Joani Katz

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Joani Katz, 76 of Newton passed away peacefully after a heroic battle with leukemia on May 21, 2025.

Joani found her perfect partner and husband in Arthur Aframe, with whom she shared 38 wonderful years of marriage. Their love story began on the tennis courts of the Waltham Racquet Club and flourished into a lifetime filled with intellectual curiosity and shared adventures—hiking, traveling, and capturing the beauty of nature through photography.

Joani was born on June 11, 1948 in Brockton to her parents, the late Samuel and Edith Katz. She was a proud graduate of Colby College and a dedicated alumna. She earned her Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Maryland. With a deep sense of compassion and purpose, she devoted over 30 years to advocating for and supporting the elderly and individuals with disabilities. Her career was a true embodiment of compassion and selflessness.

Joani was an active member of Temple Emanuel in Newton, where she found great joy and purpose in her faith. A regular participant in the weekly Talmud classes, she was deeply rooted in Jewish values—particularly tikkun olam, the call to repair the world—which guided both her personal and professional life.

Joani is survived by her loving sisters, Debbie Mann and Susan Held, with whom she shared an exceptionally close bond, speaking with them every day. Their spouses, Jeff Mann and Jon Held, were equally close to her, cherished as part of her extended family. Joani’s warmth also extended to her sister-in-law, Barbara, and her husband, Bob Murphy. She was a cherished aunt to Hillary and Andy Mann of Needham, Beth and Arnon Klein, Lauren and Ofer Cohen, and David and Erica Held of New York. She was adored by her 10 great nieces and nephews and played an instrumental role in many of their young lives.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, May 23, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at Temple Emanuel, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA, with burial to follow at Sharon Memorial Park.

Shiva will be observed immediately following the burial at the family residence from 2:00 – 6:00 pm and again on Sunday, May 25 from 3:00 to 7:00 pm.

Donations in Joani’s memory may be made to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, in recognition of the care and support she received.