Merrilyn Shlesinger, 79

CRANSTON, R.I. – Merrilyn L. Shlesinger died June 19 at home, surrounded by family. She was the beloved wife of Morton Shlesinger for 54 years. Born in Providence, a daughter of the late Frank Brown, Clara (Cohen) Brown, and stepdaughter of the late Mildred Brown, she had lived in Cranston and North Providence. Merrilyn was a member of B’nai B’rith and an avid mahjong player.

She was the devoted mother of Edward Shlesinger and his wife, Darlene, of Cranston; Andrew Shlesinger and his wife, Mary, of Acton, Massachusetts; and the late David Shlesinger. She was the dear sister of her twin, Sandra Garfinkel, and her husband, Richard, of Cranston and sister of Steve Brown. She was the loving grandmother of Kaylee, Kyra, Nicholas, Abram and Eden. She was the cherished great-grandmother of Stella.

Contributions may be made to Down Syndrome Society of RI, 100 Washington St., Unit #325, West Warwick, RI 02893.