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Suzanne “Sippy” Olarsch

1961 – 2025

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Suzanne “Sippy” Olarsch on March 18, 2025, at the age of 63 in Herzliya, Israel, surrounded by her loving sons and brothers.

Sippy was born in Boston, MA to Jules and Sara “Sukky” Seletz. She grew up in Newton, MA and spent much of her time with her immediate and extended family, often at her Nana Ethel and Papa Jack’s home which was always filled with many other family members she loved to be around. From Shabbat dinners to family vacations, she loved the laughs shared and memories made, with her brothers, Carl, Jay, and Andrew.

Following a middle school winter break volunteering at a local hospital, Sippy was inspired to pursue her education in Physical Therapy. After graduating from Newton South High School with honors in 1978 where she made many lifelong friends, she attended Ithaca College, completing her undergraduate degree in 1982. She then worked as a Physical Therapist in the Boston area fulfilling her childhood passion. Sippy further continued her studies at Boston University, receiving her Master of Science in Applied Anatomy and Physiology/Exercise Physiology.

In 1987, Sippy married Marc Olarsch and they had their first son, Matthew, one year later in Lynn, MA. After moving to Tulsa, OK in 1989, they had their second son, Max, in 1992. Sippy and Marc then moved with their family to Gainesville, FL where they lived for many happy years. There she developed lasting friendships and many memories.

In 2004, following a divorce, Sippy moved with Matthew and Max back to the Boston area to be closer to her mother Sukky and family while she completed her Doctorate in Geriatric Rehabilitation Science at Boston University.

After receiving this advanced degree, Sippy continued her career as an Executive Director in the Home Health industry, working tirelessly to ensure her clients would have the best quality of life within the comfort of their home. She eventually managed care services across the eastern half of the United States.

Following her love for the sea, Sippy made a move to Gloucester, MA in 2020 where she settled into marina life. Embracing the coastal culture, she established close and enduring friendships, and loved sharing her life there with her family and friends.

In July 2024, her love for family inspired her to make “Aliyah” and move to Israel to be close to her recently born grandchildren.

Above all, she greatly loved her family and made sure to instill this in her sons, Matthew and Max. Sippy loved to travel, ski, play tennis, spend time at the beach, and cook or eat with friends and family. Her smile and laughter brightened every room she walked into. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered for her compassion, determination, intelligence, and vivacious spirit.

Sippy is survived by her beloved mother Sukky Seletz, her sons Matthew and Max Olarsch, her grandsons Boaz and Ido Olarsch, and her brothers Carl, Jay, and Andrew Seletz.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, March 27th at 10:00 AM at Temple Reyim in Newton, MA, followed by a graveside ceremony at Adath Jeshurun Cemetery in West Roxbury, MA.

Shiva will be observed at the home of Sippy’s mother, Sukky Seletz, in Chestnut Hill:

• Thursday, March 27th from 1:30 PM – 5 PM and 6 PM – 8 PM
• Friday, March 28th from 1 PM – 4 PM
• Sunday, March 30th from 11 AM – 2 PM and 6 PM – 8 PM

The home is located on a private lane where public parking is not allowed, please park on the surrounding streets.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Humane Society of North Central Florida, where Sippy adopted her beloved dog, Jack.

Michael Marcus of Lake Worth, Florida, formerly of Jericho, New York, was a dedicated and loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, teacher, Hebrew tutor, and a friend to thousands.  Michael passed away on March 21, 2025 at the age of 82 after an enduring battle with pancreatic cancer.

Michael was born in Brooklyn, New York to Rae and Sydney Marcus on March 25, 1942. Even in his 80s, if you spoke with him, you knew he was from Brooklyn. He graduated from Erasmus Hall High School, and went on to earn an undergraduate degree in business from New York University’s Stern School of Business. He was the first in his family to graduate from a four year university. Michael also received a Master’s Degree in Education from City College in New York.

Michael worked as a public school teacher at PS 147, also in Brooklyn, while simultaneously working as the Director of Youth at Temple Emanuel of Great Neck. To support his family, Michael also tutored children in preparation for their Bar/Bat Mitzvahs and officiated more than one hundred Bar/Bat Mitzvahs and multiple weddings.

Michael leaves behind his wife of 60 years, Roberta Marcus (Jacobs) and his two children, Tamara Fox (son-in-law Joshua Fox) of Sudbury, Massachusetts and Kenneth Marcus of Hempstead, New York as well as his cherished grandchildren, Madison Fox and Benjamin Fox, his sister Sandra Chastain and countless friends from Valencia Shores in Lake Worth, Florida.  He is predeceased by his parents and his older brother Melvin Marcus.

First and foremost, Michael enjoyed spending time with his family. However, as a semi and then complete retiree in Florida in his 70s, Michael became an avid pickleball player, often playing several hours per day, 6-7 days per week.  Likewise, he enjoyed playing cards and dominoes with his friends in Florida and going on vacations with family and friends.  Michael worked 6-7 days per week for over a half century, but he had many rewarding years to unwind, travelling back and forth between his homes in Lake Worth, Florida, and Hudson, Massachusetts.

A funeral service and celebration of Michael’s life is being held at the Chabad Jewish Center of Sudbury, 100 Horse Pond Rd., Monday, March 24, 2025 at 1pm followed by a burial at the New Town Cemetery located at 357 Concord Road, Sudbury. Shiva observance will be held at Roberta and Michael’s residence until 8:00 PM. Shiva will continue from 4:00PM to 8:00PM on Tuesday, March 25, 2025.

In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to The Pap Corps (champions for cancer research).

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SCHLAGER, S. Lawrence, 90, of Palm Beach, Florida, on March 17, 2025. Beloved husband of 66 years to Judith (Poorvu). Son of the late Joseph H. Schlager and Beatrice (Todrin) Schlager. Brother of Arnold Schlager of Newton, Mass. and Judith (Schlager) Busny of Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. Devoted father of Robert Schlager and his wife Amy; Eric Schlager and his wife Beth; and Joan (Schlager) Weinsten and her husband Mark. Cherished grandfather of Scott and Spencer Schlager; Andrew (Aaron Su), Katie, Allie, and Charlie Schlager; and Melanie, Nicole, and Alexandra Weinsten. Funeral will be held Wednesday, March 19, at 10:00am at Temple Israel, 477 Longwood Ave, Boston (parking on Riverway). Private interment will follow at Sharon Memorial Park. Memorial observance will be held Wednesday, March 19, 2025 from 2-5 p.m., and 7-9 pm. at Mandarin-Oriental, Boston, 776 Boylston Street, Boston. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Dale Adler Master Clinician Fund at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, 75 Francis Street, Boston, MA 02115 or MorseLife Hospice, 4847 David S. Mack Drive, West Palm Beach, FL 33417

Jack Turgel was born in Montreal, Canada in April, 1940 to Eastern European immigrants – Samuel and Claire – who were lucky enough to escape the fate that befell many members of their families, who perished in the Holocaust. He went on to study chemistry in college, later starting a company with a partner, which eventually brought him to the United States Shortly thereafter, he met the love of his life, Cheryl Weissman, whom he would marry in December, 1975. Jack and Cheryl settled in Newton, Massachusetts and joined the Temple Emmanuel community to practice their Judaism. Jack eventually sold his chemical company and made a career change to become a trusted insurance advisor to many clients, many of whom he eventually came to call friends. In his later years, Jack became more involved with the Temple Emmanuel brotherhood, serving two terms as its president.

Jack’s interests ranged from politics, about which he was passionate, to history, current events and Jewish studies. He continued his self-teaching throughout his life. He enjoyed playing sports with his kids in their youth, taking them ice skating often, and enjoyed playing chess with his grandchildren.

Jack was a devoted husband and father and was most proud of his family, including his older sister Annette (and her husband Ted and their son Robert); his three children and their spouses – Michael and Charla, Louis and Anna, Daniel and Shoshannah – and his seven grandchildren – Jeremy, Amara, Eli, Jude, Theordore, Finneas and Carmela. And he always delighted in spending time with Cheryl’s large, extended family, whom he considered his own – all of whom will miss him dearly and remember him fondly.

Funeral will be held Tuesday, March 18, 2025 at 1pm at Temple Emanuel, 385 Ward St., Newton, MA.  Interment will follow at Lindwood Memorial Park, Randolph.  Shiva will be observed at the home of Michael and Charla on Wednesday March 19, from 2-4pm and 7-9pm and on Thursday March 20, at Jack’s residence from 2-4pm and 7-9pm.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances in Jack’s memory may be made to Parkinson’s Foundation, www.parkinson.org or to The Michael J. Fox Foundation, www.michaeljfox.org

Marilyn Porter Friedler of Millis, formerly of Natick, passed away on March 16, 2025. Family was the center of Marilyn’s life. Marilyn was the beloved wife of Jerry Friedler and the late Bernard Porter. She was the dedicated mother of Jeff Porter of Boston and Diane Tutin (Richard) of Natick, and the devoted grandmother of Ben and Rachel Porter and Eva Tutin. She was the treasured sister of Trudy Sonis (Stephen) of Wayland. Marilyn was also the loving aunt of several nieces and nephews as well as grand nieces and nephews. Her greatest joy was celebrating family through get togethers and holidays, from Passover to the 4th of July.

Marilyn was playful and young at heart. She was a skilled game and card player and was unbeatable at Scrabble. She enjoyed rides in her convertible and was drawn to the ocean, enjoying vacations at various beach locations. She maintained close connections with her friends from high school but also established a new community in the home she and Jerry shared in Millis with their puppy, Waldo.

Marilyn was artistic and creative, expressing herself through flowers, paints, interior design, and antiques. Educated as a preschool teacher, Marilyn found great enjoyment in children of all ages. She was one of the first teachers at the Temple Israel preschool of Natick, where she and Bernard were founders.

A Funeral Service will be held at Temple Shir Tikva, 141 Boston Post Rd, Wayland, MA, on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, at 2:00 PM. Burial will follow at Temple Emanuel Memorial Park, Randolph, MA. Shiva will be held at the home of Diane and Richard Tutin on Wednesday and Thursday, 6:30-8:30 PM and at the home of Jerry Friedler, Friday, 3:00-5:00 PM.

Remembrances can be made in memory of Marilyn to the Michael J. Fox – Parkinson’s Foundation or to Temple Shir Tikva.

Rena Carmel (Karel) died peacefully at her home in Newton Highlands on March 12, 2025. Rena was born in Poland and survived the Holocaust with her older brother and parents. After the war, she spent several years in a displaced persons (DP) camp in Germany, then made a new life for herself in Boston. Though briefly married, Rena left her husband, raised her daughter on her own, cared for her mother for many years, worked extremely hard throughout her career, and retired at the top of her profession. She was a good daughter and sister, beloved mother, grandmother, and aunt, a respected colleague and manager, and a true friend. Rena enjoyed many happy years after her retirement from Boston City Hospital in the company of her family and friends. Rena’s intelligence, pragmatism, integrity, kindness, sense of humor, and love will be greatly missed. She is survived by her daughter Julia Carmel, grandson David Carmel, nieces Karen Karel and Debra Nardone, and nephew Steven Karel. Rena was predeceased by her parents David and Cila Karel, her brother Marcus Karel, sister-in-law Carolyn Karel, and niece Linda Karel. Donations in Rena’s memory may be made to the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society (HIAS) or Planned Parenthood.

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Barton M. Adler, 82, of Natick and Brookline, MA, passed away on March 13, 2025, after a brave battle against pancreatic cancer. He was born on November 28, 1942, and raised in Brookline alongside his brothers Benjamin and Richard.

He leaves behind his wife of 42 years, Susan Adler; his son, Jeff Ganz, and daughter-in-law Elizabeth, and their children, Abigail and Harry; his son, Daniel Ganz, and daughter-in-law Ellen, and his children, Juliana, Anthony, Sophia, and Stephen; his son Matthew Ganz and daughter-in-law Kibibi, and their children Eva, Vivienne and Owen; his daughter Joanna Siegal and her children Emma, Samuel and Madeleine; his big brother Richard and a closely knit group of beloved nieces and nephews; predeceased by his oldest brother Bucky (Benjamin).

Over their fifty years together, Bart and Susan fostered a warm and loving environment for their growing family, where they were the center. He was the epitome of a devoted family man, with no equal — dedicated fervently to his twelve grandchildren. To know him was to love him.

He was lovingly cared for and surrounded by those who meant the most to him until the end. We are all the better for knowing him. The beaches of West Dennis will forever be filled with happy memories of him.

Funeral services will be held at Temple Israel 145 Hartford St.  Natick, MA, at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, March 17, 2025, with interment to follow at Mishkan Tefila Memorial Park, West Roxbury, and a shiva service at the family home thereafter until 5:00 p.m.  Shiva services will continue at the family home Tuesday, March 18 through Thursday, March 20 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m and also from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Donations may be made in Bart’s memory to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Inc. (Https://DanaFarber.jimmyfund.org).

of Sudbury, MA, formerly of Penfield NY, died peacefully on March 6, 2025. She was predeceased by her husband of 54 years, Dorian Kermisch and leaves behind her son Ron and his wife Alison, daughter Sharon and her husband Randall Martens, grandchildren Benjamin Kermisch and Lena Martens. Nira was born in Jerusalem and earned her law degree from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and was admitted to the Israeli Bar in 1958. She became a US citizen in 1972 and was admitted to the New York State Bar shortly after. Nira was appointed the first female attorney for the County of Monroe in New York State in 1975. After working for the County for more than a decade, she opened her own civil law practice where she fought for justice for her clients. Nira loved her family fiercely, doted on her pets and enjoyed experiencing the world through travel, food, museums and music.  Memorial contributions can be made to MSPCA-Angell Fund or  Household Goods. Private services will be held.

FAIN, Jane Gloria (Beserosky), age 78, passed away on March 5, 2025, after living courageously with cancer. Loving wife of 53 years to the late Gerald (Jerry) S. Fain. Beloved mother of Lucas S. Fain and Ellice S. Fain; beloved sister-in-law of Stephen Fain and wife Judi; Dianne Zweback and husband Stanley; brother Steven Beserosky; and many nieces and nephews.

Admired by family, friends, and colleagues for her grace, wisdom, and quiet strength, she received the NETA S.E. Crane Distinguished Service Award and state and senatorial commendations for 25 years of service as Transfer Counselor and Coordinator of Transfer Affairs at MassBay and Middlesex CC. Through close work with the Dept. of Higher Ed and appointments at Wentworth IT and UMD College Park, she helped thousands of students pursue their education.

Originally from New Bedford and S. Dartmouth, MA, she was educated at Colby-Sawyer (AAS) and Springfield College (BS, MEd). She had boundless love for the beach and dear friends known as “the Js” from Camp Walt Whitman, Piermont, NH. With Jerry, they travelled the world, including trips to Alaska, Iceland, Hong Kong, and China. Among her many talents, she was a gifted gardener and cook who enjoyed making Friday night dinners and sharing dishes made from her garden.

Funeral service is Sunday, March 9, 2025 at 1PM in the Chapel at Sharon Memorial Park. Shiva following at the family home until 8PM, Monday 6:30-8:30PM.

Donations in her memory may be made to Congregation Agudath Israel’s (Caldwell, NJ) Louis and Millie Fain Camp Scholarship Fund, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, New England Transfer Association, or fund of your choice at Temple Israel, Natick, MA.

Ellen Punch, a devoted mother, free spirit, and beloved friend, passed away peacefully on March 4, 2025, at the age of 74. Her life was a vibrant tapestry of love, laughter, creativity, and compassion.

Born on October 14, 1950, Ellen found her greatest joy in motherhood while building a meaningful career dedicated to helping others. She worked in various compassionate roles, including coordinating nursing care at an Alzheimer’s center, managing financial aid at Wellesley College, and fundraising for United Cerebral Palsy.

A true free spirit, Ellen embraced life with enthusiasm, humor, and a love for the arts. She was a talented artist, expressing herself through calligraphy, collage, and creating funky, eclectic jewelry.

Known for her quick wit and infectious laughter, she had a rare gift for making people feel truly seen and valued. Even in the face of adversity, she faced each challenge with resilience, warmth, and an unwavering positive outlook. Since 1991, she courageously battled multiple sclerosis, inspiring those around her with her strength.

She is survived by her son David Punch and his wife Christina of Walpole, her daughter Baila Punch of Boston, and her cherished grandchildren Aidan, Liam, and Chloe. Ellen was preceded in death by her beloved son Jason.

Burial will be held at Sharon Memorial Park on Thursday, March 6th, at 10:45 AM, followed by shiva/celebration at 119 Woodbine Circle in Needham. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to multiple sclerosis research or Alzheimer’s associations.

Ellen will be remembered for her love, creativity, and boundless spirit. Her light will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.