Obituaries

February 6, 1935 – March 22, 2026

Diane Sondra Waitz of Dedham, Massachusetts, formerly of Brooklyn, New York, passed away peacefully on March 22, 2026, surrounded by family and love.

Born on February 6, 1935, in Brooklyn, Diane was the beloved daughter of Israel and Pauline Gewirtz, of blessed memory. From an early age, she filled her world with song, dance, and joy, always cherishing her younger sister, Gloria, who predeceased her.

Diane was a devoted wife to her late husband, Paul, with whom she shared 43 wonderful years of marriage. Together they built a life grounded in love, learning, and family, raising their children in Sharon, Massachusetts, the town that became home to so many cherished memories. She was the proud mother of three children: Mark of Lake Forest, California; Stephen of Sharon, Massachusetts; and Michelle and her husband Carl, also of Sharon. Her family was her greatest joy and achievement, and she treasured every moment spent with them.

Known affectionately as “Bubbe,” Diane delighted in her grandchildren, Jessica Waitz, James (Laura) Waitz, Valerie Husselbee, and Kara Husselbee, and reveled in becoming “Great Bubbe” to little Mason Waitz.

A lifelong educator, Diane dedicated her career to teaching and never stopped being a student herself. She believed deeply in the power of education and learning, about people, the world, and anything that captured her curiosity. A proud lifelong member of Hadassah, she was also a natural leader, guiding and inspiring others in every community she joined.
Diane’s passions were many. She found great joy in knitting, crocheting, and reading, particularly her beloved Harry Potter books. She loved a good game of Rummikub or Mahjong, and those who played alongside her knew both her sharp mind and her generous spirit.

For the past 20 years, Diane made her home at NewBridge on the Charles in Dedham, where she was a cherished member of the community, known by all, loved by many, and admired by everyone for her warmth, intelligence, and humor.
Diane’s legacy is one of love, learning, and leadership. Her family, her friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her will carry her memory forward with gratitude and affection.

May her memory be for a blessing.

Graveside service on Monday, March 23, 2026 at 2pm at Agudath Israel Cemetery, 776 Baker St., West Roxbury, MA.

Shiva following service at the home of Michelle and Carl 4pm to 8pm and Tuesday thru Thursday 5pm to 8pm.

Remembrances may be made to Hebrew Senior Life, NewBridge on the Charles in Dedham or Hadassah.

Beloved Librarian, Mother and Grandmother

Syrul Frank Lurie passed peacefully on March 19th surrounded by her family, just shy of her 92nd birthday.

Syrul was born in Boston on March 27, 1934.  Her father, Frederick Frank, was an attorney and an accountant.  Her mother, Lena Simon Frank, worked in her family’s grocery store and then for decades at the Blue Hill Credit Union, both in Mattapan and Brookline.

Syrul grew up in a vibrant Jewish community in Mattapan, with her younger brother Stanley Frank. Syrul proudly graduated from Girls Latin School in 1951, along with her lifelong friends, Avis Horwitz (Lampert) and Judy Rottenberg (Diamond). From Mattapan onward, Avis, Judy and Syrul shared a lifetime of friendship, camaraderie and joy.

While a student at Girls Latin, Syrul met and fell in love with her lifelong partner and eventual husband, Robert (Bob) Lurie, who predeceased Syrul in 2018.

Syrul attended Brandeis University, receiving a Bachelor’s of Arts in English and American Literature in 1955. Brandeis had a profound impact on Syrul: the school had only recently been established as a four-year institution, but attracted world class faculty and was rapidly becoming a center for science, the arts, and humanities. Syrul immersed herself in her studies and gained new insight into music and the arts from such scholars as Leonard Bernstein and Irving Howe. She thrived at Brandeis, all while commuting everyday to and from her parents home in Mattapan.

Following Syrul’s graduation, she and Bob were married in October, 1955.  She continued her affiliation with Brandeis, working at the newly established Brandeis University Library until the birth of her oldest son, Andrew Lurie in September, 1957. Following the birth of their second son, Howard Lurie in January, 1961, Bob and Syrul moved to South Brookline. Their daughter Ellen Lurie (Hoffman) was born in January, 1968.

Tragically, Syrul’s oldest child, Andrew, died unexpectedly in 1980 during his first semester of graduate studies in library science at the University of Chicago, where he had previously received his Bachelor’s degree. This loss catalyzed Syrul to return to her love of letters and education, and she began a longtime affiliation with the Brookline Public Schools, first as a volunteer, then a library media specialist and finally a reference desk librarian at Brookline High School.

Her drive to honor her late son, Andrew, led her to attend Simmons University, where she received her Masters in Library Science in 1985. She continued working at BHS until her retirement in 2001, building many long lasting friendships with teachers, her fellow librarians and countless students. Alongside Bob, Syrul was instrumental in the establishment of the 21st Century Fund, one of the first philanthropic foundations created at a public high school in the United States.

Syrul and Bob deeply loved each other and also their times on Cape Cod, where they spent every summer.

Syrul will be deeply missed by her son Howard and his wife Teresa Betit of South Dartmouth Mass. and her daughter Ellen and her husband Matthew Hoffman of Bethesda, Maryland.

She was deeply loved by numerous nieces and nephews and their children. Her granddaughters meant the world to her and she loved every celebration and conversation with each of them: Aliza and Gemma Lurie and Celia and Isabel Hoffman, and Haley Sinker.

Services at Temple Israel, 477 Longwood Ave., Boston on Monday, March 23nd at 10:30 am (Parking on the Riverway). Following interment at Sharon Memorial Park, 40 Dedham St., Sharon, MA,  a memorial observance will be held at the home of Howard Lurie and Teresa Betit.

In lieu of flowers, remembrance may be made to the Andrew Warren Lurie Scholarship Fund ℅ Brookline High School, 115 Greenough Ave., Brookline, MA 02445.

Lauren Sue Lazeroff Sallet of Dover, MA passed away Wednesday, March 18, 2026,  peacefully at her home.  She was the beloved wife of the late Donald Sallet for 40 years.  She was the stepmother to Jeffrey Sallet and his wife Melissa and grandchildren Becca and Abbie.  She is sister to Linda Lazeroff Rapkin and aunt to Mitzi-Jill Rapkin.

She is preceded in death by her parents Estelle Temkin Lazeroff Kaplan and Milton Lazeroff.

Lauren was born in Rochester, NY and earned an undergraduate degree from Syracuse University and a graduate degree in Speech and Language Pathology from Northeastern University.

She adopted Boston as her home after completing her graduate degree and was dedicated to her students in the Brockton School District.

Her love for her canine companions was unmatched.  Barney, Roxy, Baxter, Tyler, and Remmington brightened her days and enlivened her life.  Lauren had a keen eye for fashion, loved to travel, was engaged in the world, and cared deeply about animal welfare and women’s rights.

A private memorial service will be held for family and friends. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

Paul Hans peacefully passed away on Sunday morning, March 15, 2026 at home.

He was just shy of his 88th birthday, having recently celebrated 36 years of marriage to his wife Alexandra Vozick Hans.

Paul was born in The Bronx and attended Columbus High School. He graduated from The City College of New York and went on to study medicine at Tufts Medical School. He did his residency at Tufts Medical Center.

After several years of working as Director of Brookline Mental Health Center, and then Supervisor at Massachusetts Mental Health, he founded the Psychiatry Department at Deaconess Hospital. There, he provided inpatient and outpatient psychiatry and led the Consultation Liaison service. He treated untold thousands of people while training residents in the art of psychotherapy.

Paul loved photography, especially of flowers. He also enjoyed music, and interviewed numerous musicians in order to understand why they were drawn to their profession.

Paul is survived by his wife, Alexandra, and by his cherished children, Lucia Maya, Andrea Kurland and her wife, Terri Grover, and David Hans and his wife, Milena Dieckhoff, as well as three beloved stepsons, Zachary Thacher, Marc Thacher and his wife Colleen, and Yitzchak Shem Tov and his wife, Adiella.

Paul and Alexandra enjoyed every one of their 14 shared grandchildren.

His funeral will be a graveside service at Newton Cemetery, 791 Walnut St., Newton Centre, Massachusetts, at 11:00 am on Wednesday, March 25, 2026.

Shiva will be held at his home following services, Wednesday afternoon through Friday evening.

Paul will be remembered for his integrity, his commitment to good medicine, and for his love of his large extended family and many devoted friends.

January 19, 1934 – March 4, 2026

Elaine Ellen Roberts, 92, of Newton, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on March 4, 2026. A woman of fierce independence, boundless curiosity, and deep devotion to family, Elaine lived a life that spanned six generations — and left her mark on each one of them.

Born Elaine Ellen Katz on January 19, 1934, in Brooklyn, New York, Elaine grew up in the Flatbush neighborhood where she was raised in a lively multigenerational household. She lived with her grandparents, parents, sister Doreen, and beloved Uncle Herb and, as she loved to recount, their weekly Shabbat dinners were spirited affairs. It was around that table that Elaine first developed the independent thinking and passion for civic life that would define her.

She met her future husband, Kenneth George Roberts, in high school, and their love story would span seven decades. They married on Valentine’s Day, 1953, while Ken was stationed in Virginia during the Korean War. After a brief stint back in New York, they moved to Warwick, Rhode Island where they raised three children. For over seventy years, Elaine and Ken had an unwavering partnership and together they built a life marked by adventure, entrepreneurship, and family. As Elaine once wrote, their secret was “to never lose one’s independence but always be supportive and open with each other. Practice patience and listening.”

Elaine and Ken’s life together was anything but conventional. Among many other ventures and adventures, they owned a marina, built a hotel at Point Judith’s Port of Galilee, traveled the country in an outfitted van, and spent decades with family and friends at their “Camelot”, which they built, in Cherry Hill, Nova Scotia. After their kids left home, Elaine and Ken discovered a passion for antique jewelry, which they turned into Harbour Galleries, their beloved shop on Main Street in East Greenwich, RI.

Through it all, Elaine was a woman of purpose. She worked for the State of Rhode Island building a program she founded for displaced homemakers. Ran for public office. Lobbied in Washington D.C. for Title IX and the ERA. And was always outspoken and politically active. With a bachelors degree in education, that she earned while her children were in school, she was a natural teacher. Later in life she ran seminars on the history of jewelry and never missed an opportunity to mentor others. Elaine was also a dedicated mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She made everyone feel like her favorite and never missed an opportunity to support those she loved. Elaine’s dedication to family was the through-line of her life. She built close, enduring relationships with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren as well as her friends and clients —drawn from all phases of her life.

In her quiet moments, Elaine found joy in simple things — knitting, reading, and watching the ocean waves. She loved walking the beach, at Goddard Park in RI—and especially on her beloved Cherry Hill Beach in Nova Scotia—searching for sea glass and, over the years, amassed an impressive collection that she proudly displayed in her home.

After Ken passed away in 2024, Elaine relocated to the Golda Meir House in Newton, Massachusetts where she became an active member of the community. There she channeled her desire to make a difference into her work as a passionate advocate for democracy and civic engagement, founding Advocate for Democracy. She organized residents, wrote postcards, provided educational resources, and encouraged everyone to make their voices heard. “We’ve lived through history,” she believed, “now let’s help shape what comes next.”

Elaine was predeceased by her husband Kenneth and her sister Doreen Angel. She is survived by her three children: Cathy Roberts (Cam Pierel), Leslie Krumholz (Harlan), and Steven Roberts (Maryam); her grandchildren Sam Krumholz (Akana Noto), Rebecca Krumholz (Matthew Gottesdiener), Sarah Krumholz (Billy Rison), Hannah Quartner (Jeremy), Ben Roberts-Pierel (Tjorven Sievers), Alex Roberts-Pierel (Nina Scheepers), Justin Pierel (Ellie), Leila and Yasmin Roberts; her great-grandchildren Aaron, Nora, and Ella Gottesdiener, Satsuki and Noemi Krumholz-Noto, Hallie Rison, Linus Sievers-Pierel, and Owen Pierel. She is also survived by her many nieces and nephews and the countless lives she touched through her warmth, her determination, and her insistence that every voice matters.

In lieu of flowers, please donate in memory of Elaine to 2Life Communities, an organization she both benefited from and passionately supported. 2Life Communities, 30 Wallingford Road, Brighton, MA 02135 or online at 2LifeCommunities.org or to honor her greatest wish, exercise your civic responsibility and simply VOTE in every election that impacts you and your community.

Fred “Freddy” Goldstein, 83, of Acton, passed away peacefully on March 9, 2026, surrounded by his family. Fred was known to friends and family as a caring and loving husband, father, and grandfather. He enjoyed traveling and long walks outdoors. He also loved watching Boston sports and UConn women’s basketball with friends and family, and celebrating life’s milestones. He was a dedicated volunteer at Household Goods and at town elections, and was always happy to help friends, neighbors, and anyone who asked.

Fred was born to Minnie (Krupp) and Sidney Goldstein and grew up in Jersey City, New Jersey. His academic journey took him to the New Jersey Institute of Technology, where he earned his undergraduate degree, followed by a master’s degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and a PhD in electrical engineering from the University of Connecticut. He had a long and successful career in electrical engineering and greatly enjoyed his work as an adjunct professor at Northeastern University.

Fred met his wife, Doris (“Bunny, Dorrie”), while at Rensselaer in 1965. They eventually settled in Acton, Massachusetts, where they became founding members of Congregation Beth Elohim.  Fred was an active and dedicated member of the synagogue community, proudly serving as President of the congregation as well as President of the Brotherhood. Fred and Doris raised three daughters and were proud to have their children, grandchildren, and extended family nearby.

Fred is survived by his devoted and loving wife, Doris, and his brother Bob Goldstein and his wife Diane Goldstein. His legacy lives on through his children, Carri Goldstein and Rob Czajkowski; Alicia and Alex Raun; and Emily and Theodore Macnow; and through his six grandchildren: Carl, Benjamin, Svend, Eddie, Brody, and Brooke.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, March 13, 2026 at 10:30 a.m. at Congregation Beth Elohim, 133 Prospect Street, Acton, MA. Interment will follow at Beit Olam Cemetery, with the entrance located at 60 Old Sudbury Road, Wayland, MA.

Contributions in his memory may be made to Congregation Beth Elohim, Household Goods, and Alzheimer’s Association.

To view the livestream of the funeral, please click here.

Ann Salk Rosenberg, 83, of Newton, MA, passed away peacefully at home on March 6, 2026, surrounded by the family she cherished throughout her long and generous life. For 63 years she was the devoted wife and partner of Larry Rosenberg, a marriage marked by deep affection, shared purpose, and an unwavering commitment to one another.

Born in New Bedford, MA, Ann was the daughter of Esther and Hyman Salk, who instilled in her a strong sense of responsibility, compassion, and curiosity about the world. She grew up in a close-knit family and attended Hope High School in Providence, where her natural warmth and steady determination first became evident. Drawn to caring for others, she pursued nursing, earning her RN from Beth Israel Hospital in Boston and later completing her BS at Emmanuel College. Her career in nursing reflected her lifelong instinct to help, comfort, and advocate for those in need.

Ann’s life was rich with creativity and personal passions. She was an avid artist, finding joy in color, texture, and the quiet focus of making something beautiful with her own hands. She was also an enthusiastic shopper—someone who delighted not just in the search for the perfect item, but in the pleasure of giving, surprising, and thinking of others. Her generosity was not a trait she displayed occasionally; it was the defining rhythm of her life. Friends, family, and even casual acquaintances knew her as someone who noticed, who cared, and who acted.

Above all, Ann was devoted to her family. She took immense pride in her children, Jeffrey Rosenberg (Kelly) and Amy Gustafson (Keith), and she poured her love, energy, and encouragement into their lives. Her three grandchildren—Samantha Rosenberg, Shane Rosenberg, and Aiden Gustafson—were her greatest joy. She celebrated their accomplishments, supported their dreams, and reveled in every moment she spent with them.

Ann’s presence was steady, warm, and reassuring. She had a gift for making people feel seen and valued, and she carried that gift into every stage of her life. Her legacy is one of kindness, creativity, and a deep, abiding love for her family.

A funeral service will be held on March 13 at 11:00 AM at Temple Beth Elohim, 10 Bethel Rd., Wellesley, MA. Shiva will follow immediately after the service at the temple.

Donations in Ann’s memory may be made to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Temple Beth Elohim, or a charity of one’s choice.

To view livestream of funeral service, please click here.

Andrea Paroskie Schneider, 51, of Wellesley, Massachusetts, passed away on March 10, 2026.  While pancreatic cancer certainly did not define Andrea, it was ultimately what took her from us. Born on March 2, 1975, in Boston, Massachusetts, Andrea was a doer who lived a short, but full life defined by action, purpose, and an unwavering devotion to the people she loved.

Andrea grew up in Arlington and Lexington Massachusetts before attending Hobart and William Smith College in Geneva, NY where she majored in Art History.  This foundation ultimately prepared her well for the time that she spent in both advertising and the not-for-profit world.

When Andrea decided that she was once again ready to work outside the home, the natural choice for her was to work at Dignity Matters, a Massachusetts-based nonprofit dedicated to addressing period poverty by providing free menstrual products, bras, and underwear to women, girls, and transgender men who are homeless or disadvantaged. It was exactly the kind of work that matched who Andrea was at her core.

But if you asked anyone who knew her, they would tell you that above all else, Andrea was a mom. That was the role she cherished most, and the one she poured her whole heart into.

From her early days as a mom, Andrea’s priority for herself and for her kids was to cultivate a diverse group of friends, allowing her to expose her kids to a countless number and type of experiences.  Andrea was a new mom both in the San Francisco Bay area and in Boston which allowed her to further broaden all that she was able to explore with her family. Hiking, camping, visits to national parks, dinner clubs, book clubs, and weekend trips were all meticulously planned and purposeful.

Andrea was kind, hardworking, thoughtful, and extraordinarily organized. When she wasn’t pouring herself into her family or career, Andrea could be found in Vermont on the ski slopes, travelling to far away places, trying out new recipes, reading a good book, or lacing up her running shoes. She brought the same energy and enthusiasm to her passions that she brought to everything else in her life.

Andrea is survived by her husband, Randy Schneider; her son, Cody Schneider; her daughter, Phoebe Schneider; her mother, Janet Damiata; her father, Robert Paroskie; her sister, Allison Wheeler; and her brother, Robert Paroskie.  She leaves behind a family and a community that are better for having known her.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, March 12, at 10:30 a.m. at Temple Beth Elohim, 10 Bethel Road, Wellesley, MA 02481. Interment will follow at Beit Olam East, with the entrance located at 42 Concord Road, Wayland, MA 01778.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in memory of Andrea to Dignity Matters.

Following the service, family and friends are welcome to gather at the Schneider home.

Devoted Family Man, Accomplished Businessman and Passionate Philanthropist

To view livestream of funeral click here

Of Dedham, formally of Wellesley and Mashpee.  Mal passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, after a brief illness, on March 7, 2026, at the age of 94.  Mal lived a life marked by dedication to family, career, community, and country.  As we mourn his loss, we also celebrate the beautiful life he lived, the stories we share, the values he instilled, the lasting mark he left on all of our lives.

Born in Boston Massachusetts on August 3, 1931, the middle child of S. Richard and Celia (Marcus) Sherman. An active scholar, temple youth organization member (NFTY), and long-time holder of certain high school track and field records, Mal graduated Newton High School with many lifelong friends.

Mal graduated from Cornell University in 1953 with a degree in philosophy. His intellectual curiosity and love for learning remained constants throughout his life, having a particular interest in both reading history and mystery novels. In 2014, he was honored with a Doctorate in Humane Letters from Brandeis University—a place that held deep personal significance for him. Mal’s connection to Brandeis extended far beyond academics; beginning when he married the love of his life and proud alumna Barbara (Cantor). His commitment to the university was unwavering as he served as a Trustee beginning in 1981, was Chairman of the Board of Trustees from 2007-2013, and then held the title of Trustee Emeritus until his passing.

Mal’s professional journey was equally remarkable. Following the family tradition, he began his career in the shoe industry before joining Zayre Corporation, ultimately becoming Chairman of Zayre Stores and executive Vice President of Zayre Corporation until 1987. Not one to rest on his laurels, Mal embarked on a second career advising companies focused on restructuring or growth, and then worked with companies including Gordon Brothers and Active International, continuing to provide guidance until his final days.  He also served as board member or director of many other companies through his eight-decade career.

A proud veteran of the Korean War, Mal served with distinction after studying at the Army Language School in California. Fluent in Chinese due to this training, he worked as an interpreter during his service and maintained this linguistic skill throughout his life.  His pride of country led to decades of engagement and support of Democratic causes and campaigns.

Mal’s passions extended far beyond his professional associations. A lifelong sports enthusiast, he was deeply committed to the Boston Celtics as both a fervent spectator and board member during two of their world championship years, and a passionate season ticket holder for the New England Patriots, attending numerous Super Bowl games.  On the waters off Cape Cod, Mal found joy captaining his beloved boat “Best Day,” and puttering around Ockway Bay in his Whaler.  He also delighted in mentoring aspiring entrepreneurs and business people across generations, and was a successful angel investor in many diverse ventures.  In every role that he held, Mal’s impact reached far beyond the titles and responsibilities, with everyone he met considering him a friend.

Judaism played a central role in Mal’s life. As the grandson of religious Jews and a lifelong member of Temple Beth Elohim in Wellesley, he actively supported Jewish causes such as the Combined Jewish Philanthropies, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), B’nai B’rith International, and other charitable endeavors within the Jewish community.

Mal’s philanthropic spirit extended into many areas of cultural enrichment and social good. In addition to his committment to Brandeis University, he served as the Chair of the Boards of Trustees of the Museum of Science (Boston), the Two Ten Footware Foundation, and Tufts Medical Center.  He served as an overseer of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, the Auerbach Foundation, the Mass Creative Council, and the Mass Eye and Ear Infirmary, as well as fundraising and assisting countless other organizations over the course of his life.

Above all else, Mal cherished his family. He is survived by Barbara, his beloved wife of 67 years; their daughter Robin; and granddaughters Jessica and Lila, all of whom brought immense joy to his life. He was predeceased by his parents, sister Cynthia (Richard) Steinberg; and brother Norman (Barbara) Sherman.

Mal will be remembered for his boundless energy, sharp intellect, warm personality, and ability to connect with people from all walks of life. Whether discussing business strategies or sharing stories about sports or family adventures, he left an indelible mark on everyone he met.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 am, Wednesday, March 11, 2026 at Temple Beth Elohim, 10 Bethel Rd., Wellesley, MA.  Burial will follow at Sharon Memorial Park, 40 Dedham St., Sharon, MA.  Shivah will follow interment at NewBridge on the Charles, 5000 Great Meadow Rd., Dedham, MA until 4:30 pm and will continue at the home of Robin Sherman 7-9 pm and Thursday from 1-4 pm.

In lieu of flowers, please send expressions of sympathy to Brandeis University, 415 South Street, Waltham, MA.  May Mal’s memory serve as a source of comfort and inspiration to all who knew him.