Yanow, Iris M.
Warwick
Iris Michelle Yanow, 82, died Sunday, March 8, 2026, at Respiratory and Rehabilitation of Rhode Island in Coventry after bravely battling medical challenges. She was the beloved partner of Harold Hurlich.
Born in Providence, she was the daughter of the late Saul and Martha (Kaufman) Sonion. Iris lived in Warwick for 55 years, having previously resided in Providence. She worked as the Housing Coordinator for the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), where she was known for her dedication, warmth, and kindness to the many students and colleagues she helped over the years. She retired in 2009.
Iris lived life with energy and enthusiasm. She loved to stay active and enjoyed exercising, something that always remained an important part of her life. She especially treasured traveling with Harold and sharing adventures together. Above all, Iris loved being surrounded by the people who meant the most to her; her family and her many friends – spending time together, laughing, and creating memories that will be cherished forever.
She will be remembered for being a great listener, her strength, resilience, and the love she gave so freely to those around her.
She was the devoted mother of Alisa Berrio of Warwick, dear sister of Judi Roth ( Bruce) of Westport, MA, the loving grandmother of Madison and Emily, who brought her immense pride and joy as well as her nieces, grandnieces and grandnephews.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Shalom Memorial Chapel, 1100 New London Ave., Cranston. Shiva will be private.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to the International Myeloma Foundation, 4400 Coldwater Canyon Ave., Suite 300, Studio City, CA 91604, or online at: https://fundraise.myeloma.org/campaign/760883/donate
To join the service virtually, please click here.
Meeting ID: 856 4214 7052
Passcode: 356026
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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
So sorry to hear of Iris’s passing. She was a dear friend of my late wife Rita Berger Nash. May she rest in peace and join Rita for that school bus ride to Hope High School again!
Iris fought valiantly with Harold, Alisa, Judi and all her loved ones. It’s hard to believe the world without Iris. May she rest in peace
Shandelle
Hi Harold and Alisa. So sorry to hear about Iris. It is just terrible..so young. Let’s hope she will be out of pain now. Yes she was a terrific listener always. God Bless her. And of course she went to Hope high with all of us.
Although Jeff and I did not know iris. We heard many nice things about her through her sister Judy. We are sorry for your loss.
Alisa
So sorry for your loss.
May her memory be a blessing.
I am so sorry to hear of Iris’ passing. She was a lovely neighbor and always enjoyed chats in the yard and talk of gardens. I will miss her and am so glad we were neighbors. Thoughts and prayers to Harold and all their family. Ann & Scott
Uncle Harold
We are so sorry to hear about Iris’s passing . Our thoughts and prayers are with you Uncle Harold.
Sending all our love
Love michele , Adam and Ethan
We offer our heartfelt condolences to Harold and all of Iris’s family. We have many fond memories of times spent together in Florida. Iris was a true “mensch.” We will miss her.
David and Florence
Dear Harold, Judy, Alisa, & Family, We are cousins of Iris’s Dad, Sunny & Grandfather Bob. We are very sorry for your loss. We became friendly after meeting at the Sonion family reunion a few years ago.. We socialized with she and Harold in Florida, and RI. Iris was a lovely kind person and we will miss her.
May she rest in peace.
Howard & Mollie Sonion
Dear Harold, Alisa and family
Please accept my sincere sympathy for the loss of dear Iris.
Very often I would meet Iris grocery shopping at various markets that both of us liked and we would catch up on things about families and life right in the middle of the store… Iris was such a warm, caring and wise lady. May all the nice memories about her stay in your hearts forever and also help you at this difficult time.
With warmest regards, Anna and family.
Dearest Alisa and family. I extend my deepest sympathy to you all. I expect you did not fall far from the tree, Alisa. Forever family. May your Mom rest in eternal peace.
With love,
Anne and family
Dear Sonion family cousins,
Our sincere condolences on your lose of Iris. She was a beautiful person, always with a big smile.
Oh, Alisa!
I did not know your mom had died till I saw the obit in the paper. I am so so sorry. I knew your mother, and she was always the last ark opener during the High Holidays. I do not know if you will see this, but in case you do, I am sorry for the loss of your wonderful mother.
Dear Harold, Alisa and family. I am so sorry to hear about my friend Iris of many years (maybe we were 18 years old). Alisa you had a great Mom.
Harold, miss not getting together in Florida. You had a great partner.
May her death be a blessing and may she RIP.
Always your friend,
Rosa Tulenfeld