Ruth Siperstein, 93

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PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Ruth I. (Israel) Siperstein, of Providence, passed away Jan. 12, 2022, at Rhode Island Hospital after a brief illness. She was the wife of the late Israel (Izzy) Siperstein.

Born in Worcester, Massachusetts, she was a daughter of the late Harry and Lillian (Gourse) Israel. She lived most of her childhood through high school in Fall River, Massachusetts, along with her brother, the late David Israel. After Ruth married Izzy, they lived for several years in Swampscott, Massachusetts, then moved to Providence.

Ruth was inquisitive, practical and interested in learning throughout her life. She valued education and earned a bachelor’s degree and teaching certificate from the continuing education for women program at the University of Rhode Island in the late 1980s and early 1990s while still running the household. She then earned a master’s degree in English. Ruth was an English teacher for many years before retiring. She taught at Cranston High School East and then at the Community College of Rhode Island. She very much appreciated the students who kept in touch with her long after their graduations.

Home and family were very important to Ruth, and she applauded her children’s, grandchildren’s and great-grandchildren’s accomplishments. She attended every recital, performance or ceremony that she could. Ruth enjoyed gatherings of family at the holidays and for important milestones. Ruth made sure everyone had a favorite holiday food, even when that meant there were more desserts than people at the meal. Her sense of humor kept everyone on their toes.

She was creative in a variety of arenas. She was an accomplished seamstress and taught her daughters how to sew at an early age. She filled her home with plants, was especially proud of her long-lived, large African violets and enjoyed working in her gardens. She and Izzy shared a love of travel and were able to visit many places around the globe, experiencing different cultures and meeting new people.

After retirement, Ruth volunteered for a variety of organizations. She was involved in a poetry group through the North Kingstown library, where she also volunteered. She took up painting in her retirement and was compiling a cookbook of family recipes paired with her poetry and paintings. While living at Tamarisk Assisted Living, Ruth was active and a resident leader in that community.

She was the beloved mother of two daughters, Linda and her husband, Mark, of Lexington, Massachusetts, and Ellen Mroz (the late Michael Mroz) of North Kingstown. She was the devoted grandmother of Alyssa Mroz, Seth Mroz and the late Lyle Mroz, Aaron Adler (Leah Frank) and Rachel Adler; great-grandmother of William Adler and Nathaniel and Maya Longacre. She will be missed by all who knew her.

Memorial contributions may be made to Temple Sinai, 30 Hagen Ave, Cranston, RI 02920.

obituary, Ruth Siperstein