June Tatelman
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“Remembering June Tatelman: A Legacy of Love and Compassion”
Loving Wife, Mother, Grandmother and Friend
With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of June Forbes Tatelman, 76, a woman whose life was a testament to love, compassion, and selflessness. June departed this world peacefully on May 22, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of kindness and generosity that will forever be cherished by those who had the privilege of knowing her.
Born on August 8th, 1947, the daughter of Jules and Ruth Forbes, June was a natural nurturer from an early age. She moved to Boston to attend the School of Education at Boston University with dreams of becoming a teacher and ultimately met the love of her life and future husband.
June found her greatest joy in being a wife to Eliot and a mother to her two sons, Josh and Michael. She loved spending time with her boys and their friends, providing endless amounts of food and an open ear. June had a remarkable gift for connecting with people and making them feel a part of the family.
As her sons grew up and started families of their own, June embraced her new role as mother-in-law, and grandmother. Affectionately known as “Gammo” by her grandchildren and their friends, she continued her tradition of making her home a haven for all. She treated them with the same love and care that she showed her own sons and has left a special mark in the hearts of so many.
June’s gift for connecting with people extended beyond her immediate family. She was a remarkable philanthropist whose actions spoke louder than words. She dedicated her life to making others feel special and loved, never hesitating to lend a helping hand wherever it was needed.
After her retirement as a health educator in the public school system, her dedication to health and education was evident through her service as a counselor for both Planned Parenthood of Massachusetts and Preterm of Massachusetts. She was also passionate about women’s education and health empowerment, particularly in Africa.
As the founder and heart of Camp Miracles and Magic, a camp for children living with or affected by HIV/AIDS, June’s impact on the lives of countless young souls was immeasurable. Her commitment to serving others extended beyond borders, as she traveled to Africa with the Afrika Tikkun organization to share her time and wisdom with the children of Africa. June’s involvement with the Pathfinder organization and her dedication as a guardian ad Litem further underscored her commitment to serving those who needed her most.
June joined the BIDMC Trustee Advisory Board in 2014, bringing her commitment to healthcare and community service to their leadership team. In recognition of her dedication to BIDMC’s mission, she was honored as Trustee Advisor Emerita in 2023.
June’s unwavering love and support were the glue that held her family together, and her absence leaves a void that can never be filled. However, as we mourn her passing, we will also celebrate the incredible life she lived and the profound impact she had on those around her.
June is survived by her loving husband, Eliot, her two sons, Josh and Michael, and their wives Tanja and Courtney, her five grandchildren, Tyler, Peyton, Mason, Portia, and Jagger, and her brother Richard and his wife Bonnie.
Services will be held at Temple Beth Elohim,10 Bethel Road, Wellesley on Wednesday May 29th at 10:30 am. Following the interment at Beth Israel Memorial Park, Waltham a memorial observance will be held at the residence of Josh and Tanja Tatelman until 8:00pm and Thursday 2-4, 7-9pm.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of June may be made Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center by visiting www.bidmc.org/giving or by check made payable to “Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center” with “June Tatelman” in the memo line. Contributions can be mailed to: Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Office of Philanthropy, 529 Main Street, 4th Floor, Charlestown, MA 02129