Renee Delatizky

Renee Delatizky, 73, died on October 3, 2025 at her home in Newton with family by her side.

She was born and grew up in Johannesburg, the daughter of Harold and Rene Cohen. Her mother died in childbirth. She was raised first by an uncle and aunt and then by her father and stepmother, Thelma (Tilly) Cohen. She attended King David School in Johannesburg and graduated from the University of the Witwatersrand where she and Jonathan met. They married in 1974.

After leaving South Africa for the USA in 1975, she taught English as a Second Language (ESL) in Cleveland, and completed her MS in Adult Education at Syracuse University. She and Jonathan moved to Newton in 1979. She taught ESL and ESL methodology at Boston University until retiring in 2018.

Renee was a fiercely loyal and loving wife, mother, cousin and friend and was loved by all in her orbit. Her capacity for joy and living to the fullest inspired all around her. She had the rare ability to make everyone feel special (which was the key to her success and popularity as a teacher). Her humor was legendary and she delighted in the absurdities of life, especially with her adoring grandchildren, the delight of her later years. Her ironclad sense of justice led her to advocate for all she knew were unfairly treated whether they were a friend or stranger, even if it got her into trouble. Her love extended also to animals including two house cats at all times and support for animal shelters.

Renee’s moral compass was rooted in her strong Jewish identity. She spoke her mind and was not afraid to be critical of Israeli government actions while retaining her unconditional love for Israel.

She is survived by her husband of 51 years, Jonathan, her children Bethea Tashjian (Derek) and Michael Delatizky (Kate), and her grandchildren Helena Delatizky, Asher Tashjian, Simone Delatizky, and Walter Tashjian.  She was predeceased by her sister Sandra Soekoe.

Renee’s loss leaves a void in the lives of family, friends, and students worldwide, but her legacy of love and joy will endure.

Funeral service Monday, October 6, 2025 at Temple Emanuel, 385 Ward St., Newton at 11:30 am.  Interment will be private.

Shiva observance will be at the family home on Monday, October 6th from 3pm-5pm followed by a commemorative open house on Tuesday October 7th and Wednesday October 8th from 2pm – 4pm, and 7pm – 9pm, and on Thursday October 9th from 2pm – 4pm.