Valerie D. Cohen, 105

EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Valerie Delores Cohen, 105 and eight months, died in East Providence on April 24 with her granddaughters, Sandra Medeiros and Paula Chace, by her side. Valerie was a longtime resident at Waterview Villa Rehabilitation and the oldest resident of the city of East Providence.

Born Aug. 17, 1911, in Orange, New Jersey, to Alma AuClaire and John A. Deary, Valerie was married to the late Sumner A. Cohen. Her brothers were the late Richard Deary and the late Raymond Deary. Valerie was the mother of five children, including the late Patricia Belanger, Suzanne Frost and Stuart David Cohen, and the surviving Gloria Ledoux (Canada) and Margaret Decoteaux (Maine). She is also survived by 16 grandchildren, including Sandra Medeiros (Rhode Island), Paula Chace (Rhode Island), Valerie McKenney (New Hampshire), and Susan Belanger (Rhode Island), 31 great-grandchildren, five great-great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews, including Kenneth Blumberg, Alan Weinberg, Donald Weinberg, and Hilary C. Zwicker.

Valerie was a cosmetologist in Rhode Island and in Florida in the 1970s and early 1980s. She loved art and made time to enjoy oil painting and illustration. Her personal art gallery was her collection of paintings over many years. Many of her paintings are now cherished by her family members. Valerie’s life was one based on a positive attitude. Always displaying a kind smile and offering great conversation, Valerie would end a visit with memorable warm embraces. She loved being with her family. Music, dancing, great movies, and Broadway musical productions were her favorites.

Donations may be made to the Valerie D. Cohen Memorial Fund, c/o Waterview Villa Residence Council, Waterview Villa Rehabilitation, 1275 South Broadway, East Providence, RI 02914.