Janice S. Greene O’Donnell of Barrington, RI died on Sunday, May 10. She was the mother of Michaela O’Donnell of Providence; stepmother of Chad Norris of Emeryville, CA; and loving grandmother of Olivia Small of Hamburg, Germany; Finnian Small of Providence; Jackson and Esme Falk of Oakland, CA; and Nina and Iver Nilsson of Emeryville. She was predeceased by her stepdaughter Elizabeth Norris.

She joined the staff of Providence Children’s Museum in 1979 and served as its executive director from 1984 through 2014, leading its relocation and expansion from its original home in Pawtucket, RI to its current location in Providence’s Jewelry District. Under her leadership the museum’s creative team became known for original exhibitions, deep collaborations with artists, enduring community partnerships, and innovative programming to serve all families, especially those who needed opportunities for creative play most.

A life-long advocate of children’s free play and self-directed learning, she was a leader in initiatives including Parents Cooperative School in Narragansett, RI; Providence PlayCorps, a program of Providence Parks Department; Recess RI; and the Learning Community Charter School in Central Falls, RI. A graduate of the University of Rhode Island in English, she spent her final years writing fiction, poetry and creative nonfiction and exploring waterfronts with her dogs.

Janice grew up in Warwick, RI, a daughter of the late John S. and Olive (Lindberg) Greene and sister of the late Susan Greene and Jeffrey Greene. In addition to her children and grandchildren, she is survived by her brother John S. Greene of Colorado, her sister Joanne Greene Zannella of North Kingstown, RI, many nieces and nephews, many dear friends, and many educators scattered across the globe whom she mentored throughout her career.

Gifts in her memory may be made to Providence Children’s Museum, the Learning Community Charter School, School One or the progressive cause of your choice.