Obituaries

Marvin “Marv” Lein, 91, of New York, NY, passed away peacefully on May 15, 2024, in Framingham, MA surrounded by family. He was born on May 26, 1932.

Marv served in the Army at Fort Knox, KY, from 1954 to 1956. Marv’s career began as a designer and salesperson for Arista, his family’s textile printing company, specializing in silk and chiffon fabrics for the dress industry.

As a young boy, Marv loved summer camp, and his dream was to open his own camp. In 1968 his dream was fulfilled when he founded Camp Emerson in Hinsdale, MA with his wife, Addie. It was there that he created 55 magical summers, a true home away from home, for thousands of children and adults.

Marv dedicated his life to building a nurturing and empowering environment at Camp Emerson built on Ralph Waldo Emerson’s “respect the child.” His impact on campers and staff was profound, instilling in them confidence, resilience, and a sense of belonging that lasted well beyond their time at camp. For Marv, Camp Emerson was not a job but a calling and his greatest joy. Each day he would look for ways to make everyone smile and to facilitate friendships. Every person has a “Marv Story” whether it was a quiet moment where he made them feel loved, a time when he poured water on their heads to get them to laugh in a photo, gave a prized golf cart ride, or groomed staff to realize their life’s work. Marv was a man that never looked for credit, he was always focused on you.

Marv’s legacy would not be complete without sharing his love story with Addie, his wife of 65 years. Sweethearts from the day they met in college until Addie’s passing in 2019. Marv and Addie happily did everything together – working to grow Camp Emerson, raising their daughters, lavishing attention on their grandchildren, traveling, and spending time with their amazing friends.

Marv is survived by his daughters, Susan Lein and Debra Lein; son-in-law, Kevin McDonough; grandson, Alexander Lein-McDonough; granddaughter, Gemma Lein-McDonough; and Debra’s partner, Jeff Nelson. He was preceded in death by his wife, Adeline Rubin Lein; mother, Fay Lein; father, Harry Lein; and brother, Sherman Lein.

Marv and Addie were extremely generous and well-loved by everyone who knew them. Marvin Lein’s legacy as a caring and devoted camp director and his impact on the lives of those he touched will be remembered and cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Dr. Nanci M. Pradas, formerly of Portsmouth, NH, Marblehead, MA, Coral Springs, FL, and Stow, MA passed away June 5, 2024. Beloved wife of the late F. Antonio Pradas, and the late Lewis Spatz. Devoted mother of Alexandra Pradas and her partner Tim Ringwood, Mariana Pradas-Sullivan and her husband Bryan, and Dara Spatz and Jim Bochicchio. Nanci was the loving step-mother of Alicia Rebello-Pradas and her partner Eric. Proud grandmother of Naya and Antonio Sullivan. Loving sister of Linda Labourene and her husband Gerry, and Barbara Schwartz. Nanci had a long, successful career as a psychotherapist. She helped countless people find healing and supported them through challenging times. She had a deep love and passion for animals. She leaves behind her sweet dog, Max and affectionate cat, Beau. Services at Temple Emanuel, 7 Haggets Pond Rd., Andover, MA on Monday, June 10, 2024 at 10:30 am. Interment to follow at Woodlawn Cemetery (Acton, MA). In lieu of flowers, donations in Nanci’s memory may be made to Great Dog Rescue New England, www.gdrne.com, or any organization dedicated to the welfare and safety of animals.

Babsy Krichmar of Lexington, MA passed away June 3, 2024. Babsy was born in Fitchburg, MA on January 3, 1930, to Benjamin and Florence Cofman. She was a graduate and proud alumna of Simmons College.

Beloved wife of the late Oscar “Ozzie” Krichmar. She and Ozzie were happily married for over 60 years until his death in 2017. Loving mother of Steve and his wife Karen, and Jeff and his wife Trina. Devoted Nana of Dan and his fiancée Sravani and Hannah. Sister of Phil and Burt Cofman and the late Minna Katz and Chuck Cofman.

Babsy was a public-school teacher in the Boston area for many years.  Later, she was docent at deCordova Museum in Lincoln.  She and Ozzie were valued and engaged members of the Temple Emunah community since 1960.

Funeral service on Thursday, June 6, 2024, at 10:30 am at Temple Emunah, 9 Piper Road, Lexington, MA. Burial at Westview Cemetery, 520 Bedford St, Lexington, MA. The service will also be available via Streaming at: https://venue.streamspot.com/bdc9f380

Shiva will follow immediately after the burial at Temple Emunah until 4:00 pm and then from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the temple.

Remembrances in memory of Babsy may be made to Temple Emunah.

To view the livestream funeral service, please click here.

Phyllis M. Brick of Lexington passed away peacefully and surrounded by family on May 29, 2024, one day after her 93^rd birthday.

Family was paramount to Phyllis.  For 62 years, she was the beloved wife of Donald Brick, who passed in 2014.  She was the devoted mother of James Brick and his wife Wendy, Susan Weinbaum and her husband Dan Weinbaum, and Howard Brick and his wife Jill Smilow.  She was an adoring grandmother to her seven grandchildren: Jaclyn Gutierrez and her husband Antonio Gutierrez, Arielle Brick, Elana Weinbaum, Kayley Weinbaum, Julia Andes and her husband George Andes, Jeremy Brick, and Eli Brick and his fiancé Megan Flanagan.  She was the beloved great grandmother or “GG” to Olivia Gutierrez.

Phyllis was a life-long Bostonian.  She was born on May 28, 1931 in New York City and was raised in Brookline, MA.  She graduated from Wheaton College and while there met Don on a blind date.  She loved to tell the story of how Don had two potential plans for the evening depending on his first impression of her – go to see a movie or go out dancing.  They went dancing and never stopped for the next more than 62 years.

Don and Phyllis moved to Lexington in 1956 and became deeply enmeshed in the community in which they lived for the rest of their lives.  Phyllis and Don shared a passion for philanthropy and volunteerism, and were particularly devoted to supporting Jewish communal organizations.  Within Lexington, they were co-founders of both Temple Emunah and Temple Isaiah, supported each throughout their lives, and took on many leadership roles at Temple Emunah.

Beyond Lexington, Phyllis and Don were life-long leaders and activists in the Boston Jewish community.  Phyllis held many leadership positions within the Combined Jewish Philanthropies, including Chair Person of the Women’s Division.  Even up to age 90, Phyllis annually embraced her commitment to make calls to solicit contribution to CJP.  Similarly, she was active as a volunteer with the American Technion Society, Beth Israel hospital and Hadassah.

Phyllis and Don cultivated a wide circle of close friends both in Lexington and beyond.  Those life-long friends included the famous “Hanukah Group”, whose family Hanukah parties began in 1956 and continue through four generations to today. She and Don owned a home in Mashpee on Cape Cod.   And had a life-long love affair with the Cape. There they spent most of the Summer, engaging in adventures and gatherings with a wonderful circle of friends, boating over to Martha’s Vineyard for lunch or ice cream, playing tennis in New Seabury, and hosting many parties.  Their Cape Cod home was the focal point for family gatherings where Phyllis specialized in filling up her grandchildren with Grandma’s famous pancakes and presenting guests with her renowned deli platters.

Most important to Phyllis was family, immediate and extended.  For decades, she loved hosting as much family as could fit around the table for holidays and any distant cousin who happened to show up or come to Boston for school could be assured of receiving an invitation to a Passover Seder or Rosh Hashanah dinner.  As a grandmother, Phyllis was totally committed to all her grandchildren, had special relationships with each of them, and was a devoted attendee at concerts, sporting events, birthday parties, and other events.  Phyllis was always there with support, advice, wisdom, and strong opinions mixed with respect for her children’s views and decisions.

Funeral services will take place at Temple Emunah in Lexington at 10:00 on Monday, June 3, 2024.  Shiva will be at her former residence, Waterstone at Lexington at 53 Watertown Street in Lexington on Monday from 3-5 PM and 6-9 PM.  Contributions in lieu of flowers can be made to Combined Jewish Philanthropies of Greater Boston or Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston.

Age 95, of Boston, Massachusetts, passed away May 14, 2024 from natural causes. Born July 30, 1928 in Fall River, Massachusetts, Steven was the son of Lillian and Sydney Feinberg. Steven, married to Jacqueline DeJur Feinberg (January 5, 1927 – August 7, 2018), is survived by his three children, David and his wife Lori, James and his wife Vera, Mark and his partner Noellette, nephew Brian Donald Sadow and wife Judy, niece Gail Sadow O’Rourke and grandniece Feiyan Ada O’Rourke, nephew John Berkley and wife Cathy and grandnephew Cooper and grandniece Caroline, and his niece Elizabeth Berkley Rubin and husband Stephen and grandnephew Alexander and wife Mannat. Steven’s sister, Harriet Feinberg Sadow, born April 21, 1930, passed from natural causes July 27, 2023. Services were held at Montefiore Cemetery (Queens, NY) on Tuesday, May 28, 2024.

A physician, a family man, and an angler, Dr. Norman James “Jim” Gould, 85, of Mashpee, Massachusetts passed away peacefully on May 29, 2024, surrounded by his loving family.

Jim was born on May 8, 1939 to Dr. George I. and Elizabeth “Birdie” Isaacson Gould in the town of Lewiston in his beloved State of Maine. While George, then a US Army Medical Corps officer, and Jim’s four maternal uncles were serving the nation overseas during World War II, Jim spent his earliest years with his mother Birdie, grandparents Harry and Molly, and extended family on his grandparents’ farm in Auburn, Maine.

After Jim’s father returned from the war and finished his military service, the family moved to nearby Richmond on the Kennebec River, where George practiced primarily as country doctor, and Jim was affectionately known by neighbors and family friends as “Little Doc.” Jim enjoyed a magical childhood surrounded by his parents, younger sister Margie, and a large extended family, and marked by a love for the outdoors, that included fishing, hunting, and building and sailing homemade boats, occasionally making the precarious journey down the Kennebec River to Merrymeeting Bay and the Gulf of Maine.

A gifted and determined student, Jim’s life would be grounded in hard work; he finished Richmond High School two years early. His primary objective was to become a Bowdoin Man, and so at the tender age of 15, Jim agreed to Bowdoin College’s acceptance condition that he first complete a post-graduate year to “mature a little bit” before matriculating.  After boarding for a year at the Kent’s Hill School, Jim proudly enrolled at Bowdoin in the Fall of 1956, receiving his degree in 1960.

Taking some time to consider his options, Jim soon ventured beyond the familiar confines of his Maine and moved abroad, first to Vienna, and then Munich, where he enrolled in the medical school at the University of Munich, taking his medical courses in German while still learning the language. While in Munich during the 1960s, Jim took in the full ex-pat experience, traveling extensively – mostly by way of motorcycle and a VW split-window Beetle that he proudly outfitted with Maine license plates – making friends along the way, including other expats, US servicemen, and German medical students, several of whom remained among his dearest friends through Jim’s final days of life.

Upon receiving his medical degree and further training in Germany, Jim returned to the States and completed an internship at the Carney Hospital in Dorchester, Massachusetts.  It was there that he met his dearest friend and wife-to-be, Marilyn (née Spanier), who worked on the hospital’s pediatric ward. Jim and Marilyn would go on to be married for 51 years, raise two boys, and build a rich and fulfilling life together in Leominster, Massachusetts.

After completing his Harvard University residency at Beth Israel Hospital in Boston, Jim passed his Anesthesia Board exams in 1976 and became a Fellow of the American College of Anesthesiologists in 1979. Over the decades, Jim practiced at various central-Massachusetts hospitals and served as Chairman of the Department of Anesthesiology at Leominster Hospital from 1978 to 1993.  Jim was always dedicated to practice, simply because it enabled him to help heal the sick, and he involved himself deeply with many professional organizations, including the Massachusetts Society of Anesthesiologists, of which he was a longtime Executive Board member.

As a doctor, Jim was widely known for his gentle and informed bedside manner and devotion to his patients, and as a man, for his suffer-no-fools approach to life. But Jim’s greatest joys outside his profession were spending time with Marilyn and his family, the great State of Maine, his Jewish faith, and the riveting catch-and-release pursuit of the next trophy fish on one of his hand-tied flies and several dozen fly rods, some of which he built in his home workshop.

For Jim, however, fishing was not simply an activity, but rather a manifestation and expression of values. He loved the patience and focus it required, the connection to the outdoors, the time spent with his boys, his many friends – old and new – or alone, and the thrill of the hunt, the catch and the release.  Always passionate about preserving the great outdoors, for twenty-two years Jim served on and later chaired the Leominster Conservation Commission and co-founded a regional land trust there, which successfully conserved hundreds of acres of pristine watershed and open space.

In 2015, Jim and Marilyn retired to Cape Cod, where Jim filled his days reading voraciously, watching historical documentaries and world news, enjoying the company of family and friends, traveling at home and abroad, fishing all over North America, and enjoying seeing his New England athletic teams win championships.

Besides his loving parents, Jim was preceded in death by his sister Margery Gould Rath. Jim is survived by his wife Marilyn, his sons Peter (Christine) Gould of Boulder, Andrew (Akilah) Gould of Los Angeles, and his three granddaughters, Gardner, Bennett, and Greta Gould, as well as dozens of cousins, nieces, and nephews and many friends.

For those who wish to express sympathy, the family requests that in lieu of flowers to please consider contributing in Jim’s memory to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Anti-Defamation League, or Trout Unlimited.

Service at Temple Reyim 1860 Washington St., Newton, MA on Friday, May 31, 2024 at 11:00 am. Interment at Crawford Street Memorial Park, 776 Baker St., West Roxbury, MA. Family and friends are invited following interment for a meal of condolence at the Sheraton Boston Needham Hotel, 100 Cabot St., Needham, MA.

To view livestream of funeral service click here

Hope (Schlosberg) Shir

Age 98, of Chestnut Hill, on May 27, 2024.Beloved wife of the late Phil Shir. Devoted mother of Lois Shir Rohtstein and her husband Steven. Cherished grandmother of Marci Lauren Rohtstein. Dear sister of the late Barbara Goldberg, her late husband Herbert, Joan Weinstein, and her surviving husband  Robert. Services at Temple Emanuel, 385 Ward St., Newton, on Wednesday, May 29, 2024, at 1:30 pm. Following interment at The Keneseth Israel Cemetery, Woburn, Shiva will be at the residence of Lois and Steven Rohtstein until 9 pm and continuing Thursday 2-4 & 7-9 pm, Friday noon till 4:00 pm, Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday 3-8 pm. Remembrances in her memory may be made to Temple Emanuel or Hebrew Senior Life Hospice, 1200 Centre St., Boston, MA 02131.

The service will  be livestreamed here.

Richard Novakoff was a brave brother, son, uncle, cousin, and friend.
He was predeceased by his parents, Joseph and Shirley Novakoff. Richard fought a serious mental illness for which there is no cure, nor a way to alleviate its most debilitating handicaps.
At a young age, Richard went to New Preparatory School in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and became the fastest typist in the school, which earned him a starring position in the school office. Richard graduated from Curry College, Milton, and enjoyed theatre and Spanish. He took singing lessons.
He was manager of a shoe factory outlet store, and later had his own shoe business, Ranco Shoes. Yet, in the middle of his life, his illness took a spiraling downward turn.
Despite all that he endured, Richard was kind and loving, and just kept going, always doing the best he could.

Richard is survived by his sister, Karen Novakoff; by his brother and sister-in-love, Stephen and Frances Novakoff; by his nephew, Moshe Novakoff; by his nieces, Julie Novakoff and Sarah Susser; by his great-nephews, David and Sidney Smith; and by several cousins.

Funeral Services at Temple Emanuel, Newton, MA on Tuesday, May 28 at 10:00 am followed by interment at Lindwood Memorial Park in Randolph. Shiva at the home of Karen Novakoff on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday 7:00-9:00pm. Remembrances in Richard’s memory may be made to Hebrew Senior Life.

Livestream link: https://tbewellesley.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMucOyoqzwuH9OfEvRLVxQzcu_w2jCtYo0g

Meeting ID: 873 7505 7457     Passcode: 066008

“Remembering June Tatelman: A Legacy of Love and Compassion”

Loving Wife, Mother, Grandmother and Friend

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of June Forbes Tatelman, 76, a woman whose life was a testament to love, compassion, and selflessness.  June departed this world peacefully on May 22, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of kindness and generosity that will forever be cherished by those who had the privilege of knowing her.

Born on August 8^th, 1947, the daughter of Jules and Ruth Forbes, June was a natural nurturer from an early age.  She moved to Boston to attend the School of Education at Boston University with dreams of becoming a teacher and ultimately met the love of her life and future husband.

June found her greatest joy in being a wife to Eliot and a mother to her two sons, Josh and Michael.  She loved spending time with her boys and their friends, providing endless amounts of food and an open ear.  June had a remarkable gift for connecting with people and making them feel a part of the family.

As her sons grew up and started families of their own, June embraced her new role as mother-in-law, and grandmother.  Affectionately known as “Gammo” by her grandchildren and their friends, she continued her tradition of making her home a haven for all. She treated them with the same love and care that she showed her own sons and has left a special mark in the hearts of so many.

June’s gift for connecting with people extended beyond her immediate family.  She was a remarkable philanthropist whose actions spoke louder than words. She dedicated her life to making others feel special and loved, never hesitating to lend a helping hand wherever it was needed.

After her retirement as a health educator in the public school system, her dedication to health and education was evident through her service as a counselor for both Planned Parenthood of Massachusetts and Preterm of Massachusetts.  She was also passionate about women’s education and health empowerment, particularly in Africa.

As the founder and heart of Camp Miracles and Magic, a camp for children living with or affected by HIV/AIDS, June’s impact on the lives of countless young souls was immeasurable. Her commitment to serving others extended beyond borders, as she traveled to Africa with the Afrika Tikkun organization to share her time and wisdom with the children of Africa. June’s involvement with the Pathfinder organization and her dedication as a guardian ad Litem further underscored her commitment to serving those who needed her most.

June joined the BIDMC Trustee Advisory Board in 2014, bringing her commitment to healthcare and community service to their leadership team. In recognition of her dedication to BIDMC’s mission, she was honored as Trustee Advisor Emerita in 2023.

June’s unwavering love and support were the glue that held her family together, and her absence leaves a void that can never be filled. However, as we mourn her passing, we will also celebrate the incredible life she lived and the profound impact she had on those around her.

June is survived by her loving husband, Eliot, her two sons, Josh and Michael, and their wives Tanja and Courtney, her five grandchildren, Tyler, Peyton, Mason, Portia, and Jagger, and her brother Richard and his wife Bonnie.

Services will be held at Temple Beth Elohim,10 Bethel Road, Wellesley on Wednesday May 29^th at 10:30 am. Following the interment at Beth Israel Memorial Park, Waltham a memorial observance will be held at the residence of Josh and Tanja Tatelman until 8:00pm and Thursday 2-4, 7-9pm.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of June may be made Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center by visiting www.bidmc.org/giving or by check made payable to “Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center” with “June Tatelman” 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

Aronson, Helen Chanée (Fortgang), of Lexington, MA, formerly of Mt. Vernon, NY and New York City, passed away peacefully at the age of 96.

Beloved wife of the late Dr. Marvin L. Aronson with whom she enjoyed 62 years of marriage.

Devoted mother of David Aronson and his life partner Lynne Stern, and Ruth Aronson and her life partner Alan Silver.

Proud Grandmother of Joshua Aronson Basseches, Neil Aronson, Benjamin Aronson Basseches and Eileen Walz, and Claire Aronson.

Helen was predeceased by her sister Annette Zimmerman and her parents Abraham and Claire Fortgang. She leaves behind beloved family members, including her sister-in-law Toni Margolin, cousins in Israel, and cousins, nieces, and nephews, and friends and caregivers of all ages, who were inspired by her strength and kindness.

Born in Berlin, Germany in 1927, Helen’s life was disrupted in 1938 as she and her sister had to leave their parents to join their grandparents in Belgium in order to escape the Nazis. When their parents joined them, the family and other relatives embarked on a perilous journey from Belgium to France, where in June 1940 they received visas to Portugal from Aristides de Sousa Mendes, taking refuge there before sailing to New York in December 1940. Embracing her new country, Helen was educated in New York City, attending Julia Richman High School and New York University. Helen moved to Ann Arbor, Michigan where her husband, Marvin, was earning his Ph.D. in psychology at the University of Michigan. Returning to New York, Helen and her husband raised their children in Mt. Vernon, NY where Helen was a homemaker and a part-time interior decorator. With an extraordinary ability to understand and engage with people, she devoted herself to family, friends and community. In 2012, after the passing of her beloved husband, Helen relocated to Lexington, Massachusetts to be near her daughter and grandsons, and rebuilt her life at Brookhaven at Lexington.

Services at Temple Emunah, 9 Piper Road, Lexington MA at 11:00 a.m. on May 23, 2024.  Burial will be private for her family.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Temple Emunah, 9 Piper Road, Lexington, MA 02421.