Paula (Fortin) Anderson

ANDERSON, Paula (Fortin), died peacefully on Monday, April 3, 2017. But this is a moment to reflect on how Paula lived. Paula lived for people. For 76 years Paula dedicated her life to anyone and everyone who crossed her path. Born in Providence to William C. Fortin & Anne (Norgren) Fortin. Her brother Peter G. Fortin, presently of Spokane, WA, introduced her to his friend Raymond E. Anderson. Paula and Ray fell in and love and he became her beloved husband and chauffer for 56 years. Just ask Ray, he will have a story or to two tell you about it. Paula loved people. The best way to know Paula is through the people she loved, and that long list of friends and family must start with her children, Marc C. Anderson of Rumford, Erika E. Augustyn and her husband Peter of Riverside, Robert E. Anderson of Rumford, as well as Crystal A. Garcia and her husband Joseph of Homestead, FL. But the list of family doesn’t stop there. She was the cherished grandmother of 12 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.

She was a loving Foster Mother to over 30 children and babysitter extraordinaire to half of the neighborhood. She was a friend, a mentor and a mother to anyone that needed it. She raised everyone to consider the concerns of others. She was the calm in the storm and the confidant for any crisis. Her rules were simple. Be kind, be caring, be thoughtful, and be quiet when her soap opera was on. You could normally find Paula in the corner chair of her family room reading to the kids or talking on the phone with friends while knitting hundreds of skull caps for preemies at Women & Infants and thousands of mittens for school children. If she wasn’t at home you could find Paula holding court at a family party or supporting one child or another at countless dance recitals, little league games, school concerts, and soccer tournaments. Her dedication to the community was limitless. She was a founding member of the Coalition for the Homeless and of Friends in Service to Humanity (FISH) as well as a volunteer for the Bread of Life Food Pantry. Paula was the recipient of the Rumford Grange Award, Coalition for the Homeless Thank You Award for apartment rehabilitation, and coordinated relief for a family whose house burned down. She sent birthday cards to Newman Church Sunday School members for many years.

Her Funeral Service will be held Friday, April 7, 2017 at 10:00 am in Riverside Covenant Church, 165 Rounds Avenue, Riverside. Burial will be private. Calling Hours will be held Thursday, April 6, 2017 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm in J.H. WILLIAMS & CO. FUNERAL HOME, 210 Taunton Avenue, Route 44, East Providence. In lieu of flowers, gifts in her memory to the Alzheimer’s Association, 245 Waterman Street, Suite 306, Providence, RI 02906 or to The American Cancer Society, 931 Jefferson Boulevard, Suite 3004, Warwick, RI 02886 will be appreciated.

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