Violet Whitfield Obituary

WHITFIELD, VIOLET LEONARD died peacefully on June 28, 2013 at Verra Springs Assisted Living in Greensboro, NC where she resided for 7 years. She was 100 years of age. Pat, as she was called by family and friends, was born in Brooklyn, NY on Feb. 1, 1913 to John and Alice Maude Leonard. She spent most of her life in Cranston, RI until her husband of 65 years Bill, died in 2003. She is survived by her two sons, Dr. Peter Whitfield and wife Jeri of Greensboro, NC and Jeffrey Whitfield and wife Gail of Cumberland, RI, five grandsons, Peter (Kenzie), Glen, Bryan (Jennifer), Christopher and Alexander, three great grandchildren along with many wonderful nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her 3 sisters and one brother. Pat graduated from Edgewood Secretarial School and went on to become an administrative assistant at Brown University, Dupont and Red Farm Studios. She was past president of the Edgewood RI Garden Club, The Cranston RI Women of Rotary and The Edgewood Yacht Club Auxillary. Pat, known to many as Grammy, entertained and delighted many with her home cooking. Many of life's lessons were learned from her wisdom, charm, sense of humor, and unfailing love and guidance. A celebration of her life will be held at the Historic Chapel at Swan Point Cemetery, 585 Blackstone Blvd, Providence, RI at 10am on Saturday July 20th. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Hospice Care of Greensboro, NC, 2500 Summit Ave., Greensboro, NC, 27405.

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Published by The Providence Journal on Jul. 6, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Violet Whitfield

40 Entries

Nancy Anderson

July 17, 2013

Where do I start? My mom's 'bestie'...good home cooking "don't spare the wine"...co-celebrating b'days with my dad...her 'to-die-for' fresh blueberry pie...getting giggly imbibing bubbly with 'the girls' @ the jewelers' convention in NYC...retail therapy "enjoy the shoe" followed by lunch "life's short so be sure to order the dessert 1st"...forgiving, but never forgetting, my German Shepherd Heidi's having nipped Jeff(?) when we were little kids...dog was just being protective of me @ boys ;-) & always the mistress of the 'bon mot"

Michael Battey

July 9, 2013

Jeff, Gail and family; We were very sad to hear of the loss of your mom; another Edgewood parent has left us. We will keep you in our prayers.

July 6, 2013

Dear Jeff and Peter and families,

My heart goes out to you. Loss of a loved one is not easy at any age.

Pat was a major part of my life since early childhood. I will miss her profoundly. During Mom's last years, I thanked God daily for Pat. I don't know how Mom would have made it without her.
2 Cor5
4 For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life.
5 Now he that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit.
6 Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord:
7 (For we walk by faith, not by sight:)
8 We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.

God bless you,

Bob Anderson

Pat Rose

July 6, 2013

Peter & Jeff'
My prayers and thoughts are with you and the entire family. Your Mom was like a second mother to me - we laughed, cried, shared each others lifelong memories together. I missed her when she went to NC but I will miss her more now. Her memory will stay with me forever. She was a very special person in my life. Love to all of you.

carol myron

July 6, 2013

jeff, gail and family - so sorry to hear of your mom's passing - my thoughts and prayers are with you.

July 5, 2013

Dear Peter and Jeri and the Whitfield Family,
We send our thoughts to you all. I can't image going to Abbotswood and not seeing Pat sitting, elegantly dressed, accepting visitors with her kind grace and attention.
If there is anything we can do for any of you, please call.
Carl and Leigh Seager

Sandy Mascia

July 4, 2013

Pat's wonderful "sense of humor" and "seasoned advice" will forever be remembered.
My life has been enriched because of our friendship.

Janet Highfill

July 3, 2013

We will miss you sweet smile and quick wit at Verra Springs. You were so kind to my Mother from the moment she came to VS, what a joy to spend time with you. Your rich, long life will leave wonderful memories with all who were blessed to know you.

Jon Chirnside

July 2, 2013

Thank you Aunt Pat for a life time of fond memories. I will miss your annual birthday calls. You warmed all of our hearts. Rest in peace. Say hi to grandma for all of us. Love you.

Geoff and Susan King

July 2, 2013

Pat, it was a real honor to know you and to see the product of your work throughout your life...your two terrific sons-Peter and Jeff- and their children. If not for your efforts, my daughter Kenzie would not be a part of your legacy. What a shame that would have been. How happy we Kings are to have known you. Much love-you are where you need to be-holding court in heaven.

Sandy Peterson

July 2, 2013

She was the queen of quick "wit" !!!!! I always left her with a smile on my face. . Thankyou Aunt Pat for all those laughs!,