Obituaries

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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.

Leonard H. Solomon, age 86, of Mashpee, formerly of Norwood, passed peacefully on May 19, 2024.  Leonard leaves behind his loving wife, Barbara.  He was the proud father of daughter Amy [and husband René] and twin sons Gary [and wife Lisa] and Mark, and adoring grandfather of Mitchell, Simone, Eric, and Briana.  Leonard, eldest son of late Milton and Esther Solomon, is survived by siblings Roslyn and Allen.

Leonard graduated from Stuyvesant High School at age 15, Brooklyn College with an undergraduate degree in mathematics, and Cornell University with a master’s degree in astronomy.  He took further graduate courses at Harvard University, where he later lectured.  Leonard went on to become a Program Manager for 25 years at Itek Optical Systems, leading teams of engineers and physicists in developing land- and space-based telescopes and imaging systems, after beginning his career at the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory and the Harvard University Observatory.  Among other accomplishments, Leonard managed a team that created an original design of the Hubble Space Telescope.

Leonard and Barbara’s passion for education, travel, friendship, and commitment to each other and others continues to serve as a model for their children and grandchildren.  Leonard was a dedicated and devoted leader and participant in his religious community, found opportunities for all who wanted to contribute, reveled in watching the next generation develop, and built consensus that would advance the community into the future.

Family, friends, and colleagues appreciated Leonard for his selflessness, wisdom, honesty, sense of adventure, great sense of humor, and a warm and welcoming smile.  Leonard will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Services will be held Wednesday, May 22, 2024 at 10 AM, at Sharon Memorial Park, 40 Dedham St., Sharon, MA.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice.

Margda Gerber Gold (formerly Marjorie), 91 of Norwood, MA, passed peacefully on May 17, 2024. Margda grew up in Salem, MA the proud daughter of Louis Gerber, creator and owner of Gerber’s Restaurant in Townhouse Square. Predeceased by her beloved parents, Louis and Alice (Goldstein) Gerber and sister Elinor Richman. Her cherished husband, Rubin Gold, talented artist, died in 1989.

She leaves her loving daughter, Mahla Ellerin (fiancé Michael Stedman), amazing grandchildren, Ruby and Brett Ellerin, former son-in-law Todd Ellerin, beloved nieces Pat Gottlieb and Norma Vogel and many loving cousins.

Margda was an artist and art teacher during her life, learning as she inspired others.

A private graveside service will be held. Memorial Observance at Temple Beth Shalom, 670 Highland Avenue, Needham, on Tuesday, May 21 from 2-5 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Temple Beth Shalom, Needham or a charity of your choice.

Sue Schwartz Cahners- Age 99, of Needham, MA and formerly of Boston, MA, Wellington, FL, Brookline, MA, and New London, CT died peacefully on May 17, 2024. She was the best friend and devoted wife of Walter for over 64 years, encouraging, supportive and loving mother of Amy Cahners and Catherine Cahners and her husband Dr. Andrew Gillies; proud “Grammy Sue” to Nicole Hunter Schwab and her husband Michael, Rachel Hunter-Goldman and her husband Julius, Samantha Gillies and her wife Alexandria, and Kimberly Gillies; adoring great-grandmother “GG” of Jocelyn Gillies, and Peter and Wesley Schwab. Sue was the daughter of Harriet (Bronstein) and Joseph R. Schwartz and the beloved younger sister of the late Geraldine Newfield. Sue will be missed by her family and many friends who will remember her as an avid golfer, graceful skier, sought-after bridge partner, talented painter in both oils and watercolor, compassionate psychiatric social worker, dedicated community volunteer, and kind, generous friend. Funeral and burial will be private. Memorial observance will be at the home of Amy Cahners on May 21^st and 22^nd from 6-8pm. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to Good Shepherd Community Care, 160 Wells Avenue, Newton, MA 02459, www.gscommunitycare.org or to a charity of your choice.

Rosalie Schusel Whitehill passed away peacefully on May 15, 2024, five days shy of her 95th birthday. Born in Long Beach, NY, she lived in Plainview for 53 years before moving to Lasell Village, Newton, 12 years ago.  After raising 2 children she earned her M.Ed. then enjoyed a rewarding career as a much beloved teacher, playing tennis every morning before school. After retiring and losing her husband Ralph, she stayed busy with swimming, bridge, Israeli folk dancing, temple programs, book groups, and enjoying cultural events in NYC.

Rosalie was known for her love of Judaism and Israel and her passionate beliefs as a liberal democrat. She marched for peace and civil rights in DC, later for women’s and gay rights in Israel and Boston. Thanks to Ralph’s job at El Al, the family traveled around the world and she continued to visit Israel annually until age 90.
Most important to Rosalie were her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Her calendar revolved around family: planning special activities, baking for holidays and, with Ralph, hosting “Camp Whitehill’ each summer – a thrill for her oldest grandkids. She took 5 of her 6 grandchildren to London after their Bar/Bat mitzvahs.
Her enthusiasm for life and her appreciation for her good fortune drew people to her. She made many friends when she moved to MA. She regretted not moving sooner as she loved her “luxurious” life at Lasell. Until her last days she remained grateful for all her blessings.

Rosalie is survived by her children Debbie (Howie Zaharoff) and Richard ( Becky), her grandchildren Josh ( Sarah) Zaharoff, Marta Zaharoff  (Volkan Eren), Leah (Harold) Fogel, Lizzy Whitehill (Anthony Nihan), Laura Whitehill (Mike Fox) and Danny Whitehill, and her great grandchildren Jacob and Aria Zaharoff, Jackson Eren and Charlie Fogel and by her neice and nephew, and by many cousins. She was predeceased by her beloved soul mate of 45 years, Ralph, her parents Ruth and William Schusel, and her brother, Jerry Shell.

There will be a graveside service on Friday, May 17th at 1pm at New Montefiore Cemetery, West Babylon, NY.  Zoom option is available:
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Meeting ID: 815 0685 0018
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There will be a celebration of her life at Temple Emanuel, Newton, MA on Monday, May 20th ( her birthday) following evening minyan from 8-9pm. It will be live streamed.

Donations may be made in Rosalie’s memory to  Leket Israel  or Mogen David Adom  or a charity of your choice.

Ronald Gene Levine, of West Roxbury, MA passed away May 11, 2024.  Beloved husband of Ina Levine for 70 years. Devoted father of Bruce W. Levine and his wife Leslie, Robert Levine and Richard Levine.  Grandfather of Deborah Levine, Joshua Levine and his wife Courtney, and great-grandfather of Noah and Zachary Levine.

Graveside service at Beth El cemetery, West Roxbury, MA on Monday, May 13, 2024 at 1:00 pm.

Memorial observance will be at the home of Bruce and Leslie Levine, Monday 4 – 8 pm and Tuesday 1 -4 & 6 -9 pm.

Donations in Ronald’s memory may be made to the American Lung Association.

Graveside Service at Sharon Memorial Park, 40 Dedham St., Sharon, MA on Sunday, May 19, 2024 at 10:45 am.