Betty M. (Slide) VanLeuven, 97, a retired English teacher in the Cranston School Department, passed away on Sunday, October 20, 2024, at Greenwood Center in Warwick. She was the beloved wife of the late Howard J. VanLeuven with whom, at the time of his passing on October 13, 2001, she had celebrated 51 years of marriage.
Born in Cranston, a daughter of the late Walter and Mabel (Darling) Slide, she graduated from Cranston High School in 1945 and had lived in Cranston until six years ago. She received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Rhode Island, and she earned a master’s degree in education at Rhode Island College. For many years, Betty was an English teacher at Park View Junior High School where she was known to be “the coolest” teacher and was affectionately known as “Mrs. Van Halen”.
She was a member of Phillips Memorial Baptist Church, Cranston, and a former member of Warwick Country Club.
Betty loved to play Hi Lo Jack, Scrabble, watch the New York Football Giants, the Boston Celtics and the Red Sox. She loved old movies, especially “The Godfather”. She enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. She is being remembered for her kindness, patience, and incredible sense of humor. Betty was one very fun and funny lady.
She is survived by her daughter Carolynn D. Gifford, her son Kenneth W. VanLeuven, and her grandson Robert J. Gifford Jr.
Her funeral service will be held at Carpenter-Jenks Funeral Home, 659 East Greenwich Avenue, West Warwick on Saturday, October 26, 2024, at 12 Noon. Calling hours will be on Saturday prior to the service from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, the family hopes you honor Betty by performing a random act of kindness. If so desired, a donation in her memory may be made to Hope Health Hospice, 1085 North Main Street, Providence, RI 02904 (www.hopehealthco.org). Condolences may also be offered to her family, and fond memories of Betty shared online at www.carpenterjenks.com.
