Iris Michelle Yanow, 82, died Sunday, March 8, 2026, at Respiratory and Rehabilitation of Rhode Island in Coventry after bravely battling medical challenges. She was the beloved partner of Harold Hurlich.
Born in Providence, she was the daughter of the late Saul and Martha (Kaufman) Sonion. Iris lived in Warwick for 55 years, having previously resided in Providence. She worked as the Housing Coordinator for the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), where she was known for her dedication, warmth, and kindness to the many students and colleagues she helped over the years. She retired in 2009.
Iris lived life with energy and enthusiasm. She loved to stay active and enjoyed exercising, something that always remained an important part of her life. She especially treasured traveling with Harold and sharing adventures together. Above all, Iris loved being surrounded by the people who meant the most to her; her family and her many friends – spending time together, laughing, and creating memories that will be cherished forever.
She will be remembered for being a great listener, her strength, resilience, and the love she gave so freely to those around her.
She was the devoted mother of Alisa Berrio of Warwick, dear sister of Judi Roth ( Bruce) of Westport, MA, the loving grandmother of Madison and Emily, who brought her immense pride and joy as well as her nieces, grandnieces and grandnephews.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Shalom Memorial Chapel, 1100 New London Ave., Cranston. Shiva will be private.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to the International Myeloma Foundation, 4400 Coldwater Canyon Ave., Suite 300, Studio City, CA 91604, or online at: https://fundraise.myeloma.org/campaign/760883/donate
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