Verna F. Arnold, 94, died Sunday, February 11, 2018 at Cortland Place in Greenville. She was married to her husband Herbert S. Arnold for 68 years until his passing in 2011.
Born in 1923 in Nova Scotia, Canada to Alfred and Almeda Marsh, she moved to the United States with her family as a young child, settled in the Boston area, and was a naturalized US Citizen. Upon graduation from high school she worked in the retail industry and learned enough about textiles to become an accomplished sewer, making many of her own clothes as well as clothes for her children and grandchildren. She relished her role as homemaker and enjoyed gardening and loved flowers, especially the nuanced colors of roses that Herbert found ways to grow. Because Herbert was a career Navy man and away for long periods of time especially during World War II and the Korean War, she played a large role in the early development of their three children: Christine Alves, who passed away in 1986, of Goshen, New York; Jean Matty, a long-time Florida resident; and Dr. Lee H. Arnold of Warwick.
Verna loved her grandchildren, along with their spouses: Kimberly Alves Calderone (and John); Eric Alves (and Angie); David Matty (and Candace); Patricia Matty; Stephen Arnold (and Lisa); and Ryan Arnold (and Jennifer). Her great-grandchildren: Trevor and Tannor Reynolds; Kristine and Susannah Alves; Ethan, Brooke, and Shane Arnold; and Annie and Isla Arnold; they always made her smile and brim with delight.
Because of her husband Herbert’s career, she had lived in several East Coast states. They retired to Rhode Island and then to New York. In 2011 she came back to Rhode Island and settled in nicely at Cortland Place, residing initially in the Assisted Living wing, then in the memory care wing, and ultimately in the skilled nursing wing. Throughout her years at Cortland Place she was well cared for and enjoyed the people and the activities. The family is grateful to all the people of Cortland Place who made her final years on earth so pleasant and comfortable. She will always be remembered as a sweet lady with a wonderful smile.
Family and friends are invited to gather to celebrate her life in a Memorial Service on Thursday, February 22, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. at Asbury United Methodist Church, 550 Fair Street at the corner of Ann Mary Brown Drive in Warwick. For those so inclined, contributions in her memory may be made to Asbury United Methodist Church.
