Helen Silverberg
DATELINE: Warwick
Helen Silverberg, 94, of Tamarisk Assisted Living, died on February 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. Helen 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, CT. She later earned a teaching degree from Rhode Island 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.
Helen 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.
Funeral service on Friday, February 13 at 1p.m. at Congregation Am David, 40 Gardiner St. Warwick. Arrangements by Shalom Memorial Chapel. Shiva will be held at Tamarisk, 3 Shalom Dr. in Warwick on Saturday 6:30-8:30 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m.-noon and 6:30-8:30 p.m.; Monday-Wednesday 2-4 p.m. and 6:30-8:30 p.m. (Minyan each night at 7 p.m.) Donations to charity of donor’s choice.
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Shalom Memorial Chapel
1100 New London Ave
Cranston, RI 02920
(401) 463-7771
(877) 463-7771
Fax: (401) 463-7850
ShalomChapel@aol.com
Dear Amy,
I was sorry to read about the passing of your beloved Mom.I rember Mom and thought she was a lovely lady.My deepest sympathy is extented to you and your siblings.
Barbara Amber Schwartz
Helen was a kind, sweet, compassionate person that I was honored to know. May her memory live on as a blessing for the entire Silverberg family.
My condolences. She sounded like a wonderful woman and you were blessed by having her in your life for so many years!
Dear Bert,
My sincere sympathy for the loss of your mother.
Gail Yanku
Thank you, Gail.
Baruch Dayan Ha Emet. May her memory be for a blessing.
Zelda
I am so sorry for your loss. I know how important family is to you. May your mother’s life be for a blessing.
Judi
Zelda and family, our hearts are filled with sympathy on this additional loss for all of you. May you be blessed with good memories of your mom.
Helen was a very special lady, I will remember her fondly always. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. RIP my friend.
Our deepest condolences go out to all of you. It was so special to be able to see Helen when we were up east in December, and to see her surrounded by so much love.
Thank you so much, Deanna, Eugenio, and Lucca. Helen enjoyed nothing more than visits from relative. She was very happy to see you all.
Please accept my deepest sympathy on the loss of your remarkable and loving Mother, Helen. She was an extremely warm and friendly woman. I remember seeing her when she and your Dad were able to come visit, during the St. Louis Jewish Book Festival. Helen was genuinely engaging in conversation, that far exceeded a mere polite ‘hello.” Helen was a very proud mother, and grandmother. Your Mother was blessed with a long and rich life, surrounded by her beautiful loving family. I know Helen and Harold will always be smiling, guiding, and watching over you and your family members.
Dear Amy, Kevin, and Other Members of Helen’s Family,
Helen’s beautiful biographical statement reflects a life full of giving, creativity, learning, exploration, and the warmth of a loving family. Your family is truly blessed to have shared time with such a wonderful person. Please accept our love and sympathy at this difficult time.
Dear Zelda,
I wish you and your family comfort as you mourn the loss of your dear mother. While I did not know your mother, she sounds like a remarkable, creative, and accomplished woman who shared her love and zest for life with so many people. May she rest in peace and may you smile through fond memories.
Margaret Israel
Helen meant so much to my daughter Alissa, who had the pleasure of knowing her and caring for her the past two years. I will miss the stories, pictures and videos of their adventures together, but I know that Alissa will cherish those memories for the rest of her life. Please accept my most sincere condolences.
Dear Brenda,
Your daughter has become part of our family. She made an enormous difference in my mother’s life, showering her with kindness and attention. I was so impressed that someone so young could be so mature, and such a natural caregiver. The outings she took with mom were always a source of joy.
I hope Alissa will continue to be a part of my life. I look forward to my cooking date with her next month.
Dear Brenda,
Thank you so much for your message. Though Helen’s life was far from pleasant in recent years, Alissa and her other CNA’s did so much to make her as active and comfortable as possible. Alissa’s compassion and devotion were truly special gifts, and I know my mom appreciated them, as did our entire family.
Bert Silverberg
I can only echo what Paula and Bert have already written. My mom was enormously blessed to have Alissa as one of her care givers. Alissa’s loving kindness and compassion, sweetness and patience are truly exemplary.
Zelda, I join with all to offer heartfelt condolences to you and your family on the loss of your beloved mother.I hope you will find comfort in the memories
and happy times you shared with her.
Our condolences to all of you. I remember spending time at the house in Cranston when Amy and I were in Jr High and High School and Helen and Harold were so welcoming. The death of a parent is always a massive shock, even when anticipated. I wish you all courage and comfort. LJF
So sorry to hear of your mothers death.You were fortunate to have her around so many years.She saw you becme a mother,agrandmther and a great grandmother.Hope you have many memories.
SORRY to hear of the loss of your mother. Harvey and I wish you our condolences.Loosing a parent is difficult.
My condolences to your family. Your mother and father were kind and lovely people. I remember how my parents got a kick out of New Years at their house. So sorry.