West Roxbury, Massachusetts; and Barry Tilles and his wife Sarah Shoemaker of Norwell, Massachusetts; grandchildren Deva Wolf and Alice Tilles; great-grandchildren Sonya and Elijah Lustig, and many nieces and nephews.

Flo graduated from college in 1943 with a degree in sociology and psychology. She was an avid sportswoman and played golf into her 90s. Flo worked for 20 years as a social worker for the RI Division of Child Welfare.   She loved theater, music, fashion, dancing, playing bridge and Rachael Maddow. Flo worked diligently behind the scenes to support her husband as a founder of Trinity Repertory Company.

After Norman died, she spent 13 fulfilling years living at Laurelmead with many of her childhood friends. Flo outlived them all but she never lacked for companionship, as her charm and genuine interest in others drew many new friends to her. After a fall with two broken legs, and legally blind, she chose to spend her final year at Hallworth House, where she received extraordinary love and care and found peace and contentment each day. The family is indebted to the staff, and especially grateful for the loving kindness and compassion that Flo was shown during her last days there when she succumbed to COVID-19.

Memorial contributions in her honor may be made to Heart of the Redwoods Community Hospice, 464 Maple Lane, Garberville, CA 95542, or Trinity Repertory Company, 201 Washington St., Providence, RI 02903.