Greta Helene Averbach

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Greta Helene Averbach died peacefully in the early hours of October 29th, 2025. Greta was born in Newark, New Jersey, to loving parents Cora and Sam Averbach. Greta raised her family in New Jersey, adventured to Tokyo, Japan, returned stateside to reside in many cities and towns in Maine, and finally made Watertown, Massachusetts, her home to be closer to her children. Greta was passionate about her profession as a family therapist. She was most proud of her thriving therapy practice and work with gender-diverse, neurodivergent, and autistic children and families. She also served on the Board of Directors of the Jewish Community of Japan and Woodfords Family Services.

Friends say: “She was one of the most genuine, authentic, and caring people we have ever known.” “She was a wonderful friend and confidante.” “She read people quickly and respectfully and I will miss following her Facebook posts and just knowing there was someone so wonderful on the other side of the country who, with faith, was always looking out for and standing up for those in need.”

Greta had a never-ending will to live. Throughout her long journey with ovarian cancer, she never thought of it as a battle to be fought but a challenge to meet. She faced each new treatment with courage and excitement for the additional time it would give her to enjoy her life and make the most of her time with her husband Jamie, children Maddy and Sam, daughter-in-law Ruthy, and beloved grandson Asa Kol.

Greta’s family is feeling deep sadness and is comforted to know that she now rests peacefully. She lived graciously with cancer and her memory will be a light and a blessing to us all.

Funeral Service at Temple Reyim, 1860 Washington Street, Newton, MA., on Friday, October 31, 2025 at 10:30 am. Followed by interment at Workmen’s Circle Cemetery 776 Baker St. West Roxbury.

Shiva will be held on Friday, immediately following the funeral from 2-4 pm and Saturday: 3-6pm at her late residence. Sunday from 3-6pm at the home of Maddy Popkin.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Dempsey Center, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, or your local liberal Democratic candidate.