Obituaries

Raynor Doris Caplan

1930-2024

Raynor Doris Caplan (Bornstein), age 93, passed away peacefully on June 15, 2024. Beloved wife of 72 years of childhood sweetheart Hubert Caplan; loving mother of Susan Caplan and husband Michael Kazenel of Canton, Jeanne Val and husband Luc Bernard Val of Milton, and Donna Caplan of Kauai. Loving grandmother of Kala Hagopian; Melanie Kazenel and Robert Buskirk-Lechner, Jessie Kazenel and Christopher Kaaria, and Daniel Kazenel; and Benjamin and Jeremy Val; great grandmother of Kai Williams.  She was preceded in death by her father and mother, Samuel and Anne Bornstein, sister Lillian Katz, and brother Merton Lamden.

Valedictorian of Winthrop High Class of 1948, Ray attended Wellesley College, where she graduated in 1952 with Bachelor of Arts in Zoology and was inducted into the Phi Beta Kappa Society. She researched the thyroid, co-publishing a paper in Endocrinology with W. P. Vanderlaan.  Ray devoted her life to raising her children and grandchildren; later working in the medical office of her husband, Hu.

 Ray will be remembered as a nurturing, kind, humble mother, wife, grandmother, and friend.  She took care of everyone. Her kindness and affection were all encompassing. She was intelligent and had a quiet sense of humor and was dedicated to reading and to life-long learning.

Ray was passionate about nature and music.  She shared and instilled her passion for nature to her children and grandchildren – birds, plants, flowers, trees, and appreciating nature and the earth. Her musical passion started with playing piano, singing folk music, and then attending opera and orchestra performances.  She created a family tradition of singing with folk songs and lullabies.

Ray was buried at her beloved retreat in Harrison, Maine on June 19th.  A memorial service will be held on Sunday, June 23rd at 1:30pm at Temple Ohabei Shalom, 1187 Beacon St, Brookline, MA. Donations in Ray’s memory may be made to the Lakes Environmental Association Caplan Family Education Fund or to the Friends of Wellesley College Botanic Gardens.

Of Belmont, previously Brighton, on June 12 after long illness, at age 77.  Son of late parents Miriam and George Oshry.  Cherished brother of Deborah (Howard) Herzog and Jeanne (Jerry) Ashworth.  Beloved uncle to five nieces and nephews and their spouses, and eight grandnieces and nephews.

In past years, Richard worked for his family’s business, and volunteered at several community organizations.  His hobby was traveling about in search of antiques and collectibles. He was a kind and caring person who will be greatly missed.

Graveside services will be held at Sharon Memorial Park on Sunday, June 16 at 10:45 am.  Shiva will be held at the home of Deborah Herzog at 6:30 on Sunday evening.

Donations in Richard’s memory can be made to Hebrew SeniorLife or the charity of your choice.

Norma (Kazer) Brass-Of South Easton, on June 11, 2024. Beloved wife for 56 years to her high school sweetheart, David Brass. Daughter of the late Irving and Ida Kazer. Devoted and loving mother of Scott and his wife Susan and Jill and her husband Stephen. Cherished Nana of Ally and Shelby Brass and Ella and Evan Kramer.  Norma grew up in Brockton, MA, and graduated from American International College.  She taught third grade until settling into her favorite role of Mom.  Norma could often be found power walking, baking her highly coveted chocolate chip cookies, or scoping out the latest fashion for herself and others.  Nothing gave her greater joy than spending time spoiling her grandchildren. Funeral Service on Friday, June 14, 2024, at noon at Temple Sinai, 25 Canton St., Sharon, MA. Interment to follow at Sharon Memorial Park. Following services family and friends are invited to the home of Jill and Stephen Kramer until 6 pm. In lieu of flowers, remembrances in her memory may be made to Jewish National Fund.

Change of Date and Time of Service

January 14, 1925-June 10, 2024

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our father, Morris Arnold Franklin, on
June 10, 2024, at the age of 99. Formerly of Webster and Natick, MA, and a long-time resident of
Miami Beach, FL. He was preceded in death by his wife, Marilyn (Levinsky) Franklin, and brothers, William
Franklin and Jacob Franklin. He is survived by his children, Florence Silberman, Miriam McGettrick,
and David Franklin, as well as their spouses, his grandson Robert Tiger, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Morris, known as “Murray,” was the youngest of 3 brothers, who were lovingly referred to as the
Franklin “Boyus.” As a child, he was told he would need to learn to play an instrument even though
he had no initial interest, so he chose the saxophone, figuring it would be impossible to obtain one.
Much to his chagrin, his parents presented him with one. Turns out he was a natural – a musical
prodigy who went on to master not only the saxophone but also the bassoon, clarinet, and flute. He
started playing saxophone professionally at the age of 15 with the big band The Teddy Mack
Orchestra.
When WWII broke out, Morris was called to serve and did so valiantly in the Army Infantry in the
Philippines and then in the occupying forces in Japan. After the war, he attended the prestigious
New England Conservatory of Music to further develop his natural musical talent. He went on to a
successful musical career, playing bassoon for the Boston Symphony and multi-instruments for the
Shubert Theater House Band, among others. He garnered a reputation as one of the best and most
sought-after sight-readers on the East Coast.
After the passing of his beloved wife, Marilyn, Morris raised his 3 children in Miami Beach, Florida.
He was an avid reader and loved doing the puzzles (any and all kinds) in the newspaper, keeping his
mind sharp for 99 years. He had a wonderful sense of humor and wit that never dulled. And he
always had room for dessert.
There will be a graveside service at The Hebrew Cemetery at Chevra Kadisha Cemetery in
Worcester, MA, on Sunday June 16, 2024, at 1:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers, we ask that you send a Tribute Gift in his name to the New England Conservatory
of Music, where he studied music and went on to become a professional musician.
https://necmusic.edu/give

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.