WESTON, Mass. – Julius “Zeci” Goos of Naples Fla. passed away peacefully in his sleep the early morning of Sept. 21, 2020. Born Sept. 8, 1922, in Bangor, Zeci just celebrated his 98th birthday with his family by his side. Zeci was a quiet, unassuming, humble man – a real mensch! His Yiddish name “Zeci” appropriately translates in English to “Sweet”.
Growing up on York Street in Bangor, Zeci and his family were prominent members of the Bangor Jewish community. Zeci was proud of the fact that his father, the first in his family to emigrate to the United States in the early 20th Century, worked hard to bring over 10 family members from Europe to the United States and Canada. Religious observance was an important part of his family heritage and he remained committed to Judaism in all forms. Zeci remained close to his three siblings, Albert Goos, Ruth Goos Lotker, and Adelle Goos Rubin who predeceased him. Zeci’s childhood job was helping his father in his cow brokerage business translating English to Yiddish. As a school age child, Zeci was a great baseball player and loved baseball throughout his life. He was an avid Red Sox fan, watching the 10-2 victory over the Yankees the night he passed.
Zeci studied mechanical engineering at the University of Maine Orono class of 1944. During World War II his military service involved working on the Manhattan Project in Oakridge, Tenn. designing cooling systems for separating uranium and safety protocols to prevent radiation exposure during the manufacture of the atomic bomb. Following the war, he worked as an engineer for Union Carbide in New York City.
Zeci moved back to Maine where through his sister, Adelle, he met her good friend and his wife of 68 years, Charlotte Kofman Goos who predeceased him just 11 weeks ago. Zeci and Charlotte moved to Augusta and Zeci established a business as a wholesale distributor of poultry. He was very well respected by his workers and clients alike as an honorable, honest, hard-working businessman. Upon retiring, he partnered in Charlotte’s antique business traveling to antique shows throughout New England. For the past 25 years, Charlotte and Zeci divided their time between Naples, Fla. and East Winthrop. He and Charlotte were avid golfers at Augusta Country Club and Country Side in Naples. He and Charlotte remained jitterbug dancers well into their 90s.
Charlotte and Zeci were founding members of Temple Beth El in Augusta. Among his many roles at the synagogue, Zeci conducted Friday night services as a lay rabbi, led Passover community seder, and taught young students how to lay tefillin. In 2005, he celebrated a second Bar Mitzvah 70 years after his first. One of the fondest family memories was listening to Zeci simultaneously translate the Passover Haggadah from English to Yiddish to Hebrew during the family seder.
Zeci is survived by his children and in-laws, Stanley Goos and Susan Parker, Sylvia Goos Greene and Steve Greene, and Dr. Sam Goos and Sarah Goos. He is survived by his grandchildren, Dr. Ben Parker Goos, Sophie Parker Goos, Max Greene and his wife Caroline Greene, Jake Greene, Zach Goos, and Ariel Goos.
Zeci was be laid to rest next to his wife, Charlotte, in a ceremony at Temple Beth El Memorial Park in Portland.
Gloria Asquith passed away on September 17th, 2020. She was wife of the late Lawrence Asquith and they were married for 70 years. She was the sister of the late Roberta Shriber and Malcom Shriber. Beloved mother of Joan Asquith Shrier and Scott Shrier, Matthew Kaufman and the late Marcia Kaufman. Grandmother to Sara Kaufman (Danny), Emily Kaufman (Chris), Jason Shrier (Hannah), and Elizabeth Shrier Wolf (Georg). Great grandmother to Max, Zoe, Wilder, Brooks and Gray. Gloria lived in Newton all her adult life and raised her family there. She loved classical music, the arts, theatre and travel. Her favorite spot was Bellagio, Italy where she traveled to every year with her husband.
Donations in her memory can be made to the The Jewish National Fund, or The Dana Farber Jimmy Fund Walk, Team Tara.
Bornstein, Esther (Litcofsky), of Randolph, formerly of Brockton, MA, on September 17, 2020. Beloved wife of the late David Bornstein. Devoted mother of Paul and his wife Paula Bornstein, and the late Gary and Robert Bornstein. Proud grandmother of David Bornstein. Loving sister of the late Sylvia Brody, Mark Lane, Anne Mazor, and Sarah Bolin. Loving aunt of Karyn Smith and her husband Paul, and many nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews. Services are private. In lieu of flowers, donations in Esther’s memory may be made to the National Tay-Sachs and Allied Disease Association, 2001 Beacon St., #204, Boston, MA 02135.
Rebecca “Becca” Mann Schmill of Needham, MA, passed away unexpectedly from an accidental drug overdose on September 16, 2020, at the age of 18. Becca was the loving daughter of Stuart and Debra Schmill of Needham, MA, and the adoring sister of Samantha Schmill. A recent graduate of the Cambridge School of Weston, Becca had been accepted at the University of Richmond.
Becca was a beautiful and caring person with a gift for making those around her feel loved and appreciated. Her smile could light up a room. Her passion for life and vibrant spirit were hallmarks of her personality. She was adventurous, curious, and willful. She was a sensitive soul.
Becca had an innate sense of equity and fairness that led her to become involved in issues of social justice. There is no doubt that she would have pursued these issues in meaningful ways had she not been taken so soon.
In addition to her parents and sister, Becca is survived by her maternal grandmother, Florence Mann of Newton, MA, her paternal grandfather, Hyman Schmill of St. Charles, IL, and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins all of whom loved her more than words can express, and none of whom will ever forget her. She was also blessed with many close friends who share in the family’s profound loss.
Hers was a life full of potential, tragically cut short. But we are all grateful for each precious moment we had with her.
Becca’s passing at such a young age leaves a void in the hearts of all who loved her, a void that will never truly be filled. But we can all help provide some meaning to this otherwise senseless tragedy by supporting one or more of the following organizations in her memory, all of which were important to Becca: Jane Doe Inc., The Massachusetts Coalition Against Sexual Assault, donate online https://janedoe.org, or call (617) 248-0922, or Black Lives Matter donate online at https://blacklivesmatter.com, or Community Health Partnership-Honduras, donate online https://www.chp-honduras.org, or call (508) 237-1384.
Funeral Services will be private due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
A link to Becca’s funeral service can be found below.
“Our hearts ache. They ache for all the smiles we will never see, and the hugs we will never feel. Our hearts ache for the pain Becca’s death has caused our extended family, and each of her many, many close friends. Our hearts ache for the tragedy of losing our beautiful, kind, fun-loving daughter, before she reached her 19th birthday.
Our love for Becca was and is endless. No loss is easy, but this one is unimaginable and untenable. As has been mentioned by others, Becca was a bright light in a dark room. She was funny, adventurous, willful and determined. Not always determined in the ways we would have wanted, but it was still one of her most admirable qualities.
Her willfulness was evident even at a very early age, when as a toddler, her Uncle Ricky commanded her in a playful moment: “Don’t even think about being so cute”… to which she immediately replied with a twinkle in her eye… ”I’m thinking about it.”
From the time she was born, Becca was determined not to miss out on anything. As a result, we missed out on a great deal of sleep. Becca’s adventurous, fun-loving spirit was a source of great joy for everyone around her. She was absolutely adored by her grandmother and grandfather, and all her aunts, uncles and cousins. Likewise, Becca looked forward to every gathering of her local family members and every trip to see her family in New York and Chicago.
Becca quickly adopted a second family and home when she started spending her summers at Camp Chimney Corners. She spent the school year counting the days until camp. To her, there was nothing better than being with a bunk of girlfriends sharing their deepest thoughts and dreams, and challenging themselves and growing together. At camp, Becca was known as a peacemaker and a leader. Becca learned the strength of true friendship and loyalty, and developed a strong sense of self-worth as a female at camp. Camp was a highlight of her much too short life.
She made some of the most enduring friendships of her life at camp and many have contacted us since hearing of Becca’s death. This is a quote from one of those friends:
“Becca was a master of balance. Her life traveled with the present, her relationships grounded in a perpetual past. Both light and heavy, Becca defied the societal heaviness to which I conformed. She was, and she is. I don’t think I will ever meet someone like her again.
“The weight of Becca’s life will be with me forever, but so will her lightness. And this is what makes Becca so special because in the heavy folds of our friendship exists bursts of light—so many laughs and hugs, smiles, and dances.”
Becca’s belief in herself gave her a determination that was unwavering and not always welcomed by us. Whenever we asked why she was doing something she wasn’t supposed to do, she would say with a sly smile, “because it’s fun.”
Becca had a way of getting into your heart, with her big brown eyes, sweet demeaner and desire to heal what ailed you. She was not just our daughter. She was our friend. She comforted us when we were in pain.
For those who might not know, Becca was also a Busker (a street performer) for a short while when we lived in Jamaica Plain. She had decided that she needed to earn her keep. She was 14, and surely the youngest busker in JP at the time. She would carry her guitar and tip jar to Centre Street, sit on the sidewalk and play, often with voice accompaniment of her friend Dani. After a few hours she would collect her earnings and treat us all to dinner. Every time she headed out with her guitar, I would tell her she needed a permit to busk and that the police were going to approach her one day. And sure enough, one day a policeman approached her… and put a $1 bill in her tip jar.
Becca was a joy and we are left with so many wonderful memories of time spent with her:
– Our annual camping trips with friends, sitting around the campfire playing games and eating smores.
– Visits to various presidential libraries and museums (Becca knew more about Rutherford B. Hayes …. than Rutherford B. Hayes did)
– Dad and Becca’s annual summer trip to The No Name restaurant
– Mom and Becca singing the “Luna song,” always ending with a big laugh and a hug
– Family vacations filled with hand holding and hugs
– Long talks and walks together discussing her dreams and her struggles
By the time Becca was 18 and nearing her 19th birthday, she had faced quite a few challenges. But she honestly never complained. She was incredibly brave, and as her parents, we are so very proud of who she was, how she lived her life fully.
Today is a terribly sad day, but now is not only a time for tears. If all we do is cry, we will fail Becca and ourselves. Today we need to remember her smile, her happiness, and the unmitigated joy she brought to all of our lives.
A school friend of Becca’s maybe said it best: “She managed to make those around her smile even when she wasn’t in our presence and I know all will continue to remember how big of a role she played in our lives. She will always be loved and always be in our hearts.”
Today we also must remember Becca’s struggles and how she fought to overcome them. We must remember that Becca was, above all, a human being, full of contradictions, strengths and weaknesses. And that human beings die. That is the destiny we all share.
All we can really hope for… from a life well lived… is to be remembered as being kind to others and loved by those who truly knew us. In her almost 19 years, Becca achieved what many never achieve in a hundred.
She was kind, she was loving, and she was so very much loved.”
The following tribute was received from the Community Health Partnership-Honduras, an organization for which Becca volunteered in providing medical services to impoverished villagers in Honduras.
“In our decades of working in Honduras, we have had exactly one child out of hundreds, just one, come back to the states and of her own volition start organizing local drives to generate funds and materials to help the people in those rural regions- that was, of course, Becca. She and Deb came with us to La Florida, Honduras 4 years ago, and, according to the townspeople there, Miriam and Hugo, Doctors Gloria and Maria, the honey vendor next to the dental clinic, Dona Reina, and everyone who visited the clinic, they never left. On every subsequent trip, kids, parents, and practitioners, always ask about Becca. And although she was shy, quiet and unassuming, everyone, everyone, especially kids, gravitated to her- oftentimes she was surrounded, no, she was swarmed by kids in her clinic- they all just wanted to be near her. Her natural kindness, her humor, and her patience in a clinic filled with patients every day, resonated with them all. She was a light for our entire team and the Town of La Florida. And so, I offer not only our grief at the loss of Becca who we love, but the grief of a faraway community who, for their part, loved her too. She touched them all. May she know peace.”
Bernice Sandler-Formerly of Newton, MA, on September 13,2020. Bernice was the beloved mother of Barbara Brown and her husband Robert, David Sandler and his wife Yoko. Dear grandmother of Nicholas Brown and his wife Caitlin, Sara Berenson and her husband Evan, Molly Irwin and her husband Dennis, Michael Sandler, and Rachel Sandler and her husband James. Bernice is survived by 5 great-granddaughters. She often said she was grateful for having had two great loves, her husband Frank for 48 years and her close friend Louis Gershman for 14 years. She loved to dance, Frank Sinatra being one of her favorites. She had a very close friendship with her cousin Sandy Litner and family. Her friends were extremely important to her, especially Dorothy Freniere, Roberta and Bernie Cole and Lotte Goldberg. Her growing up years were difficult especially because of her brother Benjamin dying at 23 in World War 11 and her parents never really recovering. However, she was strong and made a wonderful life with her husband Frank. She worked for many years, first for the family dry cleaning business and then in various offices, the most years being at William James College which provided many friendships, earning the position of Assistant Registrar. She will be missed by many. Remembrances may be made to National Ovarian Cancer Coalition, 12221 Merit Drive, Suite 1950, Dallas, TX 75251. Email: nocc@ovarian.org. www.ovarian.org. Donation page:https://events.ovarian.org/nocc/Donate
Selvyn Seidel- died from a catastrophic fall. Beloved husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, brother-in-law, uncle, lawyer and friend. Cherished for his optimism, kindness, intelligence, sense of humor, generosity and wisdom. Survived by Deborah, his wife of 50 years, daughter Emily Carroll, son-in-law Robert Carroll and grandchildren Claire and Charlie. Funeral private. Celebration of his life at a later date. Contributions in his memory to American Friends of Oxford University or UC Berkeley School of Law.
Leslie Karen Lerner of Brookline, MA passed away unexpectedly on September 11, 2020, at the age of 75. Leslie was the devoted daughter of the late Nathan and Anne Lerner, loving sister of John and Linda Lerner of Newton and Scott Lerner of Delray Beach, FL, and the caring aunt of Jeffrey and Jill Lerner, Adam and Stacey Lerner, April Van Dam, and Caroline and Alex Stangle. Leslie was also the proud great- aunt to nine nieces and nephews. A graduate of Brookline High and The Chandler School, she was a long-time executive secretary at Chelsea Industries. She was also the Administrator of The Joseph and Clara Ford Foundation, overseeing the philanthropic efforts made possible by one of the founders of Brandeis University. Leslie’s interests included the love of her dog Lulu, antiquing at Brimfield, walking around the Reservoir, playing Mahjong, and dedicating her time and support to many worthy charities. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her and loved her. Due to current circumstances, her funeral will be private. Donations in Leslie’s memory may be made to Joslin Diabetes Center, Inc., One Joslin Place, Boston, MA 02215.
Stanley Jay Rosenberg, M.D. of Newton, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully at home on September 9, 2020. As a physician, he was admired by patients and colleagues for his compassion and dedication to teaching. As a father and grandfather, he was adored for his complete and unselfish love, support, advice, and the humor with which he approached every situation. As a husband, he was a loving companion, hiking partner, and best friend for over 59 years.
Stan was born on July 13, 1937 to Harold and Marion Rosenberg of Boston, MA. He was raised in Dorchester and West Roxbury, MA and attended Boston Latin School, graduating in 1956. Stan prepared for a career in medicine by studying for a B.S. in Chemistry and Biology at Tufts University, graduating Magna Cum Laude in 1960. During his freshman year he met Maxine Lavine, who would later be his wife for over 59 years. He then attended the Yale University School of Medicine. Maxine joined him in New Haven after their marriage in 1961, where they celebrated the birth of their daughter Phylis and then their son Harold. Stan graduated M.D., Cum Laude, from Yale University School of Medicine in 1964. Their son Daniel was born while Stan was in the Public Health Service in Albany, NY in 1967.
Stan’s professional life was marked by his care and compassion for his patients, his dedication to teaching and mentoring generations of gastroenterology fellows, and a passion for improving the quality of care for patients. After graduating from Yale, Stan did residencies at the Beth Israel Hospital in Boston, served in the US Public Health Service, and completed his fellowship in the gastroenterology department of the Boston University School of Medicine. In 1971 he entered private practice in gastroenterology. In 1989, Stan joined the full-time faculty of the Beth Israel Hospital, where he remained until his retirement in 2015. Throughout his career he maintained a strong affiliation and involvement with teaching programs at Beth Israel Hospital and the Harvard Medical School. From 1971 until his retirement he held appointments as an Instructor, and then Assistant Professor of Medicine, at the Harvard Medical School. His clinical activities were primarily in general gastroenterology, with special interest in esophageal disorders and endoscopy. He was the Director of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy at the Beth Israel from 1985 through 1996 and was the acting Chief of the Division of Gastroenterology from 1994 through 1996. He also served as the Director of Quality Assurance and GI Endoscopy Training Director. Stan was the co-author of a number of published papers and studies, including as the primary author of a paper in the highly respected journal Nature. Even after his formal retirement he continued to practice, working with the Maven project to bring his expertise to under served communities.
Stan’s personal interests were driven by his family, an enjoyment of the outdoors, and a love of music. Family hiking trips to the White Mountains in New Hampshire led to a lifelong love of hiking and the outdoors. Stan and Maxine traveled the world, hiking in mountains all over North America, South America, Europe, Africa, and Asia. He loved sharing these experiences with old friends and those he met along the way. As an adult, he fulfilled his ambition to learn the oboe, and in the process became passionate about the mission of the All Newton Music School to bring musical instruction and experiences to the community. He volunteered at the school for many years and served as the President of the Board of Directors from 1984 to 1987.
Stan was always an interested listener, a trusted advisor, a steadying presence, and a beloved friend to his children and grandchildren. His caring and humor in difficult situations, his gratitude for the blessings of his life even when dealing with personal setbacks, and his constant care for the well-being of his family and friends have served as an inspiration for all who knew him. He will be deeply missed.
Stan is lovingly remembered by his wife, Maxine Lavine Rosenberg; his daughter and son-in-law Phylis and Joseph Crosby; his son Harold Rosenberg and daughter-in-law Melora Goosey; his son and daughter-in-law Daniel and Sheri Rosenberg; his grandchildren: David Brunet, Corine Rosenberg, Raquel Goosey, Joshua Brunet, Jacob Rosenberg, and Ethan Rosenberg; his brother and sister-in-law Lewis and Paula Rosenberg; and his brother and sister-in-law Kenneth and Carol Rosenberg.
All are invited to share remembrances at https://tinyurl.com/rememberingSJR. In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Stanley may be made to All Newton Music School at https://www.allnewton.org/donate or by check made payable to “All Newton Music School” with “Stanley Rosenberg” on the memo line and mailed to: All Newton Music School, 321 Chestnut Street, West Newton, MA 02465 or to Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center’s GI General Fund at bidmc.org/giving or by check made payable to “BIDMC” with “Stanley Rosenberg/GI” on the memo line and mailed to: Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Office of Development, 330 Brookline Ave – OV, Boston, MA 02215.
Joan (Hermine) Greenfield of Jamaica Plain, entered into her rest Wednesday, September 9th, 2020 after a fall.Joan was born on September 1, 1932, in Pittsburg, PA, the daughter of Sidney (Steve) and Claudia Greenfield and is survived by her brother Arthur and sister-in-law Jane.In early 1942 the family moved to Newton, MA where she grew to adulthood. After graduating from Newton High School, Joan attended the University of Wisconsin, graduating in 1953, after which she spent a year in Paris, attending the Sorbonne and traveling. Upon her return to Boston, she embarked upon a very successful career in direct mail advertising. This eventually led her to opening J.G. Creative, her own direct mail advertising firm in New York.
Joan enjoyed travel and making new friends both at home and abroad. She was a self-taught gourmet chef and was a dynamic and gracious hostess. She was an avid bridge player and enjoyed the theatre.As a person, she was a loyal friend, a loving sister and devoted daughter and granddaughter; she was very involved with a number of community organizations.Services and burial will be at Rose Hill Cemetery in Chicago, IL on Thursday, September 17th at 1 p.m. Central Standard Time ( 2 p.m. Eastern Standard Time). You may Live Stream her service by visiting Chicago Jewish Funerals website www.cjfinfo.com.In lieu of flowers, kindly make a donation in her memory to the charity of your choice.
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