Adelaide M. Nathanson

Adelaide M. Nathanson obituary

Adelaide M. Nathanson

Adelaide Nathanson Obituary

Visit the Carpenter-Jenks Funeral Home & Crematory website to view the full obituary.
Adelaide M. (Richmond) Nathanson, a beloved matriarch whose spirit was as vibrant as her many passions, passed away just an hour shy of her 97th birthday on October 15, 2025, at Kent Hospital in Warwick. Formerly of East Greenwich and Charlestown, she now rejoins her beloved husband, Charles Nathanson, with whom she shared 61 years of laughter, travel, and unwavering love until his passing in 2012.

Born in Providence on October 16, 1928, to the late Frederick and Adelaide (Bennett) Richmond, Adelaide was the eldest of six children. She was raised with the enduring values of her generation-a commitment to community and family that she honored throughout her life.

Adelaide was the definition of a generous soul. While she took immense pride in being a devoted mother and wife, her care extended far beyond her immediate family. Her door was always open; if you needed a meal, a warm bed, or just a helping hand, Adelaide was there. She was the quiet force and loving anchor that allowed Charles the freedom to pursue his many wonderful community endeavors, standing firmly and proudly by his side through every success. In addition, Adelaide also channeled her endless energy into service herself. She was a dedicated Girl and Boy Scouts leader for many years, a Planned Parenthood volunteer, and a member of the local Board of Canvassers. Her faith was central to her life, and she was a devoted member of St. Luke's Episcopal Church in East Greenwich, where her voice could be heard singing in the choir and her energy felt at multiple parish activities.

Adelaide lived her life with joy and flair. She was a longtime member of the Warwick and Quidnessett Country Clubs, where she loved to play golf. She also found immense pleasure in tennis, gardening, and the camaraderie of a good game of bridge. She cherished her time spent at the family beach house in Quonochontaug, and the many wonderful memories created while traveling and vacationing with Charles throughout the world.

Her legacy of love and energy lives on through her family: J. George Nathanson and his wife Julie; Caroline Mack Sparhawk and her husband Dr. Dana: Mindelle Balkun and her husband Edward; and her foster son, Leo McEvoy. She was a proud and joyful grandmother to eleven cherished grandchildren: Jessica Balkun Begley, Tara Nathanson, Laura Austin, Joshua Nathanson, Charlotte Mack Heller, Jakob Mack, Steven Sparhawk, Irena Sparhawk, Collin Sparhawk, and Kyle McEvoy; as well as ten great-grandchildren.

Adelaide is also survived by her loving sisters, Caroline Crouch and Deborah Hartley. She was preceded in death by her siblings F. Robert Richmond, Donna Hallene, and William Richmond.

The family asks that, in place of flowers, donations be directed to Loaves and Fishes Rhode Island, a cause close to her heart. Contributions can be mailed to: Attn: Bill Aldrich, OTC, 1520 Broad St, Providence, RI 02905, or submitted through their website at www.LFRI.org.

Services will be private.
Carpenter-Jenks Funeral Home & Crematory

659 E Greenwich Ave, West Warwick, RI 02893

Make a Donation
in Adelaide Nathanson's name

How to support Adelaide's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
Ways to honor Adelaide Nathanson's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more