Helen Abrams
DATELINE: CRANSTON
Helen Abrams passed away peacefully on Friday, Nov. 12th at the age of 102 of complications from COVID 19. She was born in Boston on June 1st, 1919, but considered herself “Rhode Island born and Rhode Island bred”. She loved summers at the beach at Narragansett, playing bridge, and playing golf at Potowomut Golf Club. She gave back to her community through her tireless activities starting as a Girl Scout leader, PTA member, a member of Hadassah, a charter member of the East Greenwich League of Women Voters and former President of the Cranston League of Women Voters. She was instrumental in the development and implementation of the Cranston Home Rule Charter and, after her retirement, enjoyed delivering Meals On Wheels with her beloved late husband, Harold Abrams, to whom she was married for 69 years. Upon moving to Wethersfield Commons in Warwick, she was known to have welcomed new neighbors and she organized an exercise class when she was in her 90’s.
Helen grew up in East Greenwich, the daughter of the late Julius and Rachel (Brenner) Abrams. She graduated from the University of Rhode Island and moved to Cranston in 1953 with her young family. After returning to school to earn her teaching certificate, she taught English at Cranston High School East for 15 years.
Helen and Hank had a long and healthy retirement during which they traveled the world and continued to learn and adapt to an ever changing world. Helen’s greatest joy was her family. She was the devoted mother of Anne Schwartz (David) of Richmond, VA, and Dr. Jane Abrams (Dr. John Paul MacDuffie) of Philadelphia, PA and Ellie Wasser (Dr. Marvin) of Cranston, and the dear sister of the late Jordan Abrams and Sara Frank. Her eight grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren have been nurtured, protected and inspired by her.
Helen’s Jewish roots were centrally important to her. She was a member of Temple Sinai where, until recently, she was a regular participant in Torah study and religious services. The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to Temple Sinai, 30 Hagen Avenue, Cranston, RI 02920.
We will remember Helen donning her bathing cap and going for a swim in the cold New England waters at Narragansett Pier, swinging her golf club at Potowomut and presiding as beloved matriarch of her devoted family.
Funeral services will be only for family at 12:30 on Sunday Nov. 14th. You can join us in this celebration of her life through Zoom, please Click Here to view a recording of the service. Virtual Shiva will be held at 7:00PM on Sunday, Nov. 14th, please Click Here to join the Shiva.
12 Comments
Leave a Condolence
Contact
Shalom Memorial Chapel
1100 New London Ave
Cranston, RI 02920
(401) 463-7771
(877) 463-7771
Fax: (401) 463-7850
ShalomChapel@aol.com
Ellie, Marvin and family
Words can not express how saddened I was to learn of Helen’s passing. Although I didn’t know her that long she was an amazing women. I always enjoyed having Saturday morning breakfast with her and was missed the last few months. My thoughts and prayers are with the entire family.
Ellen Gourse
Helen was a wonderful neighbor, a true friend and an inspiration to us all. She enjoyed her reading club and sharing good books with us. Helen is at peace now. May she Rest In Peace.
Peg and Art Curry
Dear Ann, Jane and Ellie,
You all had a wonderful teacher in your Mom. Helen always had a smile on her face. I had great conversations with her on Saturday mornings when I would pick her up to go to Minyan Breakfast and on the way home. She will be truly missed. You all have wonderful memories to remember. May she Rest In Peace.
Love,
Phyllis B. Solod
I had Mrs. Abrams for English class when I was a kid in high school. One of the books we read was I Didn’t Promise You A Rose Garden. Every time I hear the song I think of her. Sad to hear of her passing. God bless Mrs. Abrams. ED FLORI- student 1972
Condolences to Ellie and family. I worked with Helen at East. What a wonderful woman!! After our retirements, I would see her at Tamarisk at times. I just can’t say enough about how fond of her I was.
My deepest sympathy to the Abrams sisters and their families.
You were all so blessed to have Helen with you for so many years.
She will always be remembered as such a caring, sincere and vivacious women whose home was always opened with warm hospitality. May she test in peace.
Judi WEINER White
Helen was a good friend and neighbor to all at Wethersfield Commons. Known and loved by all. May her memory be for a blessing.
I offer my condolences to all my old Abrams girlfriends. Helen was wonderful and inspirational. I so appreciated Her thoughtful visit when my brother passed away. Thank you Jane for bringing her.
You will have many stories to share for years to come about her.
You are so fortunate to have each other.
Everyone who knew Helen in the League of Women Voters send their condolences. It seemed that Helen could do everything well, and it was hard to convince people that it was not reasonable to ask Helen to run everything they could dream up. But – the LWV US wants local Leagues to enter their own data into the National member database? – Helen was the person who sat down and figured out how to do the job despite being older than the people she was helping. – And she did everything with a smile.
So sad to read this. Mrs. Abrams was my English teacher in the 1970s and remembered me when we bumped into each other at a shiva a couple of years ago, despite the 4+ decades that had passed. She was always so positive and encouraging.
Dear Ellie, Marvin & family
I just learned about your mom’s passing- she was a lovely woman in every sense of the word who lived life to the fullest. What a wonderful role model you were all blessed to have in your lives. Our deepest sympathies to you and your family, may her memory be a blessing
Vicki & Bob
Helen was always such a sweet and gracious lady. I enjoyed our talks. She will be missed. My prayers are with her family.