Betty R. Cohen, 91

EAST GREENWICH, R.I. – Betty R. Cohen died July 19 at St Elizabeth’s Nursing Home after leading a life filled with grace, dignity and love. She was completely devoted to her family, especially in her partnership as the beloved wife of the late Donald H. Cohen.

Betty was a daughter of the late Benjamin and Ethel Rosenthal, and spent her adolescent years in upstate New York. In her 20s, Betty moved with Donald to Rhode Island and became a longtime resident of Cranston. It was there that Betty raised her four children who were the center of her life. She was a devoted mother to Dean Cohen (Stephanie) of Chuluota, Florida, Cindy Collum (Thomas) of Cranston, Joyce Paquin of Warwick, and the late Susan Richter. Betty was close to her brothers and sisters, despite their physical distance. She will be lovingly remembered by her sisters Elaine Krouner (Robert) of New York, Selma Schultz of Georgia and Sheryl Gitelson (Seymour) of Georgia, as well as her brothers Alvin and the late Donald Rosenthal. Betty was a proud grandmother to Laura and Brian Matteson, Brent and Leah Paquin, Jason Richter, Devin, Zachariah and Kylie Cohen. Her love and support extended its way to a large circle of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Anyone who was an important part of the lives of Betty’s kids and grandkids became her family, without reservation.

Betty also made a significant impact in her community. She was the owner of the former Paris Fabric Shops in Warwick for 38 years. Betty was a member of Hadassah and a former member of Temple Torat Yisrael in Cranston. She donated generously to many charitable causes and understood the importance of helping those less fortunate than she was. For that and so many other reasons, her family celebrates the way she lived her life and the blessing it was to have been loved by a great woman.

Contributions in her memory may be made to Alzheimer’s Association, 245 Waterman St., #306, Providence, RI 02906.