On the passing of Elizabeth Salzillo, Co-Founder Garden City Alliance

Last week, Elizabeth “Beth” Salzillo passed away at the age of 88. Those of us who knew her well, found, by reading her official obituary, we might not have known her nearly as well as we thought.  A life of diverse accomplishment. A woman of grace, and professionalism – always quick to make a compliment and hesitant to receive one.

A neighbor, Beth also worked diligently in recent political circles to have the community she loved, Garden City, named a historic area. Not the kind that monitors what paint color you use, but one which recognizes the historic nature of the community. Garden City is one of – if the the original – planned community. One that her father helped to design.

I will remember Beth most from the evenings spent sitting on the hard benches at City Hall, attending a City Council meeting. When grace was not a word anyone would use to describe the workings of politics in those halls at night, Beth sat politely listening, taking notes sometimes, and always taking it all in – so that she could better advocate for causes in Cranston she cared about.

Beth was a co-founder of the Garden City Alliance. Founded when concerns about parking at the Garden City Center, and blossoming into a staunch watchdog that continues to this day.

Beth wrote a book about the meaning behind Garden City – and was an author at the RI Authors Expo in 2017.

Beth will be buried tomorrow with a mass from St. Mark’s Church, in Garden City – her obituary is here – we encourage those who knew her to leave messages, below, for her family..

We will miss you Beth, and your contributions to so many causes will be remembered.

Nancy Thomas, publisher, RINewsToday

RINewsToday did several news articles about Garden City – you can access them HERE.

https://rinewstoday.com/cranstons-garden-city-in-process-to-be-named-to-national-register-historic-districts/