Obituaries

Lara Wolbarsht Morris, 74, of Walpole, MA on April 9, 2021. Daughter of the late Abraham Wolbarsht and Florence (Etelman) Wolbarsht. Beloved wife of Carlton Morris with whom she shared 42 years of marriage. Devoted and loving mother of Jennifer Morris, Debra Hurwitz and her husband Michael, and David Morris. Proud grandmother of Asher and Grayson. Sister of Lawrence Wolbarsht.

As a child, Lara always dreamt of being a mother. Her close, special relationship with her own mother instilled in Lara a devotion to family that made her an adoring mother to her own children. For Lara, raising her family was always her main priority. She enjoyed cheering on her daughter, Jen, in her many dance competitions and her daughter, Deb, with her sporting events. And she loved sharing in their many personal and professional successes as they grew up. She lived each day being the best mother she could be! Lara was also devoted to her family dogs, Sparky and Teddi, and her grand dogs, Kodi and Benzi. Lara’s friends were deeply important to her, and she loved spending time with them playing golf at Spring Valley Country Club during the summers and Mahjong and Canasta year-round. In more recent years, Lara was blessed to become a grandmother to two boys, whom she loved dearly. Seeing Asher and Grayson grow and learn were some of her happiest moments. She loved being their Mimi and she boasted about them to anyone she could.

Burial will be private. Donations in Lara’s memory may be made to Amego, Inc., an organization close to Lara’s heart.  Amego is committed to supporting people living with autism and other developmental disabilities at home, school, work, and as members of their families and communities.

Services incomplete at this time.

Arthur David Altman-of Boston, MA and Wellington, FL, on April 7, 2021. Cherished husband of Nancy, the love of his life. Beloved father to Murray (Barbara), Paul, Margie, Patrick, Marianne, Michael. Grandpa and Papa to his adored grandchildren Michael, Jeremy and Arden. Brother to Henry (Mary) and uncle to Anne (Dan) and Beth (Kirk). Treasured friend to many. A powerhouse of a man, Arthur invested with vigor in all he did, be it business deals, on the fairway or in a game of gin rummy. He was quietly philanthropic, a voracious reader, a fan of British crime dramas and mediocre movies. Arthur loved history, world travel and his Irish Wolfhounds. Above all, he held dear his family and made it his life’s work to ensure that they are happy and safe. With Nancy by his side, he delighted in visits from his children and grandchildren where he would sit at the helm of family dinners filled with stories and laughter. We, his family, pledge to continue this tradition in his honor. He will be profoundly missed. Due to the current travel difficulties of the pandemic, there will be no memorial service at this time. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: MSPCA-Angell, Attn: Donations, 350 South Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02130.

Debra Joan Osnowitz was born  November 6, 1952, in Fargo, North Dakota, and died unexpectedly April 7, 2021. She was valedictorian in high school, graduated early, and moved to Providence to attend Brown in the fall of 1970.

Debi graduated from Brown University with an AB in English and an MAT in English and Education. She went on to receive an MA in Sociology and Women’s Studies and a PhD in Sociology from Brandeis in 2005. She taught Sociology at Clark for a number of years. Among her publications are many articles and a book from Cornell University Press, Freelancing Expertise: Contract Professionals in the New Economy. She was deeply interested in social theory, culture, work, occupations and professions, and organizations. She was continuing her research in sociology when she died.

In the 1970s, Debi was a member of the advocacy group 9to5, part of the National Association of Working Women, where she chaired the group Women in Publishing. She then worked for many years as an editorial freelancer and was a founding member of the Freelance Editorial Association.

She had a unique ability to connect to people across ages and stages regardless of their background, forming deep friendships with people from many stages of life. She was an inspired and inspiring teacher and took enormous pleasure in her students’ success.

She was bright, kind, thoughtful, articulate, curious, and wise. She was funny, serious, prodigiously smart, a steadfast loyal friend. She was extraordinarily generous and insightful. She wrote wonderful letters. She was private, yet open and warm, and freely gave her attention, thoughts, and time. She loved literature and writing. There was a musicality, a youthfulness, and a joyousness to her voice. When she spoke it was as if her voice smiled. She loved people and their stories, and she loved life. She believed in the goodness of people and devoted her life to that goodness, and to trying to be a positive influence in the world. She wanted to use her talents and her skills to make the world a better place.

She loved classical music and played the viola. She loved cats and took great care of those in her family. She was the loving chosen aunt to Emily, Amanda, Anna, and Sophia, and the devoted support of their parents.

She is survived by her brother Daniel, her brother Steve, and her mother, and by numerous heart-broken friends.

Burial was private.

In memory of Debi Osnowitz donations may be made to:

Temple Hillel B’nai Torah or The Sociology Department at Brandeis.

of Newton, MA, 70, husband of Leslie and father of Allison and Jonathan, passed away on April 5, 2021 due to complications from pancreatic cancer.

Robert was born to William and Carolyn (Cox) Colby. He graduated from Fairview High School in Fairview Park, Ohio as class valedictorian, and the University of Michigan. Robert went on to receive a Masters in Arts for Drama Theatre for the Young from Eastern Michigan University and an Ed.D in Human Development from Harvard University.

Robert began his career in higher education as an instructor in theatre at Emerson College in 1977, and  rose through the faculty ranks, becoming  an assistant professor in 1982, earning tenure in 1988, and being promoted to full professor in 2014. He taught both graduate and undergraduate courses in theatre education, theatre for young audiences, and directing. Colby became the faculty assembly head in 2000, serving until 2002 and then again from 2015 to 2017. In 2019, he became Chair of the Department of Performing Arts, serving in that role until his death. As a passionate advocate for his fellow colleagues, he also served as president of the faculty union and was the recipient of four faculty service awards.

He was published in Children’s Theatre Review, Youth Theatre Journal, 2D: Drama/Dance, and Key Concepts in Theatre/Drama Education. He served in an editorial capacity on Youth Theatre Journal, New England Theatre Journal, Children’s Theatre Review, and Applied Theatre Research. He served on various Boards, including American Alliance for Theatre and Education (AATE), Children’s Theatre Foundation and Children’s Theatre Association of America.

He was twice honored for his contributions to the field of Theatre Education by the AATE with the Lin Wright Special Recognition Award (2003), and in 2020 with the Campton Bell Lifetime Achievement Award.

As a theatre director, he directed the regional or national premiere of more than 30 plays written for Young Audiences.

Robert’s contributions to the world of theatre education extend across the United States and the world through the work of his students who admired and loved him, often describing him as the best teacher they ever had. His career legacy will be long and far-reaching.

Robert was a fierce advocate for social justice, equity, and equal opportunity.

In his private life, Robert was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. Playing with his young grandchildren and watching them grow was one of the great joys of his life.

He was generous, kind, thoughtful, and funny. He will be sorely missed.

He is survived by his wife Leslie, his two children, Allison and Jonathan, his three grandchildren, Louisa, Calvin, and Silvia, his mother Carolyn, his siblings Bruce and Nancy, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Due to the pandemic, the services will be private. In lieu of flowers, remembrances in his memory may be made to Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, 1500 Rosecrans Ave., Ste. 200, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 or to ACLU Foundation of MA, 211 Congress St., Boston, MA 02110.

UFLAND, Charles M. (73) of Newton, MA, passed away peacefully at home on April 3, 2021 surrounded by loving family. He was the beloved husband of Sheila (Hass) Ufland; devoted father of daughters Melyssa Wright and Heather Ufland, and late son Andrew Ufland; proud grandfather of Riyanna, Aliyah, Carmella, and Ty Ufland and Anthony Wright; and dear brother of Ted Ufland.

Charlie graduated from Boston English High School in 1965, then attended University of Bridgeport where he fell in love with his beloved wife Sheila of 50 years. In 1976, he started General Mass Marketing LTD, a business that he ran successfully for 45 years. Family and friends were Charlie’s top priority. He loved hosting gatherings and parties for any reason, and always made everyone feel comfortable and at home the minute they walked through his door. He was an animal lover and he most enjoyed spending time at the beach, his award-winning koi pond and gardens, his saltwater fish tank, cooking, and you could always find him belting out a tune.

Charlie had a love for sports. He played basketball, softball, and football with friends and could be found at the gym weightlifting daily. Throughout his kids’ school years, he coached all of their sports teams and was loved by all he coached. When he was not coaching, he was always on the sideline cheering on his kids, and eventually his grandkids. As a longtime Patriots fan, he became a season ticket holder in 1985 and had the great experience of traveling to New Orleans with his daughter for the 2001 Super Bowl to see them win their 1st ring in person.

Charlie was predeceased by his parents Maurice and Helen Ufland and leaves behind family members and many great friends who love and will miss him dearly.

Due to current restrictions, a graveside funeral service will be held on Wednesday, April 7, 2021 at 11:00 AM at the Baker Street Jewish Cemetery in West Roxbury and will be made available over livestream. A link to view the recording of the service can be found here. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Charles’ memory may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Paula Schneider (Aberle, Wallach) 85, of Brookline, an educator, clinical social worker, wife and mother, and grandmother, died of a stroke following a prolonged struggle with Alzheimer’s disease on April 2nd, 2021.  Paula, the younger daughter of Eva Lessuck and Samuel Aberle, was born August 21st, 1935 in the Bronx, New York.   She spent most of her childhood in Jacksonville, Florida where she graduated, as salutatorian, from Landon High School in 1953.   Upon graduating from the University of Pennsylvania in 1957, where she was the president of the Sigma Delta Tau Sorority, she moved on to pursue her master’s degree in social work at Columbia University.  Shortly thereafter she met and married Dr. Martin Wallach, a psychologist at the University of North Carolina and transferred to UNC to complete her master’s degree.  Martin passed away in the Spring of 1964 and Paula remained in Chapel Hill, where she ran the Head Start program before relocating with her son, Lewis, to Boston in 1968 to work in the Boston Juvenile court.  She married Herbert Schneider, a widower with two children, Daniel and Janet, on December 15th, 1968 and the couple settled in South Brookline.  Paula and Herb became parents again when their son Sam was born in 1971.  Shortly thereafter, Paula returned to work, this time as a clinical social worker at the Cambridge Hospital.  She later moved on to the Gifford School in Weston and finally into academia, teaching in the social work department at Regis College.  She later earned a PhD in Law, Policy and Society at Northeastern University.  Married for thirty years, Paula and Herb also enjoyed working together in private practice as couples’ therapists.  After Herb suffered a debilitating stroke in 1996, Paula redirected her energy toward his care and comfort until he passed away in 1998.  Family was of tremendous importance to Paula, and she loved spending time with her children and grandchildren, as well has her many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Paula’s family, friends, colleagues and former students will no doubt remember her as bright, articulate, energetic, athletic and vivacious.  She is survived by her son, Lewis, and his wife Elizabeth Abbe and their sons, Martin, Leo and Jacob of Pacific Palisades, CA and her son Sam and his wife Sonia and their daughters Sophia and Hallie of Brookline, MA and her step-son, Danny and his children Jessica, Julia and Eli of Sharon, MA and, stepdaughter, Janet and son Denis of Methuen, MA.

A private burial will be held at Temple Emeth Memorial Park in West Roxbury. A celebration of her life will be held at a date to be determined.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Paula’s name can be made to Rosie’s Place, 889 Harrison Ave., Boston, MA 02118, or Jewish Family and Children’s Services, 1430 Main St., Waltham, MA 02451.

Saul Kurlat- of Cambridge. April 1, 2021. Beloved husband of the late Gitta Kurlat. Saul’s life story was the American dream: his brilliance, persistence and hard work moved him from poverty to success. Trained at Georgia Tech as an engineer, he built Eikonics, a firm that pioneered innovative photographic and imaging processes. In retirement he devoted time and resources to philanthropy, focusing particularly on health research and addressing the needs of children and the elderly. Saul was a blessing to his friends and to his community, generous in his concerns and his support of many individuals and institutions. Donations in Saul’s memory may be made to Temple Israel of Boston or 2Life Communities. Funeral services are private.

Tova (Friedlander) Ginsberg, of Wilton Manors, Florida, at age 94, on March 28, 2021. Beloved wife of the late David Ginsberg. Loving mother of Lee Ginsberg, Wilton Manors, Fl and his husband Mark Winner, Wilton Manors, Fl. Dear sister of Dov Friedlander of Jerusalem, Israel.

Tova was born in Dusseldorf, Germany on April 17, 1926 and moved to Haifa, Israel as a child in the 1930s with her family to flee war torn Germany. In Israel she met her future husband, David, who was also a childhood neighbor and friend, they were married for almost 50 years before David passed away in 1998.

After marrying Tova and David moved from Israel to Buffalo, NY in 1956 where they both completed their master’s in education at The University of Buffalo. Ten years later they welcomed their son Lee to the family in April of 1966. In 1974 the family moved to Newton, MA.

In Newton Tova and David were both dedicated and talented Jewish Educators as well as vibrant participants in the local Jewish community. Tova retired from teaching in 2000 and spent the remainder of her life enjoying travel and spending time with her son.

Burial will be private. Donations in her memory may be made to Combined Jewish Philanthropies of Greater Boston, 126 High St., Boston, MA 02110.

Harvey Peters passed away peacefully on March 24, at the Care Dimensions Hospice Home in Lincoln, MA after a long battle with cancer. He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Frances, his son Joshua, his daughter Suzanne, his beloved granddaughter Eva Isadora, and her father Tony Hernandez and his sisters, Jane and her husband Jerry , Nanci  and his nieces and nephews.  He was the guiding force for his family, whom he loved above all, as well as for his many friends who relied on him for his calm, good-humored nature. As a trial attorney, he practiced law for many years, bringing the same integrity to his work which he did to all of his personal relationships. He will be greatly missed, but never forgotten, by those who knew him.

Donations may be made in his name to St. Jude, to Melanoma research at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center or at Massachusetts General Hospital, or to Care Dimensions Hospice House in Lincoln, MA.

Please click here to view a recording of the service.