Obituaries

Charles Sidney Lipson, 90, of Dedham, passed away peacefully at home on August 16, 2023.

Charles was born on June 7, 1933 to Esther and Harry Lipson in Boston. After Charles graduated from Boston Latin School in 1950, he went on to Harvard College, graduating in 1954, and then received his MD from Harvard Medical School in 1958. He performed his residency at Beth Israel Hospital.

Charles was married to Ellen Blotner Lipson for 64 years. They had 5 children, Robert, Caroline, Peter, David and Abigail.

Charles was in general surgery private practice for 17 years at Newton Wellesley Hospital from 1963–1980. He then combined his interests in medicine and entrepreneurship by founding Metromedic in New Bedford, a walk-in medical center performing urgent care, from 1980–2001. He sold Metromedic and continued to work there as a doctor until 2004 when he retired.

At Harvard College Charles played trumpet in the band and rode intramural crew. He was a Commander in the Medical Corps of the United States Naval Reserve and served in Vietnam in 1968 on the air craft carrier USS Bonhomme Richard. Back at home, he was involved locally throughout his life as President of the Oak Hill Park Association, Chairman of the Boston Chapter of the American Jewish Committee in 1975, charter member of the Harvard Band Foundation where he served for many years on its finance committee, and President of his condo association in Sarasota for several years. In 1975 Charles had one of the first patents on inflatable boots to prevent phlebitis in hospitals. He was co-founder and Medical Director of the EMT and Paramedic Departments at Northeastern University where he also taught for 30 years. He served 27 years at Harvard Stadium as a doctor providing first aid and life-saving care to football fans.

He is survived by his children Robert Lipson, Peter Lipson, David Lipson and Abigail Lipson, son-in-law Stephen Kaufer and his wife Lisa Howe, daughter-in-law Felicia Lipson, son-in-law Hap Hollibaugh, grandchildren Harry Kaufer, Celia Kaufer, Isaac Kaufer, Aaron Kaufer, Sophie Lipson, Gregory Lipson, Jennifer Howe, Hillary Kara, Thomas Howe and Catherine Howe. He is predeceased by his wife Ellen Blotner Lipson and daughter Caroline Lipson Kaufer.

Services will be held at Temple Beth Avodah on Sunday, August 20 at 10:00am. Shiva will be Monday, August 21 at 1:00-4:00pm and 5:00-8:00pm at NewBridge on the Charles. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Harvard Band Foundation, an organization Charles co-founded and loved.

Louis Fisher, 75, of Boyton Beach, FL, formerly of Boston, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on August 15, 2023 surrounded by his loving family.

Louis is survived by his beloved Marsha, his children, Sydnie Lovell and her husband Mark of Easton and Sara Fisher of Boston; his adored granddaughters Mia and Aurora, his sister-in-law Sheryl and several nieces and nephews.

Louis’ career with the Drug Enforcement Administration spanned decades in various capacities in Washington, D.C., Boston, Fort Lauderdale and Hartford. He was one of the first diversion investigators hired for the program in 1972 and continued his work until retiring 20 years ago. Louis also had a passion for tennis and spent years umpiring countless games at a variety of levels of play around the country.  He was also an avid collector and maintained an impressive collection of fountain pens, stamps and unique Coca Cola paraphernalia.

Services will be held graveside at Sharon Memorial Park on Friday, August 18,  2023 at 12:45 pm. Shiva will take place at the home of Sydnie and Mark Lovell on Friday, August 18, 2023 following interment and Sunday, August 20, 2023, 2:00- 4:00 pm and 6:00-8:00 pm. In lieu of flowers donations in his memory may be made to ALS, 200 Friberg Parkway, #1000, Westborough, MA 01581.

Barbara Sue Rabinovitz, of Brookline, died on Sunday, August 13, 2023. She had reached her 80^th year.

Born in Boston on March, 31 1944, she was the dear daughter of the late Ethel (Dollman) and Leo Rabinovitz and the devoted sister of the late Kenneth Rabinovitz. The family had a home in South Brookline for nearly 50 years, and Barbara was a graduate of the town’s schools. She went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in English from New York University, a master’s degree in journalism from Boston University, and a master’s degree in public administration from Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government.

Her life’s work was as a print journalist. For more than 40 years, while living in downtown Boston and enjoying all that it offered to its residents, Barbara served as a reporter and/or editor at four Boston-based newspapers: the Boston Herald American, Banker & Tradesman, Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly, and The Jewish Advocate. The grace note to her career in newspapers was as copy editor for The Hull Times, in a place she treasured as a summertime destination from her childhood.

A couple of years ago Barbara returned to Brookline and shared her journalistic skill with The Brookline Beacon, a monthly publication of the Council on Aging. It was a return to a town that truly felt like home.

She leaves good friends, colleagues, classmates in lifelong learning, and caregivers.

A private burial took place in Temple Emeth Memorial Park in West Roxbury, MA.

Marilyn Kudisch, of  Brookline, age 97, died August 9, 2023. Beloved wife of the late Selwyn A. Kudisch. Loving aunt of Alan Miller, Peter Levine, Susan Wein, and the late Nancy Capone and Carolyn Salk. Dear sister of the late Samuel Morrill. A graveside service was held at Temple Israel Cemetery in Wakefield.

To view the recording please click here.

It breaks our hearts to announce the passing of Deborah G. Katz on Tuesday, August 8, 2023. Her service will be graveside at Beit Olam East Cemetery, in Wayland MA on Friday August 11th at 11:00am. This will be followed by a celebration of life at Copper House Tavern in Waltham, MA at 12:30pm

Deborah, or Debby, as she liked to be called, was a strong, educated woman. Debby grew up in Flatbush Brooklyn, NY where she lived with her two brothers, her parents and her grandparents. She attended Stony Brook University for her bachelors in computer science, where she met her best friend and roommate, Linda Ropollo. Debby then decided to move to New Castle, England, where she studied for her masters in computer science. She worked for 40 years as a dedicated Software Engineer.

Debby was a lover of many things, whether that be puzzles, movies or jaffa cakes. It was easy to bring an infectious smile to her face. She loved art, books, mysteries and just life itself. Truly, one of the most optimistic people you would ever meet.

Debby is succeeded by her loving husband, Glenn Gerhardt and her caring daughter, Anna Gerhardt. Her brother Harold Katz and his wife Julie Katz. Harold’s two daughters, Amadea Katz and Leah Katz, as well as their son-in-law Omar Black and granddaughter, November Black. Her brother Hyman Katz and his wife Gisele Katz. As well as Hyman’s daughter Sharon Katz and her husband Gary Chase. Hyman’s Son, Samuel Katz and his wife Julie Katz, with their two children, Miles Katz and Zoe Katz.

Debby had a fantastic friendship circle, including her best friends Barbara Fox, Jim Dempsey, Heidi Dempsey, Linda Ropollo and Jackie Foster. As well as a  fellow group of friends she dubbed the Mitre club, whom she would meet with every few weeks for dinner and chit-chat.

Debby was loved by many and now will be missed by many. Her energy and love continue to surround everyone who had the amazing opportunity to get to know her.

Our dear mother Beverly Sandra Bor (Cogan) passed away peacefully in her sleep on Sunday, August 6, 2023 at the age of 77. She was a wonderful mother who we loved very much. She also had many friends and was a well respected member of the Glennwood Grove community in Wellesley, Mass. She is survived by her sister Carolyn. Her sons Adam & Eric, daughter in-law Melanie, grandson Xander, and nieces Bonnie and Mindy.

Beverly was a graduate of Tufts University in Occupational Therapy. She specialized in sensory integration and acquired skills in cognitive development. She was very adept at helping children to overcome learning disabilities; including her son, Adam, who benefited greatly when she fought for him to have more time on exams starting in the 4th grade. She worked at the Joseph P. Kennedy Children’s Hospital in Boston helping children for several years.

Our mother had a strong personality; she was a strong self-advocate and always knew what she wanted. Many friends and family reached out with kind words and condolences along with memories of our mother that we would like to contribute to her obituary.

Mom’s friend Cindy shared: “I loved when she had something to say. She would take her time to give the whole back story before she would ask questions or for any input from others. Then others in our Parkinsons support group would suggest doctors she should see, or resources available to her and usually she was already 2 steps ahead of us, and had already seen the top doctors.  She was more connected than most and very resourceful. She had a lot of life experience. I loved how direct she was and how she said what needed to be said. She was very proud of her boys, and her family. I will miss her friendship. It’s good to know she died in peace.”

Mom’s friend, Marsha, met Beverly at Beth Israel Hospital with whom she shared a hospital room while they were both in labor. Beverly’s first son, Adam and Marsha’s daughter Laurie, were born just hours apart and ultimately grew up together. Marsha shared, “I will sadly miss my dear friend Beverly. She was sincere, straightforward, intelligent, and a deeply caring friend. She will be missed.” At the end Marsha was reading to mom over the phone.

Don Cogan in CA shared: “I’m thankful to have been Bev’s cousin and will miss her a lot. Being in different parts of the country in recent years we hadn’t been able to visit with each other as often as we did growing up. I’m so glad we saw each other this past year when Cheryl and I were in New England. Rest in peace, Bev.” Mom always had kind words to say about her cousin.

Mom’s friend, Chris (Weston Garden Club) shared: “I was grateful to be able to share some time with her during her final days, and I hope it brought some comfort to her. I will miss her friendship and passion for gardening.

From Adam/ Eric/ Carolyn: “Mom had a good heart, she always tried to help others when she could. She was very artistic and loved going to Museums and Antique shopping. She loved flowers and gardening; we had the most beautiful rock garden on Joyce Rd in Wayland and neighbors always came by to see the new lilies and other flowers we helped mom plant. She was also an amazing cook. When we were growing up, I remember cooking every possible recipe with her, especially Chinese food, and she instilled a true love of food and cooking in me (Adam). She was trained by Madeline Kamman French Cuisine School, in Newton, MA. “

Adam’s High School friend, Sarah shared: “I have so many fond memories of basket weaving with your mom at summer camp. She was very talented in an enormous variety of crafts, like stamping, basket weaving, candle making, leather making, she loved photography and taking pictures of gardens and flowers especially on her trips to Maine with friends. She pretty much taught everything that could be part of arts and crafts at camp or an after-school program in Wayland and Weston.”

Towards the end, Mom said she was very happy to have met Adam’s girlfriend, Candice, and mentioned she thought she would have liked her very much.

Candice shared: “There are no words for the legacy Beverly Bor has left on us and this family. She gave me the greatest gift, with just Adam being her son. I will forever cherish the memories I now hold close to my heart. My continued condolences on Mom’s transition, be at peace in the knowing she is now pain-free and watching over you all.”

I think most of all, our mother could not have been happier than to have spent her precious final days with her grandson, Xander (age 3), at her home in Wellesley this past April with Eric, Melanie and Adam. She was very happy to see what a handsome and pleasant boy he has become and that he is now a piece of her Legacy.

At the end, Beverly asked that friends and family donate to the Parkinsons Foundation (http://www.Parkinson.org)

so one day a cure can be found to help others and their families fight the challenges of this life-debilitating disease.

Thank you all for sharing your love and support through our Mothers’ passing, she will forever be loved and cherished.

Passionate Advocate for Civil Rights, Liberties and Freedom of Speech

Woody Kaplan of Boston, age 80, passed away on August 3rd. Following a highly successful career in commercial real estate, Woody retired from business 30 years ago and devoted himself full time to his political passions — advocating for civil liberties and civil rights, locally and nationally, supporting candidates who shared his ideals, and giving money away instead of making it. A former ACLU national board member, Woody helped establish the organization’s endowment fund in the 1990s. A lifelong atheist, who fought for everyone’s freedom of conscience, he was a founding member of the Secular Coalition for America. A lifelong free speech advocate, he was a longtime board member of Defending Rights and Dissent, a successor organization to the National Committee to Abolish HUAC (the House of UnAmerican Activities Committee). A fighter for racial justice, Woody went to Mississippi in 1962 to work on voter registration drives. Woody Kaplan was a patriot.

He is survived by his wife and life partner, writer Wendy Kaminer, who shared Woody’s passions and beliefs. He is also survived by his daughters, Abigail of Jerusalem and Emily of Los Angeles, by 11 grandchildren, and by his devoted sister, Nancy Fischman and her husband, Steve.

Anita T. Cohen-Of Newton, MA, on August 2, 2023.Beloved wife of 70 years to Kenny Cohen. Loving daughter of the late Louis and Sophie Proman. Devoted mother of Jonathan Cohen and Susan Greenglass and her husband Hugh. Cherished grandmother of Julia Greenglass. Dear sister of Rhoda Potischman and her late husband Bernie, and the late David Proman and his late wife Phyllis. Also survived by many loving nieces and nephews. Graveside services at The Polonnoe Cemetery,776 Baker St., West Roxbury, on Sunday, August 6, 2030, at 10:00 am. Following services, memorial observance will be held in the Community Room at 99 Needham St., Newton until 4:00 pm and Monday 1-4 pm. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to Beth Israel-Deaconess Hospital Cancer Center 330 Brookline Ave., Boston, MA 02215. www.BIDMC.org.

Kotzen, Lila (Levine), of Needham, MA formerly of Jamaica Plain, and Sanibel Island, FL, passed away August 1, 2023. Beloved wife of the late Herbert Kotzen. Devoted mother of Jim Kotzen of Newton, Peter Kotzen and his wife Karen of Chestnut Hill, and John Kotzen and his wife Barbara of Wellesley. Cherished grandmother of Jeffrey and his wife Elyssa Kotzen, Michael, Julie, and Robert Kotzen, Alison and her husband Andrew Gilboard, and Matthew, Colby, and Andrew Kotzen. Proud great-grandmother of Skylar and Sydney Kotzen, and Blake Gilboard. Loving sister of the late Florence Baron, and the late Edward Levine. Lila is survived by loving daughter-in-law Lauri-Jo Kotzen. Graveside service at Mishkan Tefila Memorial Park, 2605 Centre St., West Roxbury, MA on Friday, August 4, 2023 at 11 am. Following services, memorial observance will be at the home of Peter and Karen Kotzen until 5 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations in Lila’s memory may be made to North Hill, c/o The North Hill Team Member Appreciation Fund, 865 Central Ave., Needham, MA 02492. The family would like to thank Rachelle Jeancaidor and the caregivers on the 4^th floor at Pines Edge for their constant care and never-ending support.

To view the recording please click here

Larry R. Dolinsky, 88, of Hingham, Lincoln and Swampscott, MA passed away peacefully on Sunday July 30^th after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer. Larry was predeceased by his parents, Sam and Florence, as well as his beloved wife Joan (Saxe Platt) Dolinsky. He is survived by his sister Marilyn (Eddie) Siegel of Los Angeles, his sister Jane Dunn (Henry, Ric Ricardi) of NY, his children Jeri (Mark) Smoller of Needham, Donna Platt of Southborough and Eric (Pao) Platt of Kittery Point, Maine. Larry was also the beloved “Grampy” to Billy (Rachel Books) Smoller and Rachel Beth Smoller, as well as Andrew and Jason Michalik. He was blessed to also have 3 great grandchildren, Gabe, Emma and Sophie Smoller as well as numerous cousins and nieces & nephews.

Larry was a true renaissance man. He served in the Navy, including a stint at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. He was a world traveler, highlighted by his Y2K, around the world bike trip in the year 2000, accompanied by his beloved “Joannie” where they went to 6 continents and 46 countries. Larry was a tenured professor for 5 decades at Bentley University, where he taught mathematics & operations management, and he also taught at Wentworth Institute of Technology in his early teaching career. He was a lover of the ocean and sailed the Northeast coast for many years on his beloved sloop “Bolero.” Larry was also an avid Boston sports fan, especially the Red Sox.

In addition to the surviving family, Larry cultivated lifelong friendships wherever he traveled or lived. Be it his many biking & international travels, his Bentley colleagues, Temple congregants, friends from the North Shore and Lincoln, Larry and Joan were a force of nature. When Joan and Larry moved to Linden Ponds 5 years ago, they wasted no time in forging relationships in the community there, playing bridge, taking long walks, joining book clubs and relating stories, in great detail, about his epic adventures.

He will be dearly missed by friends and family alike. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute in memory of Joan Platt Dolinsky.

Graveside service will take place Wednesday August 2, 2023 at 1:00 PM at Beit Olam East Cemetery, 44 Concord Rd., Wayland, MA.

 Shiva will follow immediately after the burial at the home of Mark and Jeri Smoller.