Myrna Rosen, 93

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Myrna Krassner Rosen died peacefully at her home on Providence’s East Side on June 5, 2024. While we are deeply saddened by the loss of a truly remarkable woman, a lively storyteller and a consummate hostess who made everyone feel welcome, we take comfort in knowing (and having heard her say emphatically) that she had a great life filled with family, friends and experiences she treasured.

Myrna was born in Providence but grew up in New Haven, Connecticut, the daughter of the late Ethel (Stroh) Yale and William Krassner and sister to the late Leonard Krassner. She always retained a fondness for her New Haven roots, from its “hamburgs” and famous pizza to pre-Broadway tryouts of the latest musicals, which solidified her love of the stage. After graduating from Hillhouse High School, she attended James Madison University, in Virginia.

A longtime resident of Barrington, she raised her two devoted daughters, Sally and Wendy, with her first husband, Philip Lapides, and managed the women’s department at her husband’s clothing store Harvey Ltd. For years, Myrna delighted audiences in local theater productions, starring in many shows such as “Hello, Dolly!” and “South Pacific” with the Barrington Players, as well as roles at Barker Playhouse and Trinity Rep. Her successful career as a sales associate in local real estate, in which she rose to the positions of Broker and later Manager, was recognized with awards from the Greater Providence Board of Realtors.

A founding director of the Barrington Jewish Center (now Temple Habonim), Myrna was active in the Jewish community throughout her life, acting as a campaign chair for the Jewish Federation of Rhode Island, followed by roles as president of its Women’s division and vice president of the Federation. Myrna was also director of the National Women’s Board of the United Jewish Appeal.

Her third act was spent living happily in Providence and South County with her adoring late husband, Harris (“Hershey”) Rosen. Together they made major contributions to the Jewish community through the Jewish Federation of RI. In 2000, she was the proud recipient of the State of Israel’s Unity Award. Myrna and Hershey were also deeply involved with funding efforts for The Miriam Hospital, Women & Infants Hospital and the Foundation for Repertory Theater. Into her eighties, Myrna was a compassionate and dedicated volunteer for Planned Parenthood and never stopped touching people’s lives with her good humor, outgoing nature and brilliant smile.

She is predeceased by her husband, Harris Rosen, and survived by two children and their spouses, Sally Lapides (Arthur Solomon) and Wendy Lapides (John McCann), as well as three stepchildren and their spouses, Elizabeth Rosen Payne (Mark), John Rosen (Ashley) and Robert Rosen. Myrna also leaves behind 10 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Donations may be sent to The Sunshine Fund at Jewish Collaborative Services, 1165 North Main St., Providence, RI 02904 or Planned Parenthood of Southern New England, 175 Broad St., Providence, RI 02903.