Obituaries

Dr. Muriel H. Allen, 96, passed away January 15, 2022. Peaceful transition with auspicious signs. Beloved wife of Attorney Max J. Allen. Loving mother of Attorney Peter Allen and his wife Fatima and Chonyi Richard Allen and Lucie. Daughter of William Herbits and Julia Gluck. Funeral services were held graveside, at Sharon Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations in Harriet’s memory may be made to Aid for Cancer Research, www.aidforcancerresearch.org

For livestream link to view service Wednesday at 12:45 pm click here.

On Friday January 14, Edward J. Nierman passed away peacefully after living life to the fullest for almost 99 years. Beloved husband of the late Sylvia (Markowitz) Nierman. Devoted father of Eliot (Bonnie), Marc (Loretta), and David Nierman. Dear grandfather of Jennifer (Oren) Knishinsky, Melissa (Erica) Nierman, Rachel (Ophir) Barone and Theadora Nierman. Proud great grandfather of Asher Knishinsky, Noah Barone, Sara Knishinsky and Arielle Barone. Loving youngest brother of the late Rae Nierman, Lillian Nierman, Charles (Gertrude), Allan (Rae), Nathan (Sonia), Henry (Marilyn) and Murray (Pat).

Born to Eastern European immigrants and raised in Boston, Edward later moved to Newton, Massachusetts. He was a proud graduate of Roxbury Memorial High School where he made life-long friends. After graduation, as a member of the Greatest Generation, Edward enlisted to fight in World War II, serving as a corporal in the Army Signal Corps. On discharge, keeping family first as he always did, Edward helped his father rather than going off to college. Beginning with GI bill loans to purchase used plumbing, Edward became a founder of Independent Pipe and Supply Corporation. With his guidance and leadership, he helped transform a company from modest beginnings selling reconditioned plumbing supplies into a prominent 4th generation, multi-state business as one of the region’s largest Pipe, Valve and Fitting Wholesale distribution organizations. Edward successfully mentored subsequent generations of company leadership and remained as Chairman of the Board until his 98th year.

A strong supporter of Jewish causes, he was a member of Temple Reyim for 65 years. Always willing to help others, Edward was for many years the loving patriarch of the extended Nierman family. He was a devoted friend to many and a supporter of numerous charities, in particular the Ironstone Farm Program for the Disabled (Challenge Unlimited) and most recently spearheading a large family donation to Hebrew College.

Edward and his wife of 67 years, Sylvia, loved to attend all family events and to travel the world with friends, especially on cruise ships. Family, friends, those he helped and the company he so successfully built are his wonderful legacy. Edward will be deeply missed by many, but as he would have said, he had a great run!

Due to current pandemic, funeral services are private but will be live streamed. In lieu of flowers, donations in Edward’s memory may be made to Hebrew College, Office of Institutional Advancement, 160 Herrick Rd., Newton Centre, MA 02459, Challenge Unlimited, 450 Lowell Street, Andover, MA 01810, or a charity of your choice.

Shiva info and announcement from Temple Reyim as follows:

Stepheny Beth Kotzen Riemer

Devoted to Her Family, Her Art and Philanthropy

Stepheny Beth Kotzen Riemer,74, passed away peacefully on January 14, 2022, at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston from  complications of Parkinson’s disease.

She was born in Malden, Massachusetts, on May 6, 1947, a daughter of Gilbert and Marcia (Brown) Kotzen. Apart from the first nine years of her life in Malden, Stepheny was a lifetime resident of Newton, Massachusetts.

Stepheny captivated every room she visited with color and creativity. A graduate of Simmons College with both bachelor’s and master’s degrees, she pursued her curiosity with a life of giving of herself to others through volunteering, philanthropy, and art-making. She made a meaningful difference in the lives of those around her. She devoted her life to her husband, two children, and three granddaughters, yet had space in her heart for her many relatives and friends, along with welcoming into her home two foster children and several “little brothers” from the Jewish Big Brother program. She spent countless hours volunteering, including time at the JCC and JF&CS. Her philanthropic efforts mirrored her passions and interests in the arts, the Jewish community, and Parkinson’s Disease programming and research. 

Her passion for the arts started young and evolved over the years. From theater as a youth to fine arts as an adult, she was able to find ways to express herself creatively. Stepheny’s playfulness and talent radiate from the hundreds — if not thousands — of her unique works of art. She regularly attended art workshops and classes to expand her knowledge, challenge herself, and establish an outlet of expression. One of her most iconic mediums was her intricate mosaics, where she meticulously painted eggshells, bringing the pieces to life through flower bouquets, circus scenes, and ocean landscapes. She participated in many art shows over the years, proudly displaying her creations. 

Not only did she gift the world with her artistic spirit, Stepheny constantly gave the gift of art supplies and opportunity, teaching young and old how to craft, create, and see beauty where others may not. She had the remarkable ability to see color and share unique perspectives. 

Stepheny’s Parkinson’s Disease did not prevent her from engaging in her passions. Her memory remained impeccable; she never forgot a detail, recalling and commemorating the most specific personal moments of everyone around her. She adapted to her diminishing dexterity and continued to paint, draw, collage, and inspire. She did not let the challenges of the disease impact her from sharing her incredible imagination.

Not only was Stepheny memorable for her generosity, artistic nature, and deep love for her family, but also her sense of humor. She knew how to light up any experience and bring a hearty laugh to a dinner table. Stepheny had the ability to bring out everyone’s most enthralling and uplifting deep-belly-laugh, not just a superficial chuckle. There was never a dull moment when she was in the room. 

In addition to all those who she touched with her inspiration, she lives on through her husband of 53 years Robert L. Riemer of Newton, MA; sister Linda Kotzen Paresky and her husband David Paresky of Miami, FL; son Adam Riemer of Brookline, MA; daughter Mara Riemer Goldstein and her husband Robert Goldstein of Brookline, MA; and grandchildren Hannah Goldstein, Sophie Goldstein, and Lila Goldstein.

Due to covid, the funeral and shiva will be private. Contributions in her memory may be made to Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center by visiting www.bidmc.org/give/ways-to-give, selecting gift designation as “other (specify below)” and including “Stepheny Riemer/Parkinson’s Disease” or by check made payable to “Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center” with “Stepheny Riemer/Parkinson’s Disease” in the memo line, and mailed to: Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Office of Philanthropy, 330 Brookline Avenue (OV), Boston, MA 02215. 

Ann S. Pollack, 89, loving wife, mother, and grandmother, passed peacefully on January 12, 2022 in Dedham, MA. Born in Louisville, KY to Aaron A. Shaper and Rose Friedman, she grew up in Cincinnati, OH, and later raised a family in Great Neck, NY before moving to Newton and then Dedham, MA.

She earned a B.A. in Art History from Long Island University, and she attended the School of the Arts at the University of Cincinnati, and the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City.

She was an accomplished artist in multiple media, including jewelry making, silversmithing, sculpture, and medallic art, and her work is in the permanent collections of several museums.  She was a member and officer of many international sculpture associations, and she and her husband supported aspiring students in the sculptural arts.

Ann is survived by her sons Jon and Richard, their wives (Fiona Epstein and Robin Mozell, respectively), and her granddaughter, Sarah Pollack. She was predeceased by her husband, Jason Pollack, and her brother James Shaper.

A private memorial service will be held for the family. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Brookgreen Gardens (S.C.).

Of Newton, on January 11, 2022. Beloved wife of the late Robert Shuman. Devoted mother of Sammi Robertson and her husband Douglas, and Laurence Shuman. Cherished grandmother of Rachel Hangen, Baillin and Spencer Robertson. Devoted sister of Irving Salkovitz and his wife Rosemary, Helene Glaser and her husband David, and Ruth Hoshino and her husband Peter. Devoted sister-in-law of Audrey Shuman and her late Husband Alan, and Arthur Shuman and his late wife Nancy. Also survived by loving nieces and nephews. Due to the latest surge of the pandemic, the family has elected to hold a private service and burial. Family visitation will be arranged privately. Remembrances may be made to Bailey’s Team for Autism.

Shuster, Richard, of Dedham, MA passed away January 10, 2022. Beloved husband of the late Rickel (Saks) Shuster. Devoted father of Scott Shuster and his wife Shelley, Dana Spencer and her husband Steve, Suzy Shuster-Eisen and her husband Rich, and Jon Shumaker and his wife Rebecca. Proud grandfather of Jack, Sam, Ella, Xander, Cooper, Taylor, Connor, Alexandra, Darren, Naomi, Joanna, and Ryan. Loving brother of Steven Shuster, and Betsy Goldberg.  Loving owner of his golden retriever Max. Funeral Services took place at Temple Beth Elohim, 10 Bethel Rd., Wellesley, MA on Wednesday, January 12, 2022.  Loved family, tennis, ice cream, the New Bedford area and his Jewish faith (especially blowing the shofar and chanting from the Torah). In lieu of flowers, donations in Richard’s memory may be made to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute or the Alzheimer’s association

Our beloved father, Harold (Hal) Jarmon, 88, son of Paul and Rebecca Jarmon z”l, passed away Friday evening, January 7, 2022, in the comfort of his own home in Cambridge, MA.  He coped valiantly with Alzheimer’s until he transitioned peacefully to whatever lies beyond this life. He was surrounded by his loving daughters, Amita, Karen and Jessie Jarmon as well as the love of his life for the past 38 years, Alice Daniel.

Two weeks prior to his passing, his daughters, Karen’s husband Todd Ehrlich, and granddaughters Miriam and Rebekah had a sweet visit with Hal and Alice – a time together that will always be cherished.

Hal was a soulful person who was deeply present with himself and others. He valued and cultivated intimate relationships and never sought to be the center of attention. His children and grandchildren turned to him when in need of a compassionate heart and insightful mind. As we daughters reached out to former colleagues and students to notify them of his passing, we heard repeatedly how working with Hal was the highlight of their careers and/or pivotal in their emotional and professional development.

In 1963 he founded the Child Guidance Clinic at UMass, Amherst, which evolved into the Psychological Services Center. The Center, which he directed from the late 60’s until 1990, continues to train graduate students to work with adults as well as children. Upon retiring from the University, he became the Director of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services at the Southern Jamaica Plain Health Center (SJPHC). He maintained a private practice until the age of 80. In the late 90’s, while contemplating retirement from the SJPHC, Hal initiated a local men’s group for peers at the same stage in life. He organized and facilitated the group for 30 years.

His relationship with his second wife, his beloved Alice, is the stuff movies are made of. They had been in the same social circle as teens, and a very close mutual friend from that circle made a shidduch between them several years after he divorced our mother.  They married in 1985. His name being Hal, and hers being Alice, they referred to themselves (as did we and their friends) as HALICE. As children, he took us on many hikes in the Berkshires and Mt. Monadnock. Halice enjoyed extensive hikes in the Alps and the Sierras. They also spent many happy winters together in beautiful Oaxaca. They loved going for long walks in the Fresh Pond nature preserve just a few blocks from their home. When Alice started to develop dementia 13 years ago, he did not lose patience, tenderness, or respect for her.  Their love was palpable. Everyone commented on it.

Hal was a lover of music, especially classical, folk and bluegrass. He played cello in several amateur chamber groups, participating every summer in the Composers Conference and Chamber Music Workshops at Wellesley College. During the past year, he and his brother Stan played cello and saxophone duets over facetime.  His cello teacher of the past 20 years, Jan Pfeiffer-Rios, played his favorite repertoire at his bedside during his last earthbound days.

He was a devoted and much adored colleague, mentor, therapist and friend.  His family takes solace from knowing he led a life full of integrity and joy.

Graveside funeral is private.  A celebration of Hal’s life will be held via Zoom on February 6.

The family invites donations in Hal’s memory to: The Alzheimer’s Association, www.alz.org or All on the Line (with its mission to end gerrymandering) https://www.allontheline.org

Heddy Kulka-Of Chestnut Hill, on January 6, 2022. Graveside service was held at Mount Hope Cemetery, Pleasantville, New York on Monday

January 10,2022.

S. Bernard Garbose of Needham, MA passed away on January 5, 2022 at the age of 92.  He is survived by his children William (Lynne) Garbose, Simi Singer and Rosalyn (Robert) Nasdor and grandchildren Jonathan (Rebecca) Garbose, Haley Singer, Michael (Samantha) Garbose, Matthew Singer and Justin Nasdor, as well as his good friend Lois Nesson.  He was predeceased by Freda, his wife of 58 years, in 2016.  He was also predeceased by his parents, Haiman and Gertrude Garbose, as well as siblings William Garbose, Esther Garbose and Dorothy Levy.

Bernie was born in Gardner, Massachusetts on December 25, 1929.  He received degrees from Clark University and Babson College.  After serving in the U.S. Army, he returned to Gardner to join Garbose Metal Company, a scrap metal business founded in 1904 by his father.  Bernie ran the business from the late 1950’s until its closure in the late 1990’s.  Bernie and Freda raised their family in Gardner, later moving to Holden, Worcester, and then to Cape Cod.

In addition to his family, Bernie had many passions in his life.  He was an enthusiastic tournament bridge player, regularly attending events in New England and nationally.  For many years, he was an avid golfer, playing throughout the cold winters with his friends at Mt. Pleasant CC.  He supported many civic causes in Gardner, particularly Congregation Ohave Shalom.  He was also a lover of college basketball, Boston sports teams, classical music, Broadway musicals, corn-on-the-cob, tomatoes and spaghetti.  His kind blue eyes and infectious giggle will remain a treasured memory to those who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks friends to consider making a gift to:  North Hill Team Member Support Fund, c/o Patricia Paulin, North Hill Needham, 865 Central Avenue, Needham, MA  02492 or to the Good Shepherd Community Care Hospice (https://gscommunitycare.org/Donate) or to the charity of your choice.

Funeral services, handled by Brezniak Funeral Directors, Inc., will be private.  A celebration of Bernie’s long and happy life will be held via Zoom at a later date.