Obituaries

Skolnick, Barbara Esther, of Needham, on July 6, 2024.  Better known by close family as “Bubbie,” Barbara was a cherished and adored mother and grandmother who left this world far too soon at age 76 after a valiant battle with cancer, with her husband Steven, son Adam, and daughter Judith by her side.  Throughout her life and including her cancer treatments, Barbara remained (in her words) an “eternal optimist.”  Even through the worst pain and suffering, Barbara always had a smile on her face and managed to find something good in every day.

Barbara is survived by her beloved husband Steven, children Adam and Judith, daughter- in- law Amy, and her grandchildren Brandon, Eliana, Harold, and Isaac, whom she idolized and were the center of her universe.  She loved them to the moon and back.  She is also survived by her brother Larry, nephew Keith, sisters and brothers-in-law Ellen and Steven Weiner and Gail and Leonard Burman, and much-loved friends and extended family.  She was predeceased by her mother Florence and her father Gershon.  As a mother, Barbara was a shining and selfless example of positivity, strength and resilience. Outside her family, Barbara also found joy in Deerfield Beach and in her summer home in Dennis Port.  When she wasn’t at the beach you could find her in her happy place at the gym, cooking with her grandchildren, or helping a family member or friend in need.  Everywhere she went Barbara exhibited grace and casual elegance.  She was an accomplished pianist who very much enjoyed music, theater arts and museums, a legacy that she passed down to her grandchildren. As a proud alumnus of Girls’ Latin School and Boston State College, Barbara was straight A student.  She was also equally proud of her career as a kindergarten teacher of 40-50 students that began at the Harrington School in Cambridge.  After five years of teaching, Barbara took a brief leave to raise her children.   Later in her career Barbara moved on to teach preschool then becoming Director of Preschool/Childcare centers in the local community.  Barbara loved helping children and the impact she had on her students will be remembered for years to come.  Many times, when Barbara was out in public she was approached and hugged by her former students and families thanking her for the inerasable mark she made in their lives.

She will always and forever be remembered as our family’s matriarch and her legacy will never be forgotten.   In honor of Barbara’s remarkable life, the funeral will be held on Thursday, July 11, 2024, at 10:00 am at Temple Beth Shalom, Needham. Interment will follow at Independent Pride of Boston Cemetery, 776 Baker St., West Roxbury.

Family and friends are welcome to visit with the Skolnick family, following interment until 5:00 pm at Temple Beth Shalom.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances in Barbara’s memory may be made to The Home for Little Wanderers Child and Family Counseling Center,72-74 East Dedham St., Boston, MA 02118.  (In the memo write: “in honor of Dr. Josh Martin in memory of Barbara Skolnick”). Or Dr. Matulonis’ innovative research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. 10 Brookline Place West, 6th Fl, Brookline, MA 02445 (In the memo write: ” Dr. Matulonis’ Giving Page in memory of Barbara Skolnick”).

May she rest in peace.  Barbara has gone to the beach.

The Simches family is deeply saddened to announce the passing of Gerald R. Simches, of Newton, on Saturday, July 6, 2024 at the age of 89. His eternal love will be forever carried by his wife Deborah of 67 years.  Loving father to Michael Simches and his wife, Wendy, and Sue Levy and her husband, Randy.  Grandfather to Jason Simches and his wife, Martha, Emma Simches; Melanie Levy and her husband, Jeremy,  Adam Levy and his wife, Alison, David Levy and his wife Orit, April Levy, and their late father, George Levy.  Beloved Great Grandfather to six Great Grandchildren who adored their Papa. A pillar of strength and a true Patriarch of the family he held so dear.  We will miss you always. Services at Temple Shir Tikva, 141 Boston Post Rd (Rt 20), Wayland on Tuesday, July 9 at 1:00PM.   Remembrances may be made to Mass General Hospital to support the work of Hanna Gaggin, MD, MPH in the research of and treatment for Cardiac Amyloidosis.

Of Newton on July 6, 2024. Beloved wife of the late Albert J. Sinofsky. Loving mother of Ken “Ian” of Newton, Debra (Paul) Gibbons of Needham, the late Bruce Sinofsky and also survived by her daughter- in- law Florence of New Jersey.

Devoted grandmother of Alex (Nayla), Amanda, Emily, Tristan, Claire, Adeline and Luc.

Sister of Dorothy Albert of Boca Raton, FL. Also survived by several nieces and nephews.

In Beebe’s earlier years, she was a professional singer performing in Boston Night Clubs and On-Air Radio Jingles. Beebe then pursued a successful career in Marketing and Advertising in the Automotive Industry for more than forty years. In retirement, ever the singer, Beebe continued to perform in the group Basically Broadway and local Theatre groups. Lastly and more importantly to Beebe, was her family, as she was a devoted daughter, sister, mother and grandmother.

Funeral Service at Temple Reyim, 1860 Washington St., Newton, on Wednesday, July 10, 2024 at 10:30 AM. Interment to follow at Sharon Memorial Park.

Shiva will be observed at the home of Paul and Debra Gibbons on Wednesday from 3:00pm to 6:00pm.

Remembrances in memory of Beebe may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital at stjude.org or to MSPCA.org.

Toby Roover, beloved wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, and cherished friend, passed away peacefully on June 30th at the age of 82. Her life was a testament to love, creativity, and selfless service.

Born on June 3^rd 1942, Toby met the love of her life, Charlie Roover, when she was just 14 years old and he was 16. Their enduring love blossomed early, leading to their marriage at ages 19 and 21. For 62 wonderful years, they built a life filled with deep affection, mutual respect, world travel and countless treasured memories.

Toby was the devoted mother of David and Melissa, mother-in-law to Michelle Lecks Roover and to the late Paul Voynalovitch instilling in them the values of kindness, integrity, and honesty. She was also the adored grandmother of Benny and Hailey, who brought immense joy and light into her life.

Toby also leaves behind many dear friends, some of whom she had known since her childhood in Brighton. These lifelong friendships were a testament to her loyal and loving nature, and they brought her great joy and comfort throughout her life.

An avid painter, Toby’s artistic talent was a source of joy and expression throughout her adult life. Her beautiful works of art, often inspired by Martha’s Vineyard or other scenes from her travels reflected her vibrant spirit and creative soul.

In addition to her artistic pursuits, Toby was a dedicated volunteer. She passionately supported the Wellness Community and the Alzheimer’s Association of Greater Boston, offering her time, energy, and empathy to those in need. Her commitment to these causes exemplified her generous heart and unwavering dedication to making her community a better place.

A memorial service to celebrate Toby’s life will be held at 10am on July 2nd at Sharon Memorial Park in Sharon, MA. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Toby’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association.  Shiva will be held from 4pm to 7pm on both Tuesday and Wednesday at David and Michelle’s house in West Newton.

Graveside service at Pride of Lynn Cemetery, on Friday, June 28, 2024 at 12 Noon. Shiva at his late residence Friday 3-6 pm and Sunday, 10-2 pm and 4-6 pm.

Ina Friedman Starobin, formerly of Bethesda, MD and Brookline, MA, died peacefully at Goodwin House, Alexandria, VA on June 25.

Ina was born and raised in Chester, PA.  After graduating from Penn State U, she married Sol Friedman of Washington, DC.  She raised four children in Bethesda, by whom she is survived, Ronne Friedman (Irene), Wendy Friedman (Adam Bernstein), Lynn Friedman, Loren Friedman (Patricia Rodriguez); she is also survived by a step-daughter, Debra Pullen.  Ina was the author of four young adult books: Black Cop, a biography, and three non-fiction works about the Holocaust, Escape or Die, The Other Victims, and Flying Against The Wind. Ina also wrote a delightful book for young children, How My Parents Learned to Eat, illustrated by Allen Say, for which she won a Christopher Award and a spot on Reading Rainbow.

Ina met Colonel Sam Starobin in the mid-70’s; they were married in 1977 and delighted in one another until Sam’s death in 2019.

In addition to her children, Ina is survived by her sister, Barbara Roberts of Lincoln, MA and four grandchildren, Zachary Friedman (Lilian Tan), Rachel Lerch (Conor O’Hollaren), Amelia Friedman DeSorrento (Tonio), Joaquin Friedman (Alaina Van Slooten), a step-grandson, Phelan Pullen (Joan), three great-grandchildren, Emilio, Tiago and Luca, nieces, Beth Roberts, Susan Lubar (Ken), and nephew, Larry Harris (Phyllis), and their families. She also enjoyed a special relationship with her grand-niece, Allegra Lubar.

Ina’s eldest grandson, Jesse, cited as an editor of one of her books, predeceased her in 2010.

She will be buried next to Sam in a private family ceremony at the United States Military Academy in West Point, NY.

Contributions in her memory may be sent to: Jesse S. Friedman Fund, Temple Israel Riverway Project, 477 Longwood Ave., Boston, MA 02215

To view the livestream please click here.

Harriet (Cobrain) Brody, June 25, 2024, at 97 years of age. Predeceased by her loving husband of 51 yrs Solomon, and her treasured sister, the late Marilyn Cohen.  Beloved daughter of the late Dora (Lastoff) and Louis Cobrain. Survived by her Daughter Lois Marcus (Harvey), Daughter Enid Feingold (Alan) and Son Robert (Beth). Grandmother of 7 and the late Lisa Feingold, and Great-Grandmother to 12. Harriet was a graduate of Brighton High School and worked as a bookkeeper in the Boston area for many years. She was loved by all she met and never failed to share her humor and good nature with friends and strangers, and she created a home that was the central gathering point for relatives, and friends of all the family members. She brought that spirit with her to the Thomas Upham House in Medfield, MA where she spent her final few years, receiving compassionate care with great love and affection. Jewish holidays were celebrated with pride and great food, and her treasured recipes have been widely circulated within and outside the family.

A private graveside service of remembrance will be held for her family and friends on Friday, June 28, 2024 at 1:45 pm at Sharon Memorial Park, 120 Canton Street, Sharon, MA. Shiva will be observed immediately following internment at Temple Kol Tikvah, 9 Dunbar Street, Sharon. The service will also be live-streamed here.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to: The Lisa Feingold Fund c/o Congregation Bnai Shalom, 117 East Main Street, Westborough, MA 01581.

Marcia (Freedman) Apatow, beloved wife to Bob, mother to Douglas, Steven, and Karen, and sister to Blossom, predeceased her husband Bob and passed on April 18, 2020 at Stone Senior Residence, Newton Upper Falls, MA

Robert (Bob) Jacob Apatow, beloved husband to Marcia, and father to Douglas, Steven, and Karen, passed on June 15, 2024 at Traditions Assisted Living, Dedham, MA

Fresh out of the Navy after WWII, Bob met Marcia at Apatow Pharmacy, Flatbush, Brooklyn, NY, and it was love at first sight. Marcia & Bob raised children Doug, Steve, and Karen, and built homes in: Brooklyn, NY; Valley Stream, NY; Levittown, PA; Greenwich Village, NYC; CT; Cape Cod, MA; Del Rey Beach, FL, and finally Dedham, MA.

Bob built successful careers as a sales executive in the pharmaceutical and beauty products industry, while Marcia was a Weight Watchers lecturer in Levittown, PA, teacher in NYC, and fabulous cook, never to be forgotten by her signature dish Shrimp Leylon.

Besides adoring their children and grandchildren, Bob & Marcia also loved travel to Europe, romantic dinners out, reading the Sunday NYT, and long, loving days at beaches on Cape Cod and Del Rey Beach, FL, Bob thereby earning his nickname Poppa Ocean aka Poppa O.

Marcia & Bob are survived by:

Marcia’s beloved sister Blossom, and Blossom’s & Blossom’s husband Irwin’s children Sandy, David, and Jane;

Bob’s brother Maury, and his sister Patricia;

Bob & Marcia’s son Doug & his wife Andrea and their children Lindsay & her partner Ariel, and son Ben and his partner Jocy;

Bob & Marcia’s son Steve & his partner Josie, and Steve’s children Amanda & her husband Leighton, daughter Emily & her fiancee Devontae, and son Josh; and

Bob & Marcia’s daughter Karen & her husband Ben, and their children Isabel, Libby, and Lex.

A memorial service for Marcia & Bob will be held for immediate family on Friday, June 21, 2024 at the MA Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery, Buzzards Bay, Cape Cod, MA.

SCHULTZ, Stephen E., of Dedham, formerly of Jamaica Plain, June 19, 2024, at 79 years of age. The beloved son of the late Sadye and Jacob Schultz and beloved brother of the late Lorraine Rudnick, the late Rita Goldman and the late Allen Schultz. Beloved friend of Hadj Belgendouz (Lamia) whose children were like grandchildren to Steve. Beloved uncle to many nephews and nieces around the country and the world. Steve was a graduate of Brookline High School and Boston University where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. He later worked as a CPA for many years. Steve always tried to help people who do not have enough in this world. He felt passionately about assisting those seeking immigration and political asylum. He loved the Red Sox.

A private service of remembrance will be held for his family and friends on Sunday, June 23, 2024 at 2 pm at The Chapel at Newbridge on the Charles, 7000 Great Meadow Road, Dedham.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to: De Novo (formerly Community Legal Services), www.denovo.org, 47 Thorndike St., Cambridge MA 02141 (617) 661-1010. Funds given in memory of Stephen Schultz should benefit those seeking political asylum in the United States.

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.