Obituaries

Leslie Steven Schwartz, 73, of Boston, MA, passed away peacefully on October 5, 2025. Born May 8, 1952, in Philadelphia, PA, Leslie was a man of complexity and resilience who lived a life dedicated to the arts, education, and civil rights.

With a deep love for acting and musical theater, Leslie’s artistic spirit was a defining feature of his character. He pursued a career as an educator, where he sought to inspire others; however, due to the progression of Wilson’s disease, he was unable to continue working for long. His perseverance through the challenges of this chronic illness was a testament to his unwavering strength.

Leslie was also a fierce advocate for free speech and the First Amendment, passionately supporting the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) throughout his lifetime. His commitment to civil liberties reflected his belief in justice and equality for all.

He shared a long-term partnership with Dickie Colacula, now deceased, a relationship marked by deep companionship and love. Leslie lived his final years in Boston at 80 Mason Street, Apartment 108.

Details of a memorial service will be shared with family and friends. Donations in Leslie’s memory may be made to organizations supporting Wilson’s disease research, the arts, or the ACLU.

Leslie will be remembered for his courage, artistic soul, unwavering spirit, and dedication to the freedoms we hold dear.

Barbara Dolan, 71, of West Roxbury, Massachusetts (formerly of Duxbury, Massachusetts) passed peacefully at home in the presence of loved ones on October 3, 2025.

Born on May 29, 1954 in Brooklyn, New York, Barbara moved to Boston to attend Emmanuel College and came to love her adopted city where she built a beautiful and unique life.

Barbara worked in the field of mental health throughout the Boston area for over 30 years, as a clinical social worker, educator and administrator. A woman of many talents, she additionally pursued interests in fields as diverse as secondary education, dog rescue, and Irish imports.

An active and hardy New Englander, Barbara was at her happiest rowing at sunrise on Duxbury Bay, cross-country skiing frigid trails in Vermont and biking the backroads of the South Shore and Cape Cod.

Always one for a challenge, Barbara regularly participated in regional regattas and completed the Pan-Mass Challenge several times. Her strong work ethic and determination was an inspiration to her loved ones, and uplifted anyone who knew her.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents Ray and Marie Dolan and sister Sharyn Dolan. 

She is survived by her beloved husband of 41 years, Bennet Epstein; son Jake Epstein (Elizabeth); sisters Kim and Kerry Dolan; and loyal companion, Griffin.

She will be remembered by all for her warm and loving nature, tenacious spirit, intellect, and wisdom.

Friends and family are invited to a graveside service and celebration of Barbara’s life at

The Gardens at Gethsemane

670 Baker Street

West Roxbury, Massachusetts 02132

Tuesday October 7 at 11:00am

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donating to an organization dear to Barbara’s heart. 

Boston College High School

Boston Medical Center

Community Rowing, Inc.

Doctors Without Borders

MSPCA

Renee Delatizky, 73, died on October 3, 2025 at her home in Newton with family by her side.

She was born and grew up in Johannesburg, the daughter of Harold and Rene Cohen. Her mother died in childbirth. She was raised first by an uncle and aunt and then by her father and stepmother, Thelma (Tilly) Cohen. She attended King David School in Johannesburg and graduated from the University of the Witwatersrand where she and Jonathan met. They married in 1974.

After leaving South Africa for the USA in 1975, she taught English as a Second Language (ESL) in Cleveland, and completed her MS in Adult Education at Syracuse University. She and Jonathan moved to Newton in 1979. She taught ESL and ESL methodology at Boston University until retiring in 2018.

Renee was a fiercely loyal and loving wife, mother, cousin and friend and was loved by all in her orbit. Her capacity for joy and living to the fullest inspired all around her. She had the rare ability to make everyone feel special (which was the key to her success and popularity as a teacher). Her humor was legendary and she delighted in the absurdities of life, especially with her adoring grandchildren, the delight of her later years. Her ironclad sense of justice led her to advocate for all she knew were unfairly treated whether they were a friend or stranger, even if it got her into trouble. Her love extended also to animals including two house cats at all times and support for animal shelters.

Renee’s moral compass was rooted in her strong Jewish identity. She spoke her mind and was not afraid to be critical of Israeli government actions while retaining her unconditional love for Israel.

She is survived by her husband of 51 years, Jonathan, her children Bethea Tashjian (Derek) and Michael Delatizky (Kate), and her grandchildren Helena Delatizky, Asher Tashjian, Simone Delatizky, and Walter Tashjian.  She was predeceased by her sister Sandra Soekoe.

Renee’s loss leaves a void in the lives of family, friends, and students worldwide, but her legacy of love and joy will endure.

Funeral service Monday, October 6, 2025 at Temple Emanuel, 385 Ward St., Newton at 11:30 am.  Interment will be private.

Shiva observance will be at the family home on Monday, October 6th from 3pm-5pm followed by a commemorative open house on Tuesday October 7th and Wednesday October 8th from 2pm – 4pm, and 7pm – 9pm, and on Thursday October 9th from 2pm – 4pm.

To view recording of funeral service, please click here.

Sara Matzkin lived a life devoted to family and friendship. On September 28th, 2025, she passed peacefully from complications from Parkinson’s disease, leaving behind a grand legacy that will continue to shine through all those she touched.

Sara was born and raised in Bridgeport, Connecticut. Her undergraduate studies were at The University of Bridgeport, and she later completed graduate work at Fairfield University and Tufts University. After marrying the love of her life, Michael Matzkin, she moved to Woodbury, Connecticut, where together they built a home filled with love and laughter. Sara devoted most of her professional career to working as a school psychologist at the Sherman School in Sherman, Connecticut, where she guided, supported, and uplifted generations of students.

Sara was a friend to all. Her loyalty and capacity for connection were perhaps best exemplified by a pen-pal friendship she began in the third grade—a correspondence that endured for more than 70 years. She never stopped welcoming new friends into her life, believing deeply that human connection was life’s greatest gift. With her handwritten notes, thoughtful gestures, warm companionship, and willingness to listen, Sara offered wisdom not through prescriptive advice but through gentle guidance. She changed lives with her kindness, grace, and insight.

Her passions were many. She loved gardening, exercising, studying Spanish, watching sports, going to the beach, listening to music, dancing, and traveling. But her greatest creative outlet was pottery. Her bowls and mugs fill the homes of countless friends, reminders of her artistry and talent.  A collector of pottery and art, she especially cherished the galleries of San Miguel de Allende in Mexico, bringing home pieces that reflected her eye for beauty.

Sara lived with elegance, humility, and joy. She treated everyone she encountered with respect and warmth. She was spirited and fun, stylish and effortlessly cool—and her stunning silver hair was admired by all who knew her.

Above all, the center of Sara’s world was her family. Her husband of 56 years, Michael, was her partner in all things, and together they lovingly raised three daughters: Elizabeth Matzkin Smith, Jessica Matzkin Shactman, and Laura Griffin. She leaves behind her sons-in-law Eric Smith, Brian Shactman, and Liam Griffin; and nine grandchildren who adored her: Abby, Sami, and Emily Smith; Annie, Max, and Bennett Shactman; and John, Owen, and Thomas Griffin. To them, she was a model of strength, resilience, and unconditional love—so much so that countless school essays were written about her.  Sara’s memory will live on not only in her family but also in the hearts of her many friends. Her immense spirit, her authenticity, and her love will continue to shine brightly in all who were blessed to know her.

Funeral service will be held at 10:30am, Wednesday, October 1, 2025 at Temple Shalom, 175 Temple St., Newton, MA.

Donations can be made in her memory to any of the following organizations:

Michael J. FoxFoundation, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (Breast Cancer),Temple Shalom of Newton

B’nai Israel of Southbury

A link to view the livestream funeral service can be found here.

ANNE LARDNER PALMS CHALMERS

December 20, 1942 – September 27, 2025

Anne Lardner Palms Chalmers died peacefully at home in Needham, Massachusetts on September 27, 2025 after a long illness.  At her side was her loving wife, Holly Gunner. She is also survived by her son, Christopher Chalmers, and her brother and his wife, Tony and Ann Palms.  Born on December 20, 1942, she grew up in Washington, DC. She attended the Potomac School, was graduated from Smith College, and earned a Masters degree from NYU’s Institute of Fine Arts. During study for her Master’s degree, Anne attended London’s Courtauld Institute of Art and won an internship in the Rare Books department of New York City’s Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Anne was a talented watercolorist whose paintings were primarily of nature and landscapes. She loved the structure of trees, clouds and water. A Signature Member of the New England Watercolor Society, Anne also was active, as a long-time resident, in the Newton Art Association. Her work was shown at juried shows of the Guild of Boston Artists.

Music was also a central part of her life. Her love of choral music came from her parents, Anne and Francis Palms, Jr. For many years, Anne sang with, and was on the board of, Musica Sacra, a well-known group in Cambridge. A member of the Boston Early Music Festival Corporation, in her early adult years Anne sang with another local choral group, Quadrivium, and performed in the Christmas Revels. These groups benefited from her skill as a graphic artist because she designed many of their programs and publicity pieces.

Anne applied her skills as a graphic artist and undergraduate degree as an English major to the craft of book design. For nearly three decades, she was a Senior Designer at Houghton Mifflin Harcourt’s Trade Book Division, and also did freelance work for Beacon Press. Her career started at the independent publisher of fine books, David Godine. A woman who worked exceptionally well with people, she was assigned to design the books of many prominent authors, including poet Mary Oliver, Alison Bechdel, Donald Hall (America’s Poet Laureate), and Jonathan Safran Foer. She did the complex designs of the Peterson Field Guides series, as well as a guide to birds by the famous birding author, Kenn Kaufman.  Anne also was tapped to be Houghton Mifflin’s Senior Designer of Cookbooks, including the Gourmet Magazine volumes. In her final years, as a resident of retirement community North Hill, she worked with museum artist Helen Meyrowitz to place images of Meyrowitz’s paintings in a community publication. Throughout her life, Anne Palms Chalmers lived in and helped create a world of beauty, light and the creative spirit.

Funeral Service at Temple Israel, 477 Longwood Ave., (parking on the Riverway), Boston, MA on Tuesday, September 30, 2025 at 11:00 am. A livestream link can be found at brezniakfd.com. Interment to follow at Newton Cemetery, 791 Walnut St., Newton, MA. Memorial observance info to be shared at funeral. In lieu of flowers, donations in Anne’s memory may be made to The Potomac School, c/o Development Department, 1301 Potomac School Road, McLean, VA 22101 or ACLU of Massachusetts Foundation, One Center Plaza, Suite 850, Boston, MA 02108.

Entered into rest, after a prolonged illness, on Monday, September 22, 2025, Robin A. Slater of West Newton, MA, formerly of Waltham, MA. Daughter of the late Melvin L. Slater and Minnie (Shulman) Slater, both of Boston, and later of West Newton. Robin was a graduate of Newton High School and Grahm Junior College, on her way to becoming a legal secretary, a career she practiced at various law offices the last 25 years of which were spent at Ropes & Gray until her retirement. She enjoyed sports, especially bowling and golfing with her friends, and was a big hockey fan. She spent many years volunteering her services at various agencies locally, particularly helping with special needs children. Donations in her memory may be made to Beth Israel Deaconess Needham Hospital.  Robin is survived by her brother, Paul, of West Newton.

A link to view the livestream funeral service can be found here

David Sean Robinson-of Boston, on September 25, 2025.

David was born in New York and was a charming young man who dreamed of being a screenwriter after graduating from Middlebury College. In Los Angeles, however, he began to volunteer interfacing with   youth gangs and emergency rooms and veered toward a career in helping people.

He embarked upon becoming a physician and entered Medical School. He graduated in 2014 from the Keck School of Medicine in Southern California. During that time, he and his wife Jennifer had two twin boys, Holden and Asher. They then moved back to Boston to live near both of their families.

Although David and Jen divorced, they both remained devoted parents. David completed his residency at the Harvard South Shore Psychiatric Center in 2018. He became Medical Director at Carney Hospital and practiced at McLean and the Dana Behavioral Health Center. He specialized in addiction treatment.

David was a caring and thoughtful son to his mother Gyda and often included her in all of the events of Asher and Holden including birthdays, holidays, soccer games, movies and dinners. “Grandma Gyda” was often the fourth to their celebrations.

Weekends or overnights with the boys were the center of David’s life. The three of them went sailing on the Charles, traveled to California and Iceland for a wedding, and countless day trips for varied adventures. Since Holden loved the video game Super Smash Bros., David would take him whenever he wanted to play the game. Asher loved racing and was taken to NASCAR events to see the races. He got the boys CALY…the sweetest dog ever and Jen, Holden and Asher continue to love and enjoy him as part of their little family.

David will be missed desperately by all who loved him and by all the patients he helped immeasurably.

A graveside service will be held at Newton Cemetery, 791 Walnut St., Newton (those attending will meet in front of the Cemetery office building) on Monday, October 6, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. Following the interment. Family and friends are invited to Seasons 52 Restaurant, 220 Boylston St., Chestnut Hill

Vicki Sack, born Vicki Deborah Cohen, beloved wife of the late Alan and cherished mother of Scott and Stuart, passed away surrounded by love and memories that will live on forever. Born in 1944, she was the devoted daughter of Irene Cohen, a homemaker, and Sydney Cohen, a hardworking businessman who owned butcher shops.

She grew up in the Mattapan, Dorchester, and Roxbury neighborhoods of Boston, where she built lifelong bonds. Most of her adult life was spent as a resident of Newton where she raised her family and was close with her friends. Including remaining close with her best friend Nancy, who remained by her side through every chapter of life. A gifted student, Vicki earned a scholarship to the School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, where her love for creativity and design first took root.

One of her greatest passions was her business. As the proud owner of Subs N’Such in Boston, Vicki poured her heart into serving her community. After becoming a young widow, she courageously carried on running the shop until deciding to close it and begin a new chapter. She went on to excel as one of the top salespeople of luxury goods and jewelry, building relationships as sparkling as the pieces she sold.

Later in life, Vicki embraced retirement by rediscovering her first love—art. She designed countless one-of-a-kind jewelry and home décor creations, each piece carrying her signature flair and creativity. She lived by her guiding motto: “You can’t go wrong if you do the right thing.”

Vicki was more than a mother to her own children, she was “Mom” to friends, employees, cousins, and anyone lucky enough to be embraced by her warmth. Her generous spirit extended even further to her beloved fur babies—Maxx, Cydney, Hank, Braxton, Parker, Zachary and Lenni —who brought her endless joy.

Her life was a masterpiece of giving and love. She will be remembered for her strength, her sparkle, and her unwavering belief in doing right by others.

Graveside service at the American Friendship Cemetery, 776 Baker St., West Roxbury, MA on Thursday, September 25, 2025 at 11:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Vicki may be made to the Leukemia Research Program at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center by visiting www.bidmc.org/giving or by check made payable to “Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center” with Vicki Sack/Leukemia Research Fund” in the memo line.  Contributions can be mailed to:  Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Office of Philanthropy, 529 Main Street, 4th Floor, Charlestown, MA  02129

Henry David Shapiro, 82, of Lexington, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on September 23, 2025. Born on October 15, 1942, he was the beloved son of the late Lillian and Jacob Shapiro.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Cara Shapiro; his son, Aron Shapiro, daughter-in-law, Jill (Winnick) Shapiro; and his cherished grandchildren, Dylan and Lily Shapiro, who brought him immense joy and pride. He also leaves behind his loving sister, Phyllis Sachar; his nephew, Michael Sachar; his extended family and many dear friends.

Henry was an avid tennis player into his 60s and dedicated more than three decades of his life as a systems engineer for the United States Air Force at Hanscom Air Force Base, where his expertise, dedication, and quiet leadership left a lasting impact on colleagues and the missions he served.

Henry will be remembered as a loving, kind, and generous husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend. His gentle spirit, unwavering kindness, and deep devotion to family will be carried forward in the lives of those he touched.

A private service will be held for family and close friends. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Henry’s memory to Care Dimensions Hospice House, Lincoln, MA or Dana Farber Cancer Institute.

He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Emily Jan Aransky

June 3, 1974 – September 20, 2025

After a long battle with Cushing’s disease, Emily Jan Aransky, of Needham, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on September 20, 2025, at the age of 51.

Born and raised in Needham Massachusetts, Emily graduated from Needham High School and spent many of her happiest summers at Camp Pembroke alongside her sister, Becky. It was there that she built lifelong friendships and cherished bonds that remained close to her heart.

Emily went on to attend Elmira College in New York, where she earned her degree in education. Following her graduation, she dedicated her career to nurturing children, working as a daycare teacher and later rising to the role of director. She was deeply loved by her students, their families, and her colleagues, who admired her patience, kindness, and devotion.

Beyond education, Emily carried a deep passion for music. If you knew Emily, you knew the 80’s channel was always playing nearby. Her love for music led her to work at some of the region’s most iconic venues, including the Xfinity Center, Gillette Stadium, and the Orpheum Theatre, where she shared in the joy of live performances.

Later in life, Emily found another passion through Scentsy, a fragrance company that allowed her to blend her creativity with her love of connecting with people. She took great joy in building relationships and making lasting friendships with people from all over the world.

Emily was a devoted and proud aunt, treasuring the time she spent with her three nephews, who were her greatest joy. She also adored her beloved dog, Dash, who was always by her side.

Emily is survived by her loving mother, Arline Aransky, and was predeceased by her father, the late Jerry Aransky. She leaves behind her sister, Becky Sarette (Aransky), and brother-in-law, James Sarette; as well as her three nephews, Matthew Sarette and his wife Briana Sarette, Josh Sarette, and Brandon Sarette.

A graveside service will be held at Sharon Memorial Park, 40 Dedham Street, Sharon, Massachusetts, on Friday, September 26, 2025, at 12:45 p.m. Following the service, the family will sit shiva from 2:00–4:00 p.m. at Temple Beth Shalom, 670 Highland Avenue, Needham, Massachusetts.

Donations in Emily’s memory may be made to the Jerry Aransky Passport to Israel Fund or the Chesed Fund, c/o Temple Beth Shalom, 670 Highland Avenue, Needham, MA 02494.

Emily’s warmth, strength, and love for her family and friends will be remembered always.