Marjorie (Balick) Gruverman- Marge passed away peacefully, at home in Auburndale, on December 6th, at the age of 88. She was the beloved wife of Irwin Gruverman; devoted mother of Donna and Steve and his wife Marie Wendt; loving grandmother of Siona; and cherished aunt of Robin Balick. In her last years, Marge had a devoted caregiver team, very much appreciated by all of her family. Creativity was an important part of who Marge was, and she expressed herself though painting, printmaking and jewelry metalsmithing. She had a long association with the Wellesley Arts and Craft Guild and built many close friendships there. Community service was also important to Marge and she was involved with the League of Women Voters and the Needham Community Council for many years. Marge was grateful to have lived at Lasell Village for nearly twenty years. For most of that time she was active in the vibrant community there, serving on committees and enthusiastically taking classes and making good friends. Donations in Marge’s memory may be made to the American Civil Liberties Union or Good Shepherd Community Care, Newton, MA.

A link to view the funeral service can be found here.

Arnold D. Vetstein of Newton and Boston died on December 12, 2022, at the age of 96. Arnold was a long-time practicing dentist in Framingham, a major contributor to organized dentistry, a co-founder of the League School of Greater Boston, and a decorated Korean War veteran. He will be remembered for his generous spirit, sense of humor, thoughtfulness, and commitment to bettering the world.

Arnold grew up in humble beginnings in Roxbury, and through his determination and drive went to Boston Latin School and Tufts Dental School through his service with the Navy V-12 Program. He always said that Boston Latin was the most significant learning experience of his life. He began his military career as a dentist in the Army Dental Corps and was later a battalion dental surgeon during the Korean War. Because of the shortage of medical officers, he took on the dual assignment as battalion surgeon and dental surgeon. His battalion aided the U.S. Marines at the Chosin Reservoir as well as covered the withdrawal from North Korea. His unit was the last out of North Korea. During his time in Korea, he was awarded both the Silver Star for gallantry in action and the Bronze Star for meritorious service.

In 1955, Arnold opened his dental office in Framingham, where he practiced for 45 years. He also was an assistant clinical professor in prosthetics at Tufts University of Dental Medicine, where he taught for 17 years.

An active member of organized dentistry, Arnold was president of the Massachusetts Dental Society, the Greater Boston Dental Society, and the West Metropolitan Dental Society. He also was chairman of the Metropolitan District Dental Society. He was appointed to the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Dentistry by Governor Michael Dukakis for two five-year terms and twice served as board chairman. For more than 20 years, he was an examiner for the Northeast Regional Board.

In 1966, Arnold co-founded the League School of Greater Boston with his wife, the late Leona Fine Vetstein, for children with autism. The school is one of the first in New England for students with autism and serves upward of 100 day and residential students on its Walpole campus.

Arnold is survived by his son, Richard A. Vetstein, of Newton; his daughter, Nancy J. Hershfield, and her husband, Robert S. Hershfield, of Falmouth; and his best pal and grandson, Andrew D. Hershfield of Falmouth. The love of his life, his wife, Leona Fine, predeceased him.

Funeral service at Temple B’Nai Tikvah, 1301 Washington Street, Canton, MA on Wednesday, December 14, 2022 at 12:30 pm. Interment to follow at Temple Emeth Memorial Park, 776 Baker St., West Roxbury, MA.

Shiva will follow the service from 3-5 pm at the Beal Family Chapel, at Newbridge on the Charles, 5000 Great Meadow Rd., Dedham, MA 02026.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the League School of Greater Boston, 300 Boston-Providence Turnpike, East Walpole, MA 02032, or at Leagueschool.org.

Michael J. “Mike” Hurwitz, age 84, of Natick formerly of Brookline and Newton. Mike was born on December 25, 1937, and passed with his family by his side on December 11, 2022. Beloved husband of Sherryl (Kaiser) Hurwitz. Loving Daddy of Lynne Robin Hurwitz and Scott Hurwitz Kaiser and his wife Michelle. Grandfather of Stacy, Jamie and Jodi. Also survived by 5 great-grandchildren. Devoted daddy to his twin fur babies Daisy and Tulip.

Mike graduated Boston University and Colby College.  His talents led him to become an Accounting Auditor at many car dealerships in the Boston and Metrowest Areas. With his retirement he enjoyed sitting in the back yard with his two pups enjoying the sun on his face.  Mike had an intense sweet tooth and could always find all the hidden treats in the house.  He hoped to have a BIG piece of chocolate cake when he got home from the hospital. Watching TV was also enjoyable for him.  Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy were some favorites. And he was a wiz at crossword puzzles.

A Memorial Service will be held at a later date. Mike had a tremendous love for dogs especially his own and now will be reunited with the ones that passed before him Muffin, Toffee and Twinkle.  Remembrances to the Humane Society or to a charity of your choice would be appreciated.

People collect many things, and Etta Epstein collected friends. Throughout her 99 years, Etta was a magnet for people of all generations, as well as the center of a large and loving family. She will be held in the hearts of her children–Ann, Eugene, Alan and Barbara; their spouses–Pam, Margit, Louise, and Scott; her beloved grandchildren–Mason, Lily, Clara, Nicholas, Hannah and Jules; and countless nieces, nephews, cousins and friends from around the world.
A memorial service for Etta will be held at Congregation Dorshei Tzedek, 60 Highland Street, West Newton, on Thursday, December 8, 2022 at 1 pm.

Age 61, of Sudbury, passed away on December 4, 2022 peacefully surrounded by his loving family and close friends, after a courageous battle with prostate cancer. Doug is survived by his loving wife of 36 years, Christine Schuster, his children, Kimberly Schuster of Boston, MA, and Kaitlin Schuster of Sudbury, MA. Beloved son of Rita Schuster and the late Jack Schuster of Exeter, NH and his brother and sister-in-law, Neal and Mei Schuster of Danvers, MA and many cousins and long-time friends he dearly loved.

Doug was born and raised in New York. He received a Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering from Duke University and a Master’s Degree in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Michigan. He worked at Draeger Medical for 38 years, dedicated to designing patient monitoring systems. Doug enjoyed problem-solving with his dedicated colleagues. He had a deep passion for technology, always researching the latest innovations at work and at home. The greatest joy in Doug’s life was being father to Kimberly and Kaitlin. He took immense pride in their accomplishments in the classroom and beyond. He loved spending time with his family exploring the world on their vacations and enjoying time on Cape Cod. Doug left this world knowing his family is comforted by many memories of pride, love, and laughter. He will be greatly missed by all.

Funeral services are private.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his honor can be made to the Cold Feet Warm Hearts Foundation. (www.coldfeetwarmhearts.org), c/o Middlesex Savings Bank, 7 Digital Way, Maynard, MA 01754.

FABERMAN, Stephen, After a long illness, Steve Faberman, formerly of Needham and Leominster, age 53, died on December 1, 2022. Beloved husband of Wendy (Goldstein) Faberman, cherished father of Rachel and Allyson Faberman, loving son of Dorothy (Rosenbloom) Faberman and the late Matthew Faberman, cherished brother to Robert (Brenda) and Judy (Michael White) Faberman, uncle to Maris, Matthew & Hannah. Steve will be dearly missed by his family, friends and colleagues.

Steve was General Counsel and Chief Legal Officer at Progress Software, where he worked for over 14 years. Just last month, Steve was recognized by the Mass Technology Leadership Council (MassTLC) for his work in creating more diverse, equitable and inclusive leadership in the tech industry. Before working at Progress, Steve was Corporate Counsel at Heritage Property Investment Trust, Inc., and a Partner at Bingham McCutchen. He received a Bachelor’s of Arts degree in history at Tufts University and his Juris Doctor degree at Boston College Law School.

Services at Temple Beth Shalom, Needham, on December 5, 2022, at 11:00 am, with private interment to follow. Shiva also on Dec. 5 at 669 Highland Avenue, Needham, (formerly the 3 Squares Restaurant) near Temple Beth Shalom from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.   In lieu of flowers, remembrances in Steve’s memory may be made to Mass General Cancer Center, giving.massgeneral.org/donate, The Dana Farber Cancer Institute, or the charity of your choice.

Walter Randall Ployer (Wally) passed away at home peacefully on the morning of November 29, 2022 after a brief illness.

For anyone that knew Wally, they knew that he was a loyal and devoted husband to his wonderful wife Amy of over 27 years.  He was loved and adored by his two younger brothers, Scott and the late Bobby Ployer.  He was also a devoted son to the late Frances (Gunning) and Walter Ployer.  Wally was an awesome brother-in-law to Dori Bryan-Ployer and his other in-laws.  He was an outstanding role model uncle, great uncle, cousin, nephew and friend to so many. In addition to his own family, Wally was an “honorary” member of the Cadman Family.  Army SSG Section Leader and Brookline Fire Fighter Brian Cadman, his wife Laura, their children and extended family had a very close bond with Wally.  Everyone always knew they could count on Wally.

Wally enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1969 and volunteered for two tours in Vietnam during his four-year enlistment.  He was a scout dog handler with the 196^th Light Infantry Brigade – Americal.  Upon returning to the U.S., he was a military police officer at Fort Hood, TX and Fort Sill, OK.  During his time in Vietnam, he was awarded numerous decorations including the Combat Infantryman’s Badge, two Bronze Stars, two Purple Hearts, and an Army Commendation Medal, among others.

Wally’s funeral service will take place at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne, MA with Military Honors on Monday, December 5^th at 11:15 am.

A Memorial Gathering will be held at a later date.

Wally will be remembered for his courage, strength, loyalty, reverence, humor, story-telling, compassion and unconditional love of and respect for dogs.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Wally Ployer to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.  ASPCA.ORG

Esther Felisa Kalisky (nee Sotenberg) died at her home in Lincoln on Sunday November 27, 2022, at the age of 94. She is survived by her three children, Lyvia, of Jerusalem, Ilona, of Waltham, and Matthew Kalisky, of Newton, and her two grandchildren, Zara Kalisky-Tetreault, of Acton, and Coltrane Kalisky-Tetreault, of Waltham.

Esther, the youngest of two children, was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina on October 31, 1928 to Jacob and Elena Sotenberg, who left Poland to escape the persecution of Jews in their homeland.

After finishing high school, Esther traveled to the United States in 1949 with her mother to live with an aunt and attend junior college. In 1950, she met the son of a family friend, Avram Kalisky, whom she married 3 months later. They were married for 69 years until he died in 2019, raising their family in Sudbury.

There are many things that can be said about Esther-she spoke 4 languages, still dreaming in Spanish at times. She lived in Israel twice-once in the 50’s and once from 1972-1989.

She never really knew her grandparents or many of her extended family most of whom had remained in Poland. As a result, she moved back to the States when her first grandchild was born and was a constant presence in her grandchildren’s lives, always living close by.

She always worked outside of the home, but never really had a career. She made many of her daughters’ and granddaughter’s dresses as well as her own. She loved art-and had wanted to be an artist when younger. She loved to knit and read, joining groups for both. She loved to travel. Her last trip was to Israel with her grandchildren in 2017.

She was a staunch feminist, reacting with a smile when told that the Democrats were keeping control of the Senate. Her grandchildren will maintain until their dying day that the repeal of Roe v. Wade is what killed her. She did not suffer fools gladly. Esther would never shy away from giving her opinion, sometimes causing those around her to cringe. Her highest compliment was to say that someone “sparkled”. In her opinion not too many people met that standard. If you did something that she thought was noteworthy, it felt like the sun was shining on you and you alone.

Having dealt with several serious health issues during her life, Esther decided to donate her body to Harvard Medical School, so no funeral service will be held.

We would like to thank those who provided care for Esther-Sudbury River Home Care and Care Dimensions Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Esther’s name can be made to the Lincoln Council on Aging, Friends of the Lincoln Library or Planned Parenthood.

Joyce Ann Fishman, of Newton, Massachusetts. Joyce fought a long and courageous battle with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP). Joyce was born in Waukegan, Illinois. She earned a B.A. and a Master’s degree from Northwestern University and a J.D. degree and a Ph.D. from Boston College. Joyce practiced construction and franchise law early in her career, and she taught at Boston College for the last twenty-nine years. For forty-four years the beloved wife of Donald A. Fishman and the devoted mother of Karen J. Fishman. Preceded in death by her parents, Stephanie and Joseph. She is survived by her husband, Don; daughter, Karen (Alex) of Newton, Massachusetts; and her sister, Patricia of Wadsworth, Illinois. Joyce’s charm, humor, kindness, and generosity will be missed by all. The family wishes to acknowledge its gratitude and appreciation to Whitney Fernandez, Joyce’s principal nurse and compassionate caregiver, and to Dr. Edward Legare, who supervised her care. Private family services will be held. In lieu of flowers, remembrances and donations may be made to CurePSP, at psp.org.