Adelaide Nathanson Obituary
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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.