Obituaries

Joan Raphael Katz, 88, passed away Tuesday, April 15, 2025 surrounded by her family in Boston. Joan was a resident of Newton since 1968 and was a trailblazer in clinical social work in Massachusetts. She worked in the criminal justice system for decades, advocating for her clients on the witness stand, in prisons and to attorneys and public defenders in the state. Joan was an avid reader, with a passion for mysteries and loved attending the August annual mystery writer’s conference in England. She had an insatiable thirst for travel, art, culture and the diversity of the world. She was passionate for women’s rights, civil rights and the protection of animals. She was fiercely loyal to her family and friends. She raised two sons, with her husband Sanford Noah Katz, who preceded her in death in February of 2024. She was incredibly proud of her family, son Daniel Katz of New York and his wife Meg Parsont and son Andy Katz of Newport, RI, and his wife Denise Padilla. Joan always loved to discuss her beloved and devoted grandchildren, Lucia and Salvador Katz. A service celebrating Joan Katz’s life will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, April 18, 2025 at Temple Shalom, 175 Temple St., Newton, MA. Burial service to follow.

An Angel Went to Heaven.

Bryna (Levine) Curley passed away April 16, 2025 at age 84. She was the wife of Steve Curley and mother of Brad (Karen) and Joy (Joe Kempfer). She leaves her two perfect grandchildren, Isaac and Molly Curley. Bryna was the daughter of the late Harry and Sylvia Levine and grew up in Dorchester and Newton, MA. She graduated from Newton High School and started college at Boston University until she and Steve got serious. Dating led to engagement and then to a wedding in May of 1961. Bryna was a great wife and mother. She cared for Brad and Joy and had to take care of Steve as well. Their love for over 65 years was what commitment was supposed to be.

Bryna worked for IBM on a machine that today, nobody knows but was the rage back in the early 60’s. She was thrilled to be paid “$100 clear”. She worked in banking with Bank of Boston and enjoyed her time as an ombudsman at the Senior Living Village of Farm Pond. She was sweet. She was an angel. She was fine. She was dignified. She had impeccable taste in everything from clothing to jewelry to antiques. It was antiques that made her happy. She was an expert and had a great reputation in the industry in Glass and China. Bryna did antique shows where she bought and sold and was respected for her knowledge.

There was no one that knew Bryna that didn’t love her. She never offended anyone and was everyone’s friend. She was, as her husband called her, a China Doll. The family wants to recognize the love, support, and assistance Bryna was afforded at Mary Ann Morse Nursing facility in Natick by all the nurses and aides in the Birch Section.

Funeral service at Temple Beth Am, 300 Pleasant St., Framingham, MA on Tuesday, April 22, 2025 at 11:30 am. Interment will follow at Shepetovka Cemetery (Baker St., West Roxbury).

Memorial observance will be at the Hampton Inn, 319 Speen St., Natick, MA 3-5 pm & 6-8 pm, continuing Wednesday, April 23 from 5-8 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Bryna’s memory may be made to the charity of your choice.

Betsy Marjorie Arnold Abrams—adored mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend— died April 16 at Newbridge in Dedham at the age of 82.

Born in Worcester, she raised her family in Newton and summered in Ogunquit, Maine, where neighbors waved as she drove through town with her dog Claude  in her red Mini Coop convertible.

Betsy was funny, warm, and totally down to earth; it would not be an exaggeration to say she was liked by everyone she met. An avid traveler, gardener, reader, and supportive friend, Betsy was a longtime volunteer at the Parent Child Home Program in Watertown, where she worked with the parents and children of immigrant families, helping them understand the American culture and learn English.

She leaves her son and daughter Matthew and Robin Abrams, her grandchildren Zachary, Jack and Logan Abrams of Brookline and brother Mark Arnold of East Dennis.

She was predeceased by her parents Anthony and Marjorie Arnold and her brother Richard Arnold.

A special thank you to the staff at Newbridge, who will miss her along with everyone whose life she touched.  She was the best.

Donations in Betsy’s memory can be made to The MSPCA (support.mspca.org) and Autism Speaks (autismspeaks.org).

A celebration of Betsy’s life will be held at a later date.

Mrs. Amy Arman Cohen, born in New Haven, CT in 1926, passed away peacefully on April 15th, 2025 at the age of 98.

She was high school valedictorian, graduating at 16 years old and then went to college at American International College.  She met Leo Cohen on a blind date, and he knew immediately that he would marry her.  Amy went back to school in her 40’s to earn her Masters in Social Work from Simmons College. She loved being a therapist and was proud of the work she did.

Amy was a lover of books and a lifelong learner, studying religion, philosophy, and psychology into her 90s.

She adored being a savta (grandmother) and savta rabah (great-grandmother).  Always looking for ways to give back to her community, Amy was a lifetime member of both Hadassah and Temple Israel’s Sisterhood.

She is survived by her children Phil, Sandy, and Ronni; brother Charlie; 6 grandchildren; and 5 great-grandchildren.

A graveside service will take place Friday, April 18, 2025 at 10:45 am at Sharon Memorial Park, 40 Dedham St., Sharon, MA.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to PJ Library: pjlibrary.org/donate

Constance “Connie” (Coe) Holsberg lived her life with fierce determination until her final day on April 13, 2025. Growing up in Dorchester, MA, she was a proud first generation American and an only child raised by her single mother, grandparents and aunt and uncle.

Connie was a strong believer in education and received a nursing degree from Beth Israel Hospital. After earning two bachelor’s degrees, Connie then became a Family Nurse Practitioner and spent most of her career at University of Mass Boston, Student Health Center. She touched so many lives with her medical knowledge, kindness and adventurous spirit. While in nursing school, on a blind date, she met her husband, Joel. Even though she said that she would not give him a second date, he won her over and they had a wonderful life together for almost 60 years until his passing in 2022. Their love for travel took them to many countries, on amazing adventures, and introduced them to wonderful people with whom they enjoyed during their snowbird seasons in Mexico and Florida.

Connie survived multiple cancer diagnosis and lived with Parkinson’s Disease for 13 years. Connie leaves behind two daughters, including Michelle, a son-in-law, and granddaughter.

Graveside services will take place Monday April 21, 2025, at 1:45pm at Sharon Memorial Park, 40 Dedham St., Sharon, MA.

The family asks that in-lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to a charity of your choosing or the Dana Farber Cancer Institute.

Lampert, Chicki (Gordon), of Newton, MA formerly of Boynton Beach, FL, passed away April 12, 2025. Beloved wife for 56 years of the late Sidney Lampert. Devoted mother of Steven Lampert & Anita Feins, Scott & Sharon Lampert, S. Randy Lampert, Spencer & Diane Lampert. Cherished grandmother of Sam Lampert & Jennifer Moisi, Ben Lampert & Courtney Nobile, Stephen & Hailee Tellier, Matthew & Kerrian Lampert, Wendy Lampert, Benjamin & Elizabeth Stein, Brian & Amanda Meltzer, Alexander & Jennifer Lampert, and Fernando & Taylor Lampert-Ventura. Proud great grandmother of Joanna Lampert-Moisi, Gabriel Lampert-Moisi, Hugh Lampert, Boyd Lampert, Lily Tellier, Zoey Tellier, Sydney Lampert, Bryce Lampert, Olivia Stein, Reid Meltzer, Wesley Meltzer, and Sienna Lampert. Loving sister of Allen Gordon and Harold Gordon. Funeral service at Temple Israel, 477 Longwood Ave., Boston, MA (parking on the Riverway), on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at 1:00 pm. Interment to follow at Agudath Israel Cemetery, 776 Baker St., West Roxbury, MA. Memorial observance following interment will be held at Temple Israel, Boston. In lieu of flowers, donations in Chicki’s memory may be made to the American Cancer Society, or Temple Israel, Boston.

We are heartbroken to share that Sy Demsky passed away peacefully on April 9, 2025, just nine days before his 93rd birthday. He was surrounded by love in his final moments—his devoted wife of 63 years, Hilda Green Demsky, was by his side, along with their children, Brad and Michele Demsky (and grandchildren Maxwell, Zachary, and Jacob), and Jordana and Larry Alford (and grandchildren Arielle and Mikayla).

Sy lived a life rich in love—both deeply given and abundantly received.

Sy lived a life overflowing with love, purpose, and generosity. To know Sy was to feel deeply cared for—he gave of himself wholeheartedly, always placing others’ needs before his own. More than 40 years ago, Sy was diagnosed with serious heart issues and told he would be living with a heart functioning at only 20%. But anyone who knew him understood—the other 80% was made up of pure love. Love he gave, and love he received, from everyone whose life he touched.

Sy’s passion for helping others never wavered, and his life’s work was a true reflection of that enduring commitment. A pioneer in the field of opioid addiction treatment, Sy spent over 40 years at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York running the methadone clinic, where he changed countless lives. Long before addiction was understood as a disease, Sy was already advocating for those struggling, leading with compassion and science. He held a master’s degree in psychology from NYU and brought both intellect and heart to his mission. Until his final day, he served as the president of Stop Stigma Now, a nonprofit committed to ending the shame surrounding addiction. He also proudly led NDRI, continuing to drive change and hope in the recovery community.

Sy’s journey was as colorful and rich as the life he built. Before dedicating himself to psychology, he served our country during the Korean War, spent time working on a kibbutz in Israel with the early Chalutzim, taught gym and served as a dean in the New York City school system, and even owned a coffee shop in the West Village. As a young man in the 1940s, he played shortstop and second base for the New York Yankees farm team, chasing his dream of becoming a professional baseball player.

It was while working as a dean that he met Hilda, an art teacher. Together, they built a life grounded in love, shared values, and the spirit of Tikun Olam—the commitment to healing and improving the world. Their home was always full of warmth, laughter, and fresh flowers—Sy’s passion for gardening never waned. Whether in a house or a small apartment, he continued to plant and nurture beauty wherever he went, just as he did with people.

Sy was predeceased by his beloved siblings, Irving and Diane Demsky, and their memory, like his, continues to be a blessing.

Sy leaves behind a legacy of compassion, resilience, and love. He taught us all what it means to give—to family, to community, and to the world.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Stop Stigma Now, an organization that carries forward Sy’s life mission.

The world is better because you were in it, Sy. We will miss you deeply.

The world will miss you Sy.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to  https://www.stopstigmanow.org/donate/#donate_id

Graveside service will be held Tuesday, April 15, 2025 at  10:30 am at  Adath Jeshurun  Cemetery, 350 Grove Street West Roxbury, MA.

Shiva will be on Tuesday from the interment to 4 PM and then resume from 6:30 to 8:30 PM

Wednesday 2 PM to 5 PM and then resume 6:30 to 8:30 PM.

Paula C. Bartlett, of Boston, MA, formerly of Beverly, entered into rest on Sunday, March 30^th.

Born in Salem, MA she was the daughter of the late Dr. Wilbur Stone & late Frances Stone.

Although Paula was a career attorney, those who knew her would argue that she should have been a global food-blogger as she frequented the many delicious restaurants around Boston and beyond…where you would also find her watching her treasured Boston sports teams, the Celtics or Red Sox.

Paula adored her family and friends, and of course, her dogs who gave her so much joy and comfort. 

Paula is survived by her one and only favorite sister, Martha “Mucky” Stone of Long Beach, CA, as well as her beloved daughters Amy Lovseth of Hong Kong; and Sarah A. Bartlett of NYC and her husband Rohit Thapliyal and their son, Rohan.

 If you would like to donate in the memory of Paula Bartlett please do so at the ASPCA: https://secure.aspca.org

A link to view the service recording can be found here.

Judith Ann Levy, 89, passed away on April 6, 2025 at Trustbridge Care Center in West Palm Beach, Florida. Judith—known to most as Judy—was born on August 5, 1935 in Boston, Massachusetts.

Judy is survived by her husband, Allyn Levy; her four children, Robin Wolpow (spouse Marc Wolpow), Scott Slater (spouse Kay Slater), Lauren Slater, and Tracy Slater (spouse Toru Hoshino); her eight grandchildren, Nina Rosborough, Julie Wolpow, Thomas Wolpow, Clara Alexander, Lucas Alexander, Ben Slater, Hanna Slater, and Elli Hoshino; her two great grandchildren, Hugh and Isobel Rosborough, as well as her sister Ellen Fisher.

As a young adult, Judy was impacted by the plight of European Jewry during World War II. Her concern led her to dedicate the next fifty years of her life to supporting the Jewish community worldwide. She served as Birthright Israel Chairman of Palm Beach County and Florida from 2013–2022, and Emeritus member from 2022 to the present. She was past president, campaign chairman, and major gifts chairman of the Jewish Federation of Palm Beach, past board member of the Joint Distribution Committee, and past United Jewish Appeal National Women’s President and Campaign Chair.

In 2012, Judy was awarded the Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County’s 2012 Kipnis Wilson/Friedland Award (Lion of Judah honor) for her outstanding leadership and dedication. She was a passionate and intrepid traveler, leading missions to Israel, Cuba, Argentina, Brazil, and the Former Soviet Union.

She attended Pine Manor College and Tufts University.

A funeral service will be held at Sharon Memorial Park Chapel, 40 Dedham St., Sharon, MA on Wednesday, April 16, at 10:00 am.  Interment will follow.  Donations in Judy’s memory can be made to the Birthright Israel Foundation.

Robert M. Sawyer of Tisbury, MA passed away peacefully on Friday, April 4, 2025 at his home on Martha’s Vineyard. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Kathleen “Sam” Sawyer, and his five children, Robert Sawyer (Marla Kushner), James Sawyer (Athena Sawyer), Kimberly Lindsey (Eric Lindsey), David Sawyer (Elizabeth Entenman), and Michael Sawyer (Talita Ferreira). He was a proud and loving grandfather to seven grandchildren.

Robert was born in 1937 to David and Thelma Sawyer in Brookline, MA, where he was raised with his siblings Jerry Sawyer, Sandra Kurson, and the late Kenneth Sawyer. After graduating from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, he relocated to Chicago to pursue new business ventures.

Robert was a respected real estate expert, practitioner, educator, and author. He ran Sawyer Realty Group, a real estate company, in Chicago in the 1970s and 80s and developed numerous condominium conversion projects — some of the first of their kind in the city. One development led to a landmark court case, Sawyer v. Jarvis, which was taken all the way to the Supreme Court of Illinois and judged in his favor — a case that has been referenced ever since in real estate education.

One of Robert’s more unique real estate developments was the structure that supports one of Boston’s most notable icons — the famous CITGO sign in Kenmore Square. For decades, he served as the owner and steward of the structure of the sign, overseeing its upkeep and ensuring that it continued to remain standing. For Boston residents, the CITGO sign is more than just an advertisement; it’s an iconic part of the city skyline, familiar to residents and Red Sox fans around the globe.

After relocating to Martha’s Vineyard in the 1980s, Robert bought The New England Spice Company, a wholesaler and distributor of herbs and spices based out of Dorchester, combining his business and finance skills with his love of spicy food. He also created Dukes Academy, which offered real estate education, and authored the 2008 book Massachusetts Real Estate: Principles, Practices, and Law.

In addition to real estate, Robert was an entrepreneur involved in many business ventures over the years. One of his last projects was creating The Barn Bowl & Bistro, a nationally-recognized restaurant and bowling alley on Martha’s Vineyard.

Robert’s greatest fulfillment came from spending time with his family and helping others. He served as a county commissioner of The County of Dukes County, MA, consulted pro bono to help people achieve the dream of home ownership, and advocated for numerous affordable housing developments on Martha’s Vineyard. 

Graveside service will be held 9:45 am, Sunday April 6, 2025 at Sharon Memorial Park, 40 Dedham St., Sharon, MA. Please assemble at the rear of the administration building.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Cape Cod Healthcare Foundation: CCHC Foundation, P.O. Box 370, Hyannis Port, MA, 02601.