Roberta Van Der Molen, 81

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Roberta Van Der Molen, age 81, of Providence, passed away on Aug. 30, 2024, at HopeHealth Hulitar Hospice Center with her loving daughter by her side.

Born in Chelsea, Massachusetts, a daughter of the late Samuel and Ruth “Rose” (Cohen) Van Der Molen, she had lived in Providence for over 50 years.

A graduate of Rhode Island School of Design, class of 1964, she studied in Rome as part of the honors program at RISD and was a student of the plein air painting method. Ms. Van Der Molen was a devoted art teacher in the Providence School Department for over 20 years before retiring. A lifelong, gifted and talented artist, print maker and painter, Roberta was a longtime member of both the Providence Art Club and Wickford Art Association. She enjoyed spending time in Cape Cod, painting outside, hiking, camping, cooking and baking, and she especially loved spending time with her family.

She is survived by her daughter, Samantha Hirsch, and her husband, Joseph Traynor, of Providence; two grandsons, Vaughn Zealand Traynor and Paxton Rae Traynor; her former husband, Carl Hirsch; and her cousin, Rona Davis, and her husband, Mike. She was the sister of the late Peter and Eileen Van Der Molen.

Contributions may be made to National Kidney Foundation, 30 East 33rd St., New York, NY 10016.