Obituaries

James E. Labb, 78, passed away on November 14, 2025. Born and raised in Newton, James “Jim” Labb grew up with a deep appreciation for his community and graduated from Newton High School. Throughout his life, he pursued several business endeavors, known for his work ethic, and creativity.

James was the son of Florence and Frank Labb, both of whom predeceased him. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Ben Labb and sister in-law- Nancy Labb. He is survived by his loving companion, Julia Kochetkova, siblings Paul Labb and Nancy Nottonson, and her husband Peter Nottonson, who will remember him for his warmth, humor, and generous spirit.

James took great pride in his children Erica, Dana, and Courtney Labb, and grandchildren, Kaya, Logan, Isabelle, Ori, and Eden.

Music was one of James’ greatest passions. A true lover of the guitar, he especially cherished the timeless sounds of Motown, which filled him with joy throughout his life.

In keeping with the family’s wishes, services will be private. James will be remembered with love by all who knew him.

Sharlene R. Grossman (Trugman), 79, of Watertown, MA, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, educator and friend, passed away on November 14, 2025.

Born in Boston on December 12, 1945, to the late Isaac and Leah Trugman, Sharlene was raised in the West End of Boston and spent summers with her close-knit extended family in Revere Beach.

A proud alumna of Girls’ Latin School, she went on to earn both her undergraduate and master’s degrees from Boston University – beginning a lifelong commitment to learning and education.

Sharlene spent 37 years as a dedicated teacher in the Revere Public Schools, shaping countless young lives with her passion and unwavering belief in her students.  Even after retiring, her love of teaching never waned – she continued to work in various educational positions, inspiring learners of all ages.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 47 years, Steven, with whom she shared a lifetime of love, companionship, and mutual support.  She was the cherished mother of Kara and her husband Andrew, and Deidre and her husband Jason.  Nothing brought her more joy than being “Grammy” to her treasured grandchildren: Brayden, Ember, and Gabby, each of whom lit up her world.

Sharlene will be remembered for her sharp wit, resilience, and her steadfast dedication to her family, friends, and students.

Her funeral service will be held graveside at 1:00 pm on Sunday, November 16, 2025 at Stepiner Cemetery, 776 Baker St., West Roxbury.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her honor may be made to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

Cohen, Elsie (Adler), age 91, of Canton, MA, formerly of Freeport, NY. Passed away November 13, 2025. Beloved wife of the late Marvin H. Cohen. Devoted mother of Rachel Berger, Hugh Cohen and his wife Sylvia. Cherished grandmother of Michelle Kelley and her husband John, Jason Berger, Robert Cohen, Scott Cohen, Stephen Goldstein, and Matthew Goldstein.

 Funeral services will be private. Memorial observance will be at the home of Rachel Berger on Tuesday, November 18^th and Wednesday, November 19^th from 7-9pm with a service at 7:30pm each evening.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Elsie’s memory may be made to the Orchard Cove Scholarship Fund, Orchard Cove, Hadassah, or the charity of your choice.

Sandra “Sandy” Horwitz ( née Weisinger) was born May 2, 1941, and died November 10, 2025, with her daughters, Lauren and Karen Horwitz by her side after a several-year battle with dementia.

Sandra was the only child of Samuel and Rachel Weisinger, though she was raised alongside two girls who had lost their parents, Sonya Shapiro and Harriet Coleman, and who she believed were her sisters until she was older. Sandy met Morton Jay Horwitz, the father of her children, while she was studying for a master’s degree in education  at Harvard, where Morton was earning his PhD.  Morton and Sandra lived in Washington, D.C., and then moved to Brookline, Massachusetts, where they raised their three daughters, Jennifer Ellen, Lauren Sarah, and Karen Michale.  Sandy worked as an English teacher at Maimonides and then Beaver Country Day School, and ultimately ended her career at Beaver as a librarian.

Sandra believed ardently in civil rights and equality for all, and these beliefs are an important part of her legacy. Her values informed her dealings with everyone she came into contact with, and she was an ally for those in marginalized groups.  Sandy loved to travel and meet new people, and her desire to learn about others allowed her to have brief but meaningful connections with those she came into contact with. Sandy also loved animals and was the human companion to several animals throughout her life. She was well-read and taken with Greek mythology and classic literature. Many of her pets–Portia, Atticus, and Sappho–reflected her connection to these works as inspiration. And while Sandra had many challenges throughout her life, she was a survivor. Her grit and determination were a hallmark of who she was.

Sandy is survived by her daughters, Jennifer, Lauren, and Karen, her sons-in-law, Michael Last and Paul Leyva, her granddaughter, Olivia Last, and the father of her daughters, Morton Horwitz. Sandra is also survived by her beloved cousin, Arleen Hantman. Services are private. Sandra will be laid to rest November 14, 2025, at Newton Cemetery and Arboretum.

Kellerman, Steve, of Roslindale, MA, passed away November 8, 2025. Beloved husband of Nancy (Fitzwater) Kellerman. Devoted father of David and Stephanie (Kubick) Kellerman, and Andy Kellerman and Sarah Fish. Loving brother of Martin Kellerman and Susan Neri-Friedwald. Loving uncle of Jenny Kellerman and Stephanie (Selix) Kellerman, and Anna Kellerman. Great uncle of Lauren and Julia Kellerman.

Services at the Zviller Cemetery, 776 Baker St., West Roxbury, MA on Tuesday, November 11, 2025 at 11:00 AM. Following services, memorial observances be will be at the home of Nancy and Steve Kellerman after funeral on Tuesday until 6 pm. Wednesday: 7-9 pm; Thursday: 7-9 pm, Friday: 1-5 and Sunday: 1-5 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations in Steve’s memory may be made to Nehar Shalom synagogue, Chabad of Chestnut Hill and the Community Church of Boston

Winer, Michael G., of Boynton Beach, FL, formerly of Natick, MA passed away November 7, 2025. Beloved husband of the late Marla (Caplan) Winer. Devoted father of Deborah Feldman and her husband Michael. Cherished grandfather of Andrew and his wife Margaret Kelly and Mitchell and his fiancé Maya Lakshmi. Proud great grandfather of Charles and Theodore Feldman. Loving brother of Jeffrey Winer and his wife Ellen. Brother-In-Law of Lynna Lerman and her husband Arthur and Ronald Caplan and his wife Ellen.

Known for his good-natured spirit and warm smile, Michael was the proud owner of a uniform company and a dry-cleaning plant, where he built lasting relationships through honesty, kindness, and a genuine interest in others. His work was more than a business—it was a way to connect with people and brighten their day. He was the grandfather you could always count on—never missing a sports game, school event, or moment to cheer on his grandsons. His greatest joy was being surrounded by his loved ones, sharing stories, laughter, and meals that turned into cherished memories.

Services at Temple Israel of Natick, 145 Hartford St., Natick, MA, on Tuesday, November 11th, 2025 at 2 PM. Interment to follow at Framingham-Natick Hebrew Cemetery. Following services, memorial observance will be at the Millwood Preserve Clubhouse in Framingham from 4-9 PM and Wednesday, November 12th from 7-9 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations in Michael’s memory may be made to the Temple Israel Minyan Fund, 145 Hartford St., Natick, MA 01760.

Michael leaves behind a legacy of kindness and dedication, He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

(In true Cecille fashion, she wrote her own obituary before passing):

Cecille Markell of Quincy passed away on November 4th, 2025. She was the daughter of the late Abraham and Francis (Poley) Markell. Sister of the late Robert Markell and his wife Joan. Cherished Aunt of Dr. Mariana Markell and her husband Dr. Jody Blanco, and Denis Markell and his wife Melissa Iwai. Great Aunt of numerous nieces and nephews including Peter Blanco. Beloved cousin of Michael Levine and his wife Juli, Suzanne Levine, Melissa Blacker and David Rynick, and Howard and Karen Levine, and the late Richard Levine and their families.

She was the Associate Entertainment Editor for the Jewish Advocate for over 20 years. For 12 years she wrote about film and stage personalities for the New England Entertainment Digest. Her first interview was with John Travolta and she concluded with Ryan Reynolds. Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to Children’s Hospital Boston. 

So it goes! Finis!

October 23, 1929 – November 4, 2025

Gertrude “Trudy” Miriam Nemeth (née Cohen) passed away on November 4, 2025, at the age of 96.

Trudy was born in Chelsea, Massachusetts, to Morris and Esther Cohen and grew up in Dorchester and Mattapan. She graduated from Boston Teacher’s College (now the University of Massachusetts Boston) and began her career as a first-grade teacher, a role she held for 20 years.

In the 1950s, Trudy spent two years in Israel, living in Haifa and on Kibbutz Alonim—an experience that remained deeply meaningful throughout her life.

In 1960, she married Leonard I. Nemeth. After a brief time in Gary, Indiana—where their daughter, Rachel Nemeth Cohen, was born—they settled in Lewiston-Auburn, Maine, where they lived for 40 years. Trudy and Leonard were married for 33 years, until his passing in 1994.

A lifelong reader and love of books, Trudy later became a librarian in Auburn, Maine, a position she held for 20 years. She also taught Hebrew school in Lewiston for several years, sharing her love of Jewish learning and culture with younger generations.

Trudy was a dedicated member of Hadassah and the Brandeis Women’s group throughout her life. After moving to Massachusetts to be near her family, she volunteered for 13 years at the Watertown Public Library, where she founded and led the Homebound Program, serving patrons who were unable to visit the library in person.

She is survived by her daughter, Rachel Nemeth Cohen, and son-in-law, Richard Cohen, as well as her two beloved grandchildren, Samuel Lev and Ruby Charlotte. She was predeceased by her brother, Jacob I. Cohen.

Trudy was laid to rest at Sharon Memorial Park.

To view the livestream of the service, please click here.

Judith Arlene Alpert (née Fleisher, formerly Natanson)

Judith “Judy” Arlene Alpert, born Judith Arlene Fleisher on May 28, 1944, in Boston, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on October 31, 2025, at UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester, surrounded by her large and loving family.

The daughter of the late Harry and Lillian Fleisher and sister to the late Phillip Fleisher, Judy was a Boston native whose warmth, humor, and unmistakable presence lit up every room she entered. She was first married to Sidney Natanson for 38 years, with whom she shared many memories and raised her three beloved daughters. Later, she found lasting love and companionship with her husband, Kenneth Alpert, with whom she shared 19 joyful years.

Judy was the devoted mother of Sue Braverman (and her husband Alex), Ivy Natanson, and Amy Sack. She was also the adoring grandmother of Rebecca Davidson (and her husband Scott), Matthew Braverman (and his wife Ashley), Jeffrey Braverman, Jake Braverman, Richard Boran, Samuel Sack, and Sydney Sack – and a proud great-grandmother to Cara, Jaxon, and Emma Braverman, and Lily, Harry, and Charlie Davidson. She cherished her friends and cousins, Stanley and Lisa Litchman, with whom she shared a special bond. She was also sister-in-law to Mark Alpert, and stepmother to the late David Alpert, Elizabeth Lauzon (and her husband, Scott), and Scott Alpert.

The matriarch of a close-knit and loving family, Judy was the glue that held everyone together. Family was her world, and she never missed a chance to celebrate, connect, and make her loved ones feel cherished. She was always at the center of the action – vibrant, social, and fashionable, with a flair for doing things her own way. Whether she was hosting a family gathering, playing Mahjong with her friends, or enjoying a good meal and conversation with her loved ones, Judy brought life and laughter wherever she went.

Judy will be lovingly remembered for her warmth, strength, and devotion – a woman who lived fully, loved deeply, and made sure those around her did too. Judy had a natural charm that drew people in, and she made fast friends wherever she went. Her legacy of love, style, and spirit and her endless amount of stories will continue to inspire her family and all who were lucky enough to know her.

A funeral service will be held at Temple Beth Elohim, 10 Bethel Road, Wellesley, Massachusetts, on Monday, November 3^rd at 11:00 a.m.  Interment will follow at Sharon Memorial Park.

Shiva will be observed at the home of Sue and Alex Braverman, Monday following interment and Tuesday from 4-8 pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made in Judith’s memory to the American Heart Association.

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Carol Callahan. She graced this world for 61 years and was called home on October 30, 2025.

Carol was known for her gentle presence and a heart that embraced life’s simplest joys, she endeavored to spread kindness to all within her reach.

She was born in Framingham, the beloved daughter of the late Richard and Margaret (Sullivan) Callahan.  Carol was a proud alumna of Framingham South High School’s class of 1981 and earned her Bachelor’s degree from Ashford University, now University of Arizona Global Campus (UAGC)  where her approachable demeanor, warm smile, and generous spirit made her a friend to many.

She devoted her professional life to Medi-Tech International, now Marketlab, spanning several decades where she excelled in sales and became a respected figure in her field.

Carol’s soul was as bright as the shores she adored, especially on Cape Cod beaches and the hiking trails she would tread with affection.  For her, those were life’s quiet moments that brought her happiness.

Together, she and James enjoyed traveling, swimming, feeding animals, electric biking or just simply having coffee or watching the sunset with a fine wine in hand.

Carol leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories. She is survived by her sister, Jean Callahan and her husband, Keith Kubacki of Millis, her brother, Richard Callahan and his wife Paula of Westborough and her devoted partner of many years, James Finn.

She also survived by her loving nieces and nephews, Justyn, Brenden, Owen, Amy, Sean and Kody.

We invite her beloved family and friends to gather in unity to celebrate her funeral Mass on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Bridget Church, 863 Worcester Road (Rt. 9) at Framingham Centre.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care of Brezniak Funeral Directors of Newton.