Obituaries

Florence (Ober) Mann, formerly of Newton, MA entered into eternal rest on September 6, 2021 at the age of 94. She was the loving daughter of the late Dora (Goldstein) Ober and the late Louis Ober and sister of the late Ruth (Ober) Fleischer, Miriam Ober, and Herbert Ober.

Florence was the devoted wife of the late Theodore “Teddy” Mann, and a loving mother and mother-in-law to their five children and spouses, Leslie and Alan Kaplan of Newton, Rick and Sophie Mann of Newton, Eric and Karen Mann of Chelmsford, Deb and Stu Schmill of Needham, and Stacie and Alan Shapiro of Needham. She was preceded in death by her adored granddaughter Becca Schmill and is survived by nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, all of whom she loved dearly. She is also survived by her cherished niece, Judy Herman, of Ashland.

Florence grew up in Brookline and graduated from Brookline High School in 1945. She met Teddy in September of 1949 and they were married four months later. They remained happily married for 44 years, until his passing in April of 1994.

Aside from her family, Florence’s great loves included crossword puzzles, mystery novels, coffee ice cream (especially Brigham’s), and chocolate fudge. As an independent thinker with strong liberal views, she never hesitated to share her political opinions with anyone who would listen.

Florence was a fixture in the City of Newton where her husband served as Mayor for a quarter of a century. She was a volunteer at the Newton Fund for the Arts and the Arthritis Foundation and a long-standing member of Temple Mishkan Tefila. But her starring role was always as a mother. She considered her children to be her greatest accomplishment in life and dedicated herself to their happiness. In turn, her children were deeply devoted to her.

She will be missed by many and forgotten by none.

Funeral services will be for family only at gravesite. To view the recording of Florence’s service please click here.

Shiva will be by Zoom on Sunday, September 12, 2021 from 7 pm – 8:30 pm. Join the Shiva using the following link here.

Donations in Florence’s memory can be made to Boston Medical Center, c/o “Becca’s Gift,” Office of Development, 801 Massachusetts Ave., Boston, MA 02118 and Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation, P.O. Box 414238, Boston, MA 02241-4238.

If you would like to leave a condolence note, please visit Florence’s obituary here.

Services at Kaminker Cemetery, 776 Baker St., West Roxbury, MA.

Fox, Steven Howard, age 66, after a long bout with Cancer. A real estate contractor for over 40 years, Steven was loved by all those who had the privilege of knowing him. Beloved brother of Alan and Robert Fox and predeceased by his late parents Morris and Pearl (Monson) Fox. He leaves loving sisters in-law- Sara and Terry Fox, nieces, Alexandra and Rebecca Fox, nephews, Michael, Matthew, and Eric Fox, and last but not least loyal friends and cousins, too many to mention, but all strong lifelong brothers and sisters at heart. Steve will always be remembered for his gregarious personality and humor mixed in with movie star looks and most of all his undivided loyalty to his family and friends through thick and thin. Graveside service at Sharon Memorial Park, 40 Dedham St., Sharon, MA on Thursday, September 9, 2021 at 1:45 pm . A celebration of Steve’s life will be announced later. Donations in his memory may be made to Lauren Beth Breslof Memorial Fund, 2 Partridge Hill, Sharon, MA 02067.

Freedman, Paul A., of Boston, MA, formerly of Chelsea and Medford, MA, passed away September 2, 2021. Beloved husband of Merle Adelson. Dear son of Ruth Freedman and the late Philip Freedman. Loving brother of Bess Horn and the late Jimmy Freedman. Graveside service at Linhas Hatzedek Cemetery, 232 Fuller St., Everett, MA, on Sunday, September 5, 2021 at 1pm. A link to view the funeral service can be found here. In lieu of flowers, donations in Paul’s memory may be made to MA General Hospital, c/o The General Fund, 55 Fruit St., Boston, MA 02114.

Jane Bode Brown, of Brookline, Massachusetts, passed away on August 28, 2021, in her home after a long fight with ovarian cancer.  She spent her final days surrounded by her family and close friends. She was 72.

Born in London, England, Jane emigrated to Canada with her family in 1954 and then to the United States, settling in East Longmeadow, MA.  She graduated from Bates College in 1969, where she met her husband Steve and made many lifelong friends.  Jane had an exceptional eye for art and design, was an avid traveler, and enjoyed collecting sea glass while taking long walks on the beach with Steve near their second home in Saco, ME, often joined by her children, grandchildren and family friends.

An innovator and pioneer in the field of college and university enrollment management, Jane led a distinguished career in higher education spanning 40 years and touching the lives of countless students, administrators, and faculty.  Originally trained as a clinical speech pathologist, Jane joined the administration of Emerson College (Boston, MA) after serving as a faculty member, eventually serving as Dean of Admissions and Vice President for Enrollment.  She later served as Vice President for Enrollment Management at Mt. Holyoke College (South Hadley, MA) and Northeastern University (Boston, MA).  Her legacy at Emerson, Mount Holyoke and Northeastern includes building accomplished student bodies with diverse academic interests from all walks of life, and a deep commitment to increasing opportunities for students from underserved communities.  Jane’s work ethic and strategic mindset were matched only by the grace, compassion, and empathy she displayed in every aspect of her work and life.

Though Jane’s professional accomplishments were considerable, her greatest joy was found in her family. Jane is survived by her devoted husband and partner of 50 years, Steve Brown, children Jessie (Chris Fanelli) and Noah (Anne), grandchildren Ben, Leif, Nina, Janie (“Yaya”), and Nick — all of whom were the true lights of her life — sister Sharon Corliss, brother-in-law John, nephew Alec, and her father Robert Bode.  She was predeceased by her mother, Lorna.

A memorial service will be held in Bigelow Chapel at Mount Auburn Cemetery, 580 Mt. Auburn Street, Cambridge, MA, on Friday, September 3, 2021 at 12pm.  The facility requests that all attendees be vaccinated and wear masks.  The family is planning to hold a celebration of Jane’s life in the future when public gatherings are safe.  In lieu of flowers, please consider honoring Jane’s memory with a gift to the Posse Foundation (possefoundation.org) or the Dana Farber Cancer Institute (dana-farber.org/gift).

A link to view her service can be found here

Judith Shapsay Marmor passed away Monday, August 30, 2021 in Boca Raton, FL. She was the lifelong partner and devoted wife of fifty-nine years to Isaac “Joe” Marmor. Together they built a close family, instilled Jewish family values, and ran successful businesses in Quebec City, Canada. Judith owned her own children’s wear boutiques for close to 25 years, where everyone knew her.  She was the beloved mother and mother-in-law of Stephen and Stacey Marmor, Eta Marmor Chansky and Neil Chansky, Bonnie Marmor and Benjamin Linden, and watched over them and their families. Judith’s greatest passion was being a loving, doting and proud Bubbie to Gabriella and Daniel Chansky, Justin, Noah and Sasha Linden, and Hannah and Sarah Marmor. She adored her grandchildren and they loved her. She was the sister and sister-in-law of Adeline Shapsay, Barbara Shapsay, the late Doris and the late George Litman, Rina and the late Julius Bercovitch. Judy will be deeply missed by her nieces, nephews, close friends, and family all over the world. Being friends with Judith meant you were family.  Funeral service will be held at Temple Israel, 145 Hartford St, Natick, MA, Thursday, September 2 at 2:00 pm. Those attending the funeral service are required to be over the age of twelve and fully vaccinated. Burial at Beit Olam East Cemetery, 42 Concord Rd, Wayland, MA. Shiva will be held at the home of Ben and Bonnie Linden in Natick on Thursday following burial service until 8:00 pm, Friday, 2-6 pm, Sunday, 2-5 and 7-9 pm.  Evening services at 7:30 pm. Due to the advent of Rosh Hashanah, shiva ends Monday. Contributions in Judith’s memory may be made to the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America (www.myasthenia.org).

For those unable to attend the Funeral service at Temple Israel, please access the livestream here.  or go to the Temple Israel homepage (www.tiofnatick.org) and click livestream in the upper right corner, and then click the forward, play arrow in the middle of the livestream page.

Ralph M. Warrington, III of Sarasota, FL and Saratoga Springs, NY passed away on August 29, 2021. Beloved husband of Freda A. (Spector) Warrington. Devoted father of Alisa R. Fisher (Scott Fisher) and Daniel A. Warrington (Sheri Vitali). Dear grandfather to Camryn, Kaylee, and Nicholas Fisher, and Marianna, Rocco, and Matteo Warrington. Loving brother of Nancy Warrington Bacon (the late Robert Bacon), Robert Warrington (Debora Downie) and Richard Warrington (Dawn Huber).

Ralph was born in Cambridge on April 28,  1943 to Dorothy Burkett Warrington and Ralph M. Warrington, Jr. He grew up in Arlington, MA and went to Tufts Engineering and graduate school at the University of Washington. He and Freda Spector Warrington were married for 54 years and shared the happiness of children and grandchildren. He thought of Freda’s brothers as his own…Reynold Spector, Arthur Spector and Alfred Spector.  Ralph enjoyed his gardens, his kayaking, his friendships. During a 37 year career with Shell Oil Company designing, constructing and installing deepwater platforms offshore California and in the Gulf of Mexico, he spent a lot of time in Korea, Japan, China, and Australia and explored the United States with the family.

Burial services are private but Ralph’s friends will know that he loved them dearly. Remembrances in Ralph’s memory may be made to your favorite charity or to a multiple sclerosis organization such as Accelerated Cure Project, 460 Totten Pond Rd., Suite 140, Waltham, MA 02451.

Ravech, Sarah (Ansin), of Newton, MA formerly of Fort Worth, TX, passed away August 25, 2021. Devoted mother of Linda Mesnik and her husband Peter, and Jim Ravech and his wife Kellie. Loving grandmother of Amara Mesnik, Ben Mesnik, Lizzy Mesnik, Lindsay Ravech Moore, Michelle Ravech Kingston, and Katherine Ravech. Proud great grandmother of Aubree Moore, Abbie Rose Moore, Chase Moore, KJ Kingston, and Kohen Kingston. Loving sister of Alane Ansin Youngentob and her husband Gene, and Leonard Ansin and his wife Jane.

Sarah grew up in Boston, MA, raised her family in Fort Worth, TX, and recently moved back to Newton, MA. She was an avid painter and artist, loved working on her jigsaw puzzles, and had a natural green thumb. Sarah was a dedicated volunteer for different mental health and cancer associations. She was recognized as volunteer of the year at the Mental Health Association of Tarrant County. She was a good friend and mentor to friends and neighbors. She will be greatly missed by all who loved her.

Services are private. In lieu of flowers, donations in Sarah’s memory may be made to 2life Communities, www.2lifecommunities.org

Sharon Ring Knopping, of East Hanover, NJ., August 25, 2021. Beloved mother of Susan Knopping, Jeffrey Knopping, and the late Edward Knopping. Dear grandmother of Rachel Talbert, Gregory Knopping, Ross Talbert, and Jacob Knopping. A private family Graveside Service will be held on Sunday, August 29, 2021. Remembrances in memory of Sharon may be made to Alley Cat Allies, 7920 Norfolk Ave., Suite 600, Bethesda, MD., 20814 or to projectmorry.org/donate.

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Barbara Jacobs.

Barbara was born on August 28, 1952, to David and Pearl Jacobs in Sharon, MA. Barbara was the youngest of three children.

Throughout her life Barbara’s focus was devotion to her parents and family. Barbara graduated from Boston University and entered a career in education that lead to elementary teaching positions in Sharon and Delray Beach, FL. Barbara enjoyed her role as an educator and tutored young students privately. Barbara also created jewelry and used calligraphy, producing commercial menus and invitations in her spare time.

In her younger years Barbara was an adventurous daughter, little sister, cousin, and friend living by Lake Massapoag. Barbara was eager to water ski, swim, and skate on that beautiful lake that became the center of an active childhood.

As a devoted daughter, Barbara returned to Sharon to care for her father in his time of need. Barbara and her Mom were always best friends, helping and supporting each other. Each night they told each other short stories to remember family events to end their day. Family and tradition were always the defining centers of Barbara’s life. She always delighted in the news of her family’s adventures and achievements.

Barbara is survived by her mother Pearl of Sharon, brother Jim of Sharon, brother Ron and his wife Linda of Napa, their son Scott and his wife Heather, and their son Oliver of Kenwood, California.

A graveside service will be held at 10:45 a.m. on Sunday at Sharon Memorial Park, 40 Dedham St, Sharon, MA, where Barbara will be laid to rest near her father, and the aunts and uncles that were so important to her life. Please click here to view a recording of the service.