Laura (Sugarman) Altman
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Laura (Sugarman) Altman, 86, of Scottsdale, Arizona passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 17, 2023. Laura was born in Boston, Massachusetts the daughter of Natalie (Waldman) and Louis Sugarman. Laura was a graduate of Newton High School, Simmons College (University), Harvard University, and Brandeis University. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 65 years, Hersch Altman, and leaves behind her brother Paul Sugarman (Susan Richard Sugarman) and her children Roz Abukasis (Pino), Ava Harder (Bruce) and Ken Altman (Gisela Wieland) and grandchildren Yarden and Tai Abukasis, Natalie and Rebecca Harder. Laura was a beloved daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt.
Laura and Hersch raised their three children in Randolph, MA. During their early years together, Laura was actively involved in their community. She was a founding member of Temple Beth Am where she held many leadership positions in the Temple and the sisterhood, served on the elementary school PTA, and was a member of Hadassah.
Laura returned to school to pursue her undergraduate degree in Psychology; she then went on to earn her Master’s in Counseling Psychology at Harvard University. She ultimately became Clinical Director of the Milford Assistance Program (MAP) where she was highly respected by both her clinical team and her clients alike. After many years of service, Laura left clinical practice to continue her educational pursuits, earning a PhD in the Economics and Statistics of Mental Health from the Heller School at Brandeis. Laura became an international consultant, the Practice Leader and Principal at Towers Perrin (Willis Towers Watson) creating their acclaimed Managed Mental Health Practice.
Laura was an accomplished pianist and was a lover of classical music and dancing. She adored animals and nature, training dogs and riding horses. She was an avid tennis player, loved a long bike ride, and enjoyed a challenging duplicate Bridge game. As a couple, Laura and Hersch traveled extensively, exploring all corners of the world together, with dear friends, and with their family.
The funeral will be held on Monday, October 23, 2023 at 10:30 am Eastern Time at Temple Beth Elohim, 10 Bethel Road, Wellesley, MA. Interment following the service at Pultusker Cemetery, 776 Baker St., West Roxbury, MA.
Shiva will take place immediately following interment until 4:00 pm and again from 7:00–9:00 pm. Shiva will continue on Tuesday, October 24, 2023 from 1:00–4:00 pm and 7:00–9:00 pm at the Harder home.
In line with Laura’s commitment to philanthropy and her lifelong dedication to community mental health services, donations can be made to: Jewish Family & Children’s Service (JF&CS), 1430 Main Street, Waltham, MA 02451 (jfcsboston.org)