May 18, 1926 – December 17, 2024

Loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, passed away at age 98 surrounded by his family.  Born in Munich, Germany, his parents, Nathan and Bertha Gutmann, got him out of the country in 1938 and he sadly never saw them or his sister Inge again as they were killed by the Nazis.

His was a true immigrant story of arriving in the U.S. with nothing, working hard, making a contribution to his adopted country and living a full and rich life.

Harry was taken in by relatives in Nashville but at age 16 he left their home and was on his own.  He made his way for a few years through his wits and the kindness of others and then joined the Army. He was a machine gunner and sent to France and later to Salzburg, Austria during World War II.

After serving two years, Harry went to college but never finished. He took a job in St. Louis where he met his wife Dorothy who was studying at Washington University. They married on October 5, 1952 in New York where they lived and raised their children until they moved to The Commons in Lincoln, MA 14 years ago to be nearer to two of their daughters and grandchildren.  Harry became a successful businessman, owning a number of manufacturing businesses that provided well for his family and friends.

Harry loved music, travel, surprising family members, boating, and a good meal, but most of all he loved his family.  Having lost his own, family was everything to him – both immediate and extended. He was known for his always present sense of humor, his wonderful stories, his generosity, kindness and warmth and his open and non-judgemental nature.  He was beloved by many he met through the years and maintained many friendships.  He read the paper every day and was curious and informed. His north star was his wife, Dorothy who survives him. He was utterly devoted to her and often said she was the best thing that ever happened to him.  When asked to describe his life, Harry would say “lucky.”

His light and love, his smile and stories, and his warm presence will be deeply missed.

In addition to his wife, Harry is survived by his daughters Nancy, Lisa (John Verda), Denise (Andrew Goodman), and Julie (Scott Kuster), his four granddaughters Danielle (Andrew Castronovo), Jessica, Amanda and Bekah and his great grandson Theo.

A funeral service will be held at Temple Beth Shalom, 670 Highland Ave., Needham, MA on Friday, December 20, 2024 at 12:30 pm.

Shiva will take place at the home of Denise and Andrew Goodman following the service from 2-4 pm.

If so moved, donations can be made to Simon Wiesenthal Center Simon Wiesenthal Center or Alzheimer’s Association Alzheimer’s Association | Alzheimer’s Disease & Dementia Help

Please read the interview by The Commons in Lincoln: Harry Goodman: ‘The Luckiest Guy in the World’

Ralph Tracey (94 yrs) passed away on November 7, 2024  after a brief illness.  Ralph lived in Mattapan, Brookline, and Chestnut Hill, MA throughout his life. He was predeceased by his parents Frances (Wolkovich) and Joseph Tracey and his older sister Selma. He was a graduate of Roxbury Memorial High School.

As a young teenager Ralph started his career working for the Boston newspaper business and he eventually worked for every newspaper in Boston until he retired. He was a First Class Staff Sargent in the 26th Yankee Division Massachusetts Army National Guard. He earned several citations including the Army Commendation Medal in 1980. He retired from the National Guard at age 60. Ralph was a member of the Brookline Elks Lodge #1327 for over 30 years. He is survived by his wife of 45 years Brenda Shapiro Tracey. A private graveside funeral was held. Donations in his memory can be made to the American Cancer Society.

Arline   ( Lesberg) Barsh, May 5, 1939 -Dec. 15, 2024. Arline passed peacefully surrounded and comforted by family. She leaves behind Larry, her husband with whom she shared a lifetime; two beloved children – Emily (Scott McConnell) and Andy (Dr. Lisa Abeshaus) – and four grandchildren (Max, Ethan, Carmel, and Jack). Arline leaves behind a void that cannot be filled, but her legacy of love, unspoken strength, and kindness will continue to live on in our memories. Donations in Arline’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

A link to view the livestream can be found here.

Susan Sherman Stone, loving wife, mother, “Savta,” and a woman of valor “From challenges come opportunities.”

Susan Sherman Stone of Hingham, MA, born on June 18, 1948 in Plymouth, MA, passed away peacefully at the Pat Roche Hospice Home on December 12, 2024, accompanied by her loving family. She was the beloved daughter of Estelle and Hyman Sherman. Alongside her sister Syrel and brother Adam, Susan learned the importance of philanthropy from a young age, a value she passionately embraced throughout her life. She instilled this legacy of giving in her own family and inspired countless others — clients, friends, and relatives alike — to embrace philanthropy.

Susan was a devoted wife to Joe, her husband of over 53 years, and a loving mother to Jamie (Maia) and Ethan (Becca). She adored her three grandchildren, Amalia, Jasper, and Avi, and her Spanish water dog, Simcha. Susan cherished her close bond with her sister Syrel and extended family. She cultivated a wide, dynamic and loving circle of friends throughout her life.

Susan embraced life with a vibrant spirit. She loved exploring the world with her family, eager to learn about different cultures and connect with people from all walks of life. A talented knitter and enthusiastic Sunday cyclist, Susan found joy in her hobbies and the beauty of the everyday. 

After graduating from Boston University with a degree in mathematics, Susan began her career at Price Waterhouse, where she worked with early computer systems to navigate complex tax calculations. Driven to deepen her understanding, she enrolled in a comprehensive CPA review course and passed the exam on her first attempt. After earning her Master’s in Taxation from Bentley University, Susan encountered gender bias in the male-dominated financial world. Undeterred, she persevered, eventually becoming Tax Manager for General Cinema Corporation’s Theater division. Following the birth of her first son, she joined Needel, Welch & Stone, where she rose to partner. A Certified Financial Planner, Susan was a sought-after speaker on individual and estate tax planning, personal finance, and end-of-life planning.

A pioneer in many aspects of her life, Susan was the first female president of Congregation Sha’aray Shalom in Hingham. In 2014, she was called to the Torah as part of the Adult B’nai Mitzvah class.

In 1994, Susan was diagnosed with primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC). While she explored alternative treatments to manage her condition, Susan refused to be defined by her illness. Instead, she dedicated her time and resources to the New England Chapter of the American Liver Foundation (ALF), serving on the executive board and advocating for research and education. In her honor, the ALF established the Susan Stone PBC Fund for the Cure Research Award. Her volunteerism extended to numerous organizations, including the Massachusetts Chapter of the National Neurofibromatosis Foundation, Jewish Vocational Service, UAHC Northeast Council, and CJP’s Women’s Philanthropy and Overseas Committee.

Her own chronic condition ignited a deep empathy for others facing life-limiting illnesses. This led her to dedicate herself to hospice volunteering, providing comfort and companionship to patients in their final days. Susan’s commitment to hospice care came full circle when she, too, received compassionate support from the same organization. Always seeking connection and support, she also founded “I Ain’t Dead Yet,” a community for women navigating health challenges.

A funeral service will be held at Congregation Sha’aray Shalom in Hingham on Friday December 13, 2024 at 11am, followed by burial at Adath Jeshurun Cemetery. 

Shiva will take place from 6:30PM to 8:30PM on Saturday, December 14, 2024 at Congregation Sha’aray Shalom.  We will continue to observe at the family home on Sunday from 2pm to 4pm, and Monday – Thursday from 6pm – 8pm.

True to her motto, “From challenges come opportunities,” Susan’s medical diagnoses led her to re-prioritize her life, focusing on positivity, savoring each day, and championing charitable giving. Susan’s legacy of love, generosity, and resilience will forever be cherished by those who knew her. In her memory, donations may be directed to the Research Fund for Severe Immunotherapy Complications Service #232760 at Massachusetts General Hospital (https://giving.massgeneral.org/).

To view livestream of funeral service click here

Susie Schwartz Abel of Weston, MA, previously of Wayland, MA passed away on December 10, 2024. Susie was born in Pittsburgh, PA to Milton and Bertha Schwartz. Beloved and devoted wife of Howard Abel for 63 years. Mother to Julie Abel of Watertown, MA and Karen Abel Lucero and her husband Mike Lucero of Pelham, NY, previously of Kirkland, Washington.  Loving grandmother to Josh, Jordan and Sydney Lucero.  Sister to Barbara Kohn Welsh and her husband Bob Welsh, pre-deceased by her brother Charles Schwartz.  Susie was the loving aunt of many nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly. Her 3 grandchildren were her pride and joy and although they were separated by 3,000 miles, she never missed a birthday or milestone.  Susie was a long-time member of Sudbury River Tennis Club, the Wayland Garden Club and along with husband Howard one of the oldest and most active members of the Wayland Swimming and Tennis club where Susie played tennis, swam many laps and socialized with everyone. Susie loved to play Bridge and Mah Jong and was an avid Celtics fan. Over the decades, she hosted many holiday dinners which always included her famous brisket and apple pie. Susie and Howard loved to travel and were fortunate to have travelled around the world. Susie was a successful sales representative and for over a decade she enjoyed selling handcrafted gifts to small businesses throughout New England. She will missed dearly by all who knew her and especially her husband and daughters.

Donations in her memory may be made to Make-A-Wish® Massachusetts and Rhode Island 133 Federal St. 2^nd Floor, Boston, MA 02110

Services will be held at Congregation Or Atid, 97 Concord Road, Wayland, MA. Followed by burial at North Cemetery, Old Sudbury Road, Wayland, MA. Reception to follow at Congregation Or Atid.

To view the livestream, please click here.

Freed, Dr. Michael David, of Brookline, MA, passed away peacefully and surrounded by his family after a long illness at the age of nearly 82 on December 11, 2024. Beloved husband of the late Marsha B. Freed,  and current wife, Elizabeth W Geist. Devoted father of Jennifer Freed (Brian Dalton), Joshua Freed, and Steven Freed (Emily Maple). Loving step-father of David Geist (Kristina), Mark Geist, and Daniel Geist (Erica). Proud grandfather of Sophie, Jake, Anya, Maggie, Mia, Eli, Matty, Greta, Arthur, and Eleanor. Loving brother of Howard Freed (Rachel Michaud).  Brother-in-law to Gail Brown and Jules Lynn (Myriam)

Mike graduated from Brandeis University and received his MD from the New York University School of Medicine. After completing his pediatric training at NYU, he joined the fellowship program in Cardiology at Boston Children’s Hospital in 1970 and remained there for his entire 50-year career. Remarkably, he continued to see patients and teach fellows in the ambulatory clinic until just a month before his passing.

Mike was a consummate clinician whose opinion was sought by pediatric cardiologists worldwide and who influenced national treatment strategies and policies in congenital heart disease. He had a seminal role in bringing prostaglandin treatment to newborns with duct-dependent lesions. He contributed essential insights into the physiology of congenital heart disease in the newborn, infective endocarditis, valvular disease, exercise restrictions, and manpower needs in the field.

Mike had an exceptional record of leadership in  professional organizations nationally, including the American College of Cardiology, the American Heart Association, and the American Board of Pediatrics Sub-Board of Pediatric Cardiology. He chaired or served on 14 different American College Of Cardiology (ACC) committees and was ultimately honored with a College Master award. Among his accomplishments was the initiation and implementation of  “the match” process for the determination of pediatric cardiology fellowship positions nationally.

At Boston Children’s Hospital, Mike held many leadership positions, including Chief of the Division of Inpatient Cardiology, Chair of the Boston Children’s Hospital Graduate Medical Education Committee, leadership roles at the Boston Children’s Heart Foundation, and Chair of the Admissions Committee of the Pediatric Cardiology Fellowship Training Program.

A man of sharp intelligence, logic and wit, Mike was a frequent session moderator and invited speaker at national meetings, as well as a favorite protagonist or antagonist in debates at society meetings.  He was especially renowned for his clarity of thought and broad perspective. His sense of humor diffused many tense situations, and he could summarize the gist of a debate or controversial topic in a few compelling sentences. He spoke directly and clearly about the professional landscape and was a great raconteur who taught us about the history of congenital heart disease and Boston Children’s Hospital. These attributes, together with his passion for teaching physiology, made him a favorite teacher of the  fellows, house staff, and medical students. Finally, Mike was a role model always taking the high road at work and cherishing his family as a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather.

Service at Temple Shalom, 175 Temple St., Newton, MA, on Sunday, December 15, 2024, at 1:00 pm. Following interment at Sharon Memorial Park, 40 Dedham St., Sharon, MA, memorial observance will be at the home of his wife, Liz Geist on:

Sunday, December 15,  4:30-6:30 pm, Minyan Service 6:00 pm
Monday, December 16, 1-3 pm & 6-8 pm, Minyan Service 7:30 pm
Tuesday, December 17, 6-8 pm, Minyan Service 7:30 pm
Wednesday, December 18,  4-6 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Dr. Freed’s memory may be made to Boston Children’s Hospital Trust Attn: Kate Civetti 401 Park Drive Suite 602 Boston, MA 02215-5301 *Please include ‘Dr. Michael Freed and Department of Cardiology’ in the memo line.

Davette Abkowitz (nee Eisenstein) on Wednesday, December 11, 2024. Aged 100, of Lexington, Massachusetts. Beloved wife of the late Martin A. Abkowitz; Loving mother of Janis Abkowitz (Richard Miller), Mark Abkowitz (Susan), and Suzanne Abkowitz Crawford (Glen); Devoted grandmother of Alyssa, Jeslyn, Kendra, Evan, Emily, Jason, Neil and Matthew. Proud great-grandmother of Riley, Harper, Josephine, Sierra, James, Luke, Haley, Madeleine, Connor and Ava.

Davette was born in New Jersey and moved to Washington, DC during her teenage years.  She attended George Washington University, receiving a bachelor’s degree in chemistry.  Following graduation, she worked at the David Taylor Model Basin, one of few women at the time serving in a technical position at a scientific organization.  It was there that she met her future husband, Martin. The couple moved to the Boston area shortly after getting married, settling first in Watertown, then in Lexington, Massachusetts, where she lived for the remainder of her life.  After raising her three children through their formative years, Davette earned her graduate degree in Education and began a career, first as a high school mathematics teacher and later as a researcher designing an experimental-based physics curriculum for high school students.

Davette will be remembered for her legacy as the matriarch of the Abkowitz family that spanned four generations.  She led by example, teaching us how to live a good life and taking an interest in others.  She particularly enjoyed international travel, including when living with our family during Martin’s academic sabbaticals in the Netherlands, Denmark, France, Israel and Singapore; the many family gatherings and each two-year weeklong reunions; and staying abreast of current events. She was insightful, adventuresome, and was always there for us.

A private family graveside funeral will be held at Sharon Memorial Park. Shiva will be observed on Friday, December 13 from 3-5pm at the Brookhaven retirement community, Learning Center, 1010 Waltham Street in Lexington, MA; and on Saturday from 5-7 pm and Sunday from 3-5 pm at the home of Suzanne and Glen Crawford.

Contributions in Davette’s memory may be made to an organization that is meaningful to you in her honor.

Temma (Goldstein) Boss, a cherished mother, artist, and friend, passed away on December 10, 2024, at the age of 80 at her daughter’s home in Marietta, Georgia. Born on February 27, 1944, in Boston, Massachusetts, Temma’s life was a testament to resilience, creativity, and love.

A talented and award-winning artist, Temma’s creative spirit knew no bounds. She was always immersed in a new project, whether painting, working with mixed media, knitting, or crocheting. Her artistic expression was a constant source of inspiration for those around her. Temma was also a self-described obsessive gardener, transforming every available space—indoors and outdoors—into lush gardens that reflected her love of nature. Her passions also included swimming, reading, playing Scrabble and bridge, and listening to jazz music. A lifelong Boston Red Sox fan, Temma’s enthusiasm for the team was unwavering.

Temma worked as an interior designer, in retail, and as an art teacher, and enjoyed volunteering with local art organizations. Despite her many accomplishments, she often said that her children and family were her greatest achievements.  She graduated from Boston University with a degree in Art Education, where she met her beloved husband, Harvey, whom she affectionately called her “Big Guy.” They shared a life full of love and laughter.

Temma’s strength and perseverance were truly remarkable. She faced the loss of her husband, Harvey Boss, when she was 56, and later overcame breast and colon cancer with unwavering courage. She took on her battle with esophageal cancer with the same bravery, even after suffering a debilitating stroke.

Temma leaves behind her children, Patti and Tony Boss of Marietta, GA, and April Patterson of Plymouth, MA; three grandchildren, Hannah Boss, Paige and Tyler O’Connor; her brother, Neal Goldstein; and her sister, Sandra Goldstein. She was predeceased by her husband, Harvey.

Temma was laid to rest next to her husband at Worcester Hebrew Cemetery in Worcester, MA, on December 13, 2024. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made in Temma’s name to the Foundation for Hospital Art, an organization she supported through her volunteer work creating artwork for hospitals.

Temma’s legacy will live on through her family, her art, and the countless lives she touched.

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

Ufland, Sheila Miriam, of Newton, MA passed away December 6, 2024 surrounded by loving family. Beloved wife of the late Charles Ufland; devoted mother of daughters Melyssa Wright and Heather Ufland, and late son Andrew Ufland; proud grandmother of Riyanna, Aliyah, Carmella, and Ty Ufland and Anthony Wright; and loving sister of the late Cynthia Meister and the late Janie Levine. Sheila graduated from Framingham North in 1967, then followed her future husband to the University of Bridgeport and later graduated from Framingham State with her Education degree. Sheila worked in the Elementary school systems for many years, taking a hiatus to raise her 3 children. Sheila loved to be with her family and friends who were everything to her. She spent many winters traveling with Charlie. One of their favorite places to visit was South Beach Florida where they created many life-long memories. Services will be held at Temple Reyim, 1860 Washington St., Newton on Wednesday, December 11, 2024 at 11:30 am, followed by interment at Workman’s Circle Cemetery, Baker St., West Roxbury. Memorial observance will be held at the home of Heather Ufland immediately following services until 8pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Myotonic Dystrophy Foundation, 663 Thirteenth St., Suite 100, Oakland, CA 94612.