Helen Silverberg, 94

WARWICK, R.I. – Helen Silverberg, of Tamarisk Assisted Living, died on Feb. 10. Beloved wife of 59 years to the late Harold Silverberg. Predeceased by sister Selma (Bubbles) Mlawsky. Survived by son, Bert Silverberg; daughters Zelda (Robert) Sparks; Ann Silverberg (Terry Kelleher); Paula (Michael) Goldberg; Amy (Kevin) Olson. Grandchildren Martha Sparks (John McWhorter); Sarah Goldberg; Aaron Sparks (Natalie Blackman); Johanna Goldberg; Daniel and Shira Olson; Jia Kelleher. Great-grandchildren Dahlia and Vanessa McWhorter. American “mother” to Israeli “son”, Benny Mer. Aunt, cousin, friend, teacher and inspiration to many.

Born in New York City to the late Berthold and Martha Mendelson, she lived in Cranston from 1955 until moving to Tamarisk Assisted Living in 2005.

She was a graduate of City College of New York and earned a master’s degree from New York University in retailing. She was a buyer at Bloomingdales and then traded in retail for education, becoming a teacher in a one-room schoolhouse in Ledyard, Conn. She later earned a teaching degree from R.I. College and a master’s in library science from the University of Rhode Island.

She taught first grade in both Cranston and Coventry and finished her career as a Coventry school librarian.

She was famous for opening her home to all of her children’s friends and hosted many cast parties and New Year’s Eve celebrations, a tradition that continued after she moved to Tamarisk.

Upon her retirement, she and Harold attended 166 Elderhostels and delighted in travel and learning.

She was a former member of Temple Torat Yisrael. As a volunteer, she delivered Meals on Wheels and ushered at the Providence Performing Arts Center.

Donations in her memory may be made to a charity of your choice.