Providence Public Librarian for 40 Years, Norma R. Coleman, of Smithfield Dies at 89

Providence Public Librarian for 40 Years, Norma R. Coleman, of Smithfield Dies at 89

Norma R. Coleman, 89, of Kane Road, Smithfield, passed away on Sunday, July 28th in her home and surrounded by her family. She was the wife of the late Clarence G. Cook. They had been married for 27 years.

Born in Providence, a daughter of the late Frederick J. and Ruth H. (Hamel) Garriepy. She was the sister of the late Robert and William Garriepy. She had lived in Smithfield for 77 years.

Norma had been a Librarian with the Providence Public Library in Providence for over 40 years before retiring in 2000 with a Citizen Citation for her dedicated service from Mayor Buddy Cianci.

Norma was a passionate gardener who also had an insatiable appetite for literature. Her love of the ocean was evidenced by the numerous beach houses enjoyed by her family and friends.

She enjoyed numerous excursions with her beloved girlfriends; The Lunching Librarians.

She leaves her children, Kevin (Marion) Coleman, Jayne Tainsh and Joanne Coleman all of Smithfield. She was a loving grandmother and great-grandmother.

Her funeral will be held on Wednesday, July 31st, at 9 a.m. from the Anderson-Winfield Funeral Home, Route 44, Greenville Common, Greenville. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. in St. Michael’s Church, 80 Farnum Pike, Smithfield. Visitation will be Tuesday, July 30th, from 4-7 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, PO Box 50, Memphis, TN 3801www.stjude.org
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital