Paula A. Granoff

Our Matriarch, Paula Anne (Koffler) Granoff, of Palm Beach Fl, Old Westbury, NY and Providence, RI, died on May 28, 2024 at the age of 87. She was surrounded by her loving family, at home in hospice care after battling a long illness. Beloved wife of Leonard (Lenny) Granoff. They have two sons, Lloyd (Harriet) Granoff of Palm Beach, FL, and Portsmouth, RI and Evan (Elizabeth) Granoff of Bristol, RI, and Franconia, NH. Seven grandchildren, Pamela (Daniel) Simon, Aaron, Ethan, Emily (Connor) Currier, Edith, Elliott, Ellen (Alden) Smith. Two great grandchildren, Hayden and Charles, and two sisters Sandra Bornstein and Phyllis Braddock. Paula was pre-deceased by her mother Lillian (Riter) and her father Sol Koffler (founder of American Tourister Luggage).

Paula received a degree in English when she graduated Pembroke (Brown) in 1956.

She married her beloved Lenny, originally from Providence, in 1954.

Paula had an adventurous nature that led her to an interest in acquiring art. With her fantastic “eye”, she was able to cultivate an amazing collection and on this journey, she donated frequently to RISD Museum and school. In recognition of her generous support and knowledge she was appointed to the board of RISD and was the recipient of the Athena Award in 2006 and an honorary doctorate in fine arts in 2010. Being extra philanthropic, Paula was a strong supporter of RISD and other meritorious organizations. She and her husband gave the contemporary art wing at RISD and also gave generously to the Providence Public Library, donating the technology wing at the Rochambeau Avenue Branch. Her contributions to worthy causes are well recognized.

While Paula was pregnant in 1956, she was first exposed to the game of golf, although she had never played the game before in her life. As a member of Ledgemont Country Club in Seekonk, MA, Alpine Country Club in Cranston, RI, Glen Oaks Club in Old Westbury, NY and High Ridge Country Club in Palm Beach FL, she won more than 60 Championships. Along the way she had 14 hole-in-one’s. She played and won 3 Senior State Championships with the State of Rhode Island. She also became a student of the iconic golf teacher, Harvey Penick and was in fact included in several chapters of his books.

Throughout her long health struggle, she was heard to tell family and friends “"I've lived a great and long life, I have no complaints” She will be sadly missed.

Funeral service will be held Friday, May 31, 2024 at 10:00 AM at Sugarman-Sinai Memorial Chapel, 458 Hope Street, Providence. Burial will follow in Lincoln Park Cemetery, Warwick. Relatives and friends are invited.

Memorial contributions in her honor may be made to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Ave, Boston, MA 02215.

For condolences please visit www.sugarmansinai.com