Helen (Freudenberg) Grossman, of Providence, Passes at 99

Helen (Freudenberg) Grossman, of Providence, Passes at 99

Helen (Freudenberg) Grossman, age 99, of Providence, passed away peacefully Tuesday, June 9, 2021. She was the wife of the late Clinton Grossman.

Born in Goeppingen, Germany, beloved daughter of the late Herman and Bertha (Rosenau) Freudenberg. She was the sister of the late Inga Mann.

She was a longtime resident of Laurelmead Cooperative, an independent senior community in Providence. Her family left pre-war Germany and immigrated to the United States in 1936 settling in New York City. With admirable determination, 14-year old Helen quickly adapted to her new home, learned to speak perfect English, and thrived. As a youth, she was an enthusiastic skier and tennis player. Years later, even when dealing with the maladies of old age, she would never fail to remember a birthday, help an ill neighbor, donate to a charity or find joy in nature. Helen never complained and famously answered like clockwork when asked how she was doing, “Fine, I have to be.”

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Helen was a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She is survived by her two daughters, Barbara Wasserspring and her husband Fredric of Las Vegas, NV; Carol Bowman and her husband David of Delray Beach, FL; four grandchildren, Karen Guthart and her husband Mark of Plainview, NY; Amy Wasserman and her husband Lester of New York, NY; Jeremy Bowman and his wife Christina of Cape Elizabeth, ME; and Michael Bowman of Delray Beach, FL; and five great-grandchildren, Haylie, Alice, Jared, Caroline, and Sadie.

She volunteered at many local organizations including the R.I. School of Design, and Brandeis University National Women's Committee. A longtime member of Temple Beth-El and Ledgemont Country Club. She enjoyed golfing, playing bridge, and mahjong. Helen was an adventurous world traveler, loved gardening, nature, and the arts including Broadway, the opera, R.I. Philharmonic, and the fine visual arts.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to HopeHealth Hospice, 1085 North Main Street, Providence, RI 02904, or to a charity of your choice.

Private services are in the care of Sugarman-Sinai Memorial Chapel.