Archive: November, 2025

Sharlene R. Grossman (Trugman), 79, of Watertown, MA, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, educator and friend, passed away on November 14, 2025.

Born in Boston on December 12, 1945, to the late Isaac and Leah Trugman, Sharlene was raised in the West End of Boston and spent summers with her close-knit extended family in Revere Beach.

A proud alumna of Girls’ Latin School, she went on to earn both her undergraduate and master’s degrees from Boston University – beginning a lifelong commitment to learning and education.

Sharlene spent 37 years as a dedicated teacher in the Revere Public Schools, shaping countless young lives with her passion and unwavering belief in her students.  Even after retiring, her love of teaching never waned – she continued to work in various educational positions, inspiring learners of all ages.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 47 years, Steven, with whom she shared a lifetime of love, companionship, and mutual support.  She was the cherished mother of Kara and her husband Andrew, and Deidre and her husband Jason.  Nothing brought her more joy than being “Grammy” to her treasured grandchildren: Brayden, Ember, and Gabby, each of whom lit up her world.

Sharlene will be remembered for her sharp wit, resilience, and her steadfast dedication to her family, friends, and students.

Her funeral service will be held graveside at 1:00 pm on Sunday, November 16, 2025 at Stepiner Cemetery, 776 Baker St., West Roxbury.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her honor may be made to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

Cohen, Elsie (Adler), age 91, of Canton, MA, formerly of Freeport, NY. Passed away November 13, 2025. Beloved wife of the late Marvin H. Cohen. Devoted mother of Rachel Berger, Hugh Cohen and his wife Sylvia. Cherished grandmother of Michelle Kelley and her husband John, Jason Berger, Robert Cohen, Scott Cohen, Stephen Goldstein, and Matthew Goldstein.

 Funeral services will be private. Memorial observance will be at the home of Rachel Berger on Tuesday, November 18^th and Wednesday, November 19^th from 7-9pm with a service at 7:30pm each evening.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Elsie’s memory may be made to the Orchard Cove Scholarship Fund, Orchard Cove, Hadassah, or the charity of your choice.

Sandra “Sandy” Horwitz ( née Weisinger) was born May 2, 1941, and died November 10, 2025, with her daughters, Lauren and Karen Horwitz by her side after a several-year battle with dementia.

Sandra was the only child of Samuel and Rachel Weisinger, though she was raised alongside two girls who had lost their parents, Sonya Shapiro and Harriet Coleman, and who she believed were her sisters until she was older. Sandy met Morton Jay Horwitz, the father of her children, while she was studying for a master’s degree in education  at Harvard, where Morton was earning his PhD.  Morton and Sandra lived in Washington, D.C., and then moved to Brookline, Massachusetts, where they raised their three daughters, Jennifer Ellen, Lauren Sarah, and Karen Michale.  Sandy worked as an English teacher at Maimonides and then Beaver Country Day School, and ultimately ended her career at Beaver as a librarian.

Sandra believed ardently in civil rights and equality for all, and these beliefs are an important part of her legacy. Her values informed her dealings with everyone she came into contact with, and she was an ally for those in marginalized groups.  Sandy loved to travel and meet new people, and her desire to learn about others allowed her to have brief but meaningful connections with those she came into contact with. Sandy also loved animals and was the human companion to several animals throughout her life. She was well-read and taken with Greek mythology and classic literature. Many of her pets–Portia, Atticus, and Sappho–reflected her connection to these works as inspiration. And while Sandra had many challenges throughout her life, she was a survivor. Her grit and determination were a hallmark of who she was.

Sandy is survived by her daughters, Jennifer, Lauren, and Karen, her sons-in-law, Michael Last and Paul Leyva, her granddaughter, Olivia Last, and the father of her daughters, Morton Horwitz. Sandra is also survived by her beloved cousin, Arleen Hantman. Services are private. Sandra will be laid to rest November 14, 2025, at Newton Cemetery and Arboretum.

Kellerman, Steve, of Roslindale, MA, passed away November 8, 2025. Beloved husband of Nancy (Fitzwater) Kellerman. Devoted father of David and Stephanie (Kubick) Kellerman, and Andy Kellerman and Sarah Fish. Loving brother of Martin Kellerman and Susan Neri-Friedwald. Loving uncle of Jenny Kellerman and Stephanie (Selix) Kellerman, and Anna Kellerman. Great uncle of Lauren and Julia Kellerman.

Services at the Zviller Cemetery, 776 Baker St., West Roxbury, MA on Tuesday, November 11, 2025 at 11:00 AM. Following services, memorial observances be will be at the home of Nancy and Steve Kellerman after funeral on Tuesday until 6 pm. Wednesday: 7-9 pm; Thursday: 7-9 pm, Friday: 1-5 and Sunday: 1-5 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations in Steve’s memory may be made to Nehar Shalom synagogue, Chabad of Chestnut Hill and the Community Church of Boston

Winer, Michael G., of Boynton Beach, FL, formerly of Natick, MA passed away November 7, 2025. Beloved husband of the late Marla (Caplan) Winer. Devoted father of Deborah Feldman and her husband Michael. Cherished grandfather of Andrew and his wife Margaret Kelly and Mitchell and his fiancé Maya Lakshmi. Proud great grandfather of Charles and Theodore Feldman. Loving brother of Jeffrey Winer and his wife Ellen. Brother-In-Law of Lynna Lerman and her husband Arthur and Ronald Caplan and his wife Ellen.

Known for his good-natured spirit and warm smile, Michael was the proud owner of a uniform company and a dry-cleaning plant, where he built lasting relationships through honesty, kindness, and a genuine interest in others. His work was more than a business—it was a way to connect with people and brighten their day. He was the grandfather you could always count on—never missing a sports game, school event, or moment to cheer on his grandsons. His greatest joy was being surrounded by his loved ones, sharing stories, laughter, and meals that turned into cherished memories.

Services at Temple Israel of Natick, 145 Hartford St., Natick, MA, on Tuesday, November 11th, 2025 at 2 PM. Interment to follow at Framingham-Natick Hebrew Cemetery. Following services, memorial observance will be at the Millwood Preserve Clubhouse in Framingham from 4-9 PM and Wednesday, November 12th from 7-9 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations in Michael’s memory may be made to the Temple Israel Minyan Fund, 145 Hartford St., Natick, MA 01760.

Michael leaves behind a legacy of kindness and dedication, He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

(In true Cecille fashion, she wrote her own obituary before passing):

Cecille Markell of Quincy passed away on November 4th, 2025. She was the daughter of the late Abraham and Francis (Poley) Markell. Sister of the late Robert Markell and his wife Joan. Cherished Aunt of Dr. Mariana Markell and her husband Dr. Jody Blanco, and Denis Markell and his wife Melissa Iwai. Great Aunt of numerous nieces and nephews including Peter Blanco. Beloved cousin of Michael Levine and his wife Juli, Suzanne Levine, Melissa Blacker and David Rynick, and Howard and Karen Levine, and the late Richard Levine and their families.

She was the Associate Entertainment Editor for the Jewish Advocate for over 20 years. For 12 years she wrote about film and stage personalities for the New England Entertainment Digest. Her first interview was with John Travolta and she concluded with Ryan Reynolds. Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to Children’s Hospital Boston. 

So it goes! Finis!

October 23, 1929 – November 4, 2025

Gertrude “Trudy” Miriam Nemeth (née Cohen) passed away on November 4, 2025, at the age of 96.

Trudy was born in Chelsea, Massachusetts, to Morris and Esther Cohen and grew up in Dorchester and Mattapan. She graduated from Boston Teacher’s College (now the University of Massachusetts Boston) and began her career as a first-grade teacher, a role she held for 20 years.

In the 1950s, Trudy spent two years in Israel, living in Haifa and on Kibbutz Alonim—an experience that remained deeply meaningful throughout her life.

In 1960, she married Leonard I. Nemeth. After a brief time in Gary, Indiana—where their daughter, Rachel Nemeth Cohen, was born—they settled in Lewiston-Auburn, Maine, where they lived for 40 years. Trudy and Leonard were married for 33 years, until his passing in 1994.

A lifelong reader and love of books, Trudy later became a librarian in Auburn, Maine, a position she held for 20 years. She also taught Hebrew school in Lewiston for several years, sharing her love of Jewish learning and culture with younger generations.

Trudy was a dedicated member of Hadassah and the Brandeis Women’s group throughout her life. After moving to Massachusetts to be near her family, she volunteered for 13 years at the Watertown Public Library, where she founded and led the Homebound Program, serving patrons who were unable to visit the library in person.

She is survived by her daughter, Rachel Nemeth Cohen, and son-in-law, Richard Cohen, as well as her two beloved grandchildren, Samuel Lev and Ruby Charlotte. She was predeceased by her brother, Jacob I. Cohen.

Trudy was laid to rest at Sharon Memorial Park.

To view the livestream of the service, please click here.

Judith Arlene Alpert (née Fleisher, formerly Natanson)

Judith “Judy” Arlene Alpert, born Judith Arlene Fleisher on May 28, 1944, in Boston, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on October 31, 2025, at UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester, surrounded by her large and loving family.

The daughter of the late Harry and Lillian Fleisher and sister to the late Phillip Fleisher, Judy was a Boston native whose warmth, humor, and unmistakable presence lit up every room she entered. She was first married to Sidney Natanson for 38 years, with whom she shared many memories and raised her three beloved daughters. Later, she found lasting love and companionship with her husband, Kenneth Alpert, with whom she shared 19 joyful years.

Judy was the devoted mother of Sue Braverman (and her husband Alex), Ivy Natanson, and Amy Sack. She was also the adoring grandmother of Rebecca Davidson (and her husband Scott), Matthew Braverman (and his wife Ashley), Jeffrey Braverman, Jake Braverman, Richard Boran, Samuel Sack, and Sydney Sack – and a proud great-grandmother to Cara, Jaxon, and Emma Braverman, and Lily, Harry, and Charlie Davidson. She cherished her friends and cousins, Stanley and Lisa Litchman, with whom she shared a special bond. She was also sister-in-law to Mark Alpert, and stepmother to the late David Alpert, Elizabeth Lauzon (and her husband, Scott), and Scott Alpert.

The matriarch of a close-knit and loving family, Judy was the glue that held everyone together. Family was her world, and she never missed a chance to celebrate, connect, and make her loved ones feel cherished. She was always at the center of the action – vibrant, social, and fashionable, with a flair for doing things her own way. Whether she was hosting a family gathering, playing Mahjong with her friends, or enjoying a good meal and conversation with her loved ones, Judy brought life and laughter wherever she went.

Judy will be lovingly remembered for her warmth, strength, and devotion – a woman who lived fully, loved deeply, and made sure those around her did too. Judy had a natural charm that drew people in, and she made fast friends wherever she went. Her legacy of love, style, and spirit and her endless amount of stories will continue to inspire her family and all who were lucky enough to know her.

A funeral service will be held at Temple Beth Elohim, 10 Bethel Road, Wellesley, Massachusetts, on Monday, November 3^rd at 11:00 a.m.  Interment will follow at Sharon Memorial Park.

Shiva will be observed at the home of Sue and Alex Braverman, Monday following interment and Tuesday from 4-8 pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made in Judith’s memory to the American Heart Association.

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Carol Callahan. She graced this world for 61 years and was called home on October 30, 2025.

Carol was known for her gentle presence and a heart that embraced life’s simplest joys, she endeavored to spread kindness to all within her reach.

She was born in Framingham, the beloved daughter of the late Richard and Margaret (Sullivan) Callahan.  Carol was a proud alumna of Framingham South High School’s class of 1981 and earned her Bachelor’s degree from Ashford University, now University of Arizona Global Campus (UAGC)  where her approachable demeanor, warm smile, and generous spirit made her a friend to many.

She devoted her professional life to Medi-Tech International, now Marketlab, spanning several decades where she excelled in sales and became a respected figure in her field.

Carol’s soul was as bright as the shores she adored, especially on Cape Cod beaches and the hiking trails she would tread with affection.  For her, those were life’s quiet moments that brought her happiness.

Together, she and James enjoyed traveling, swimming, feeding animals, electric biking or just simply having coffee or watching the sunset with a fine wine in hand.

Carol leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories. She is survived by her sister, Jean Callahan and her husband, Keith Kubacki of Millis, her brother, Richard Callahan and his wife Paula of Westborough and her devoted partner of many years, James Finn.

She also survived by her loving nieces and nephews, Justyn, Brenden, Owen, Amy, Sean and Kody.

We invite her beloved family and friends to gather in unity to celebrate her funeral Mass on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Bridget Church, 863 Worcester Road (Rt. 9) at Framingham Centre.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care of Brezniak Funeral Directors of Newton.

Maxine Ravech of Boca Raton, Florida, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at the age of 90. She lived a life filled with love, strength and compassion.

Maxine was a wonderful and loving mother to her son, Stuart Ravech and his wife Kathleen; her son Paul Ravech; and her daughter Meryl Appelbaum and her husband, Mitchel. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Melvin Ravech.

She is also survived by her loving grandchildren, Samantha and Joe, Steven and Heather, Allison and Jimmy, Jamie and Colby, Sydney, Matthew and Katie. Also, she was blessed to have great grandchildren, Jimmy, Charlie, Charli and Eloise.

Maxine will be remembered for her warmth, humor and generosity of spirit. Her kindness touched everyone who knew her and her memory will forever remain a blessing.

A graveside service honoring Maxine will be held on Sunday, November 2, 2025 at 11:00 am at Mohliver Cemetery, 776 Baker Street, West Roxbury, MA. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in honor of Maxine to danafarber.jimmyfund.org or projectbread.org

Jordyn Whitney Mary DeVellis, age 23, of Sherborn, MA, passed away peacefully in her sleep on October 29, 2025.
Beloved daughter of Rhonda and Peter DeVellis, and cherished sister of Dylan DeVellis. Loving granddaughter of Joseph DeVellis and the late Patricia DeVellis, and of the late Arnold and Shirley Oppenheimer. She was also the dear great-niece of David Devick.
A graveside service will be held at Beit Olam East Cemetery, 42 Concord Road, Wayland, MA, on Tuesday, November 4, at 12:00 p.m. A memorial observance will follow at the home of Rhonda and Peter DeVellis.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Jordyn’s memory may be made to the Jordyn and Dylan DeVellis Scholarship at Dover-Sherborn High School via https://gofund.me/c4b05d789
Taken far too soon, may Jordyn’s memory be a blessing to all who knew and loved her.

Dr. Julian Seifter, the Haidas Family and Julian L. Seifter Distinguished Chair in Medicine at Brigham & Women’s Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts, author of over 150 scientific papers in The New England Journal of Medicine and elsewhere, and an internationally renowned expert on the kidney, died October 24, 2025 from complications of Parkinson’s disease and diabetes.

For four decades as a clinical nephrologist and educator, Dr. Seifter was an expert in the management of chronic kidney diseases, a noted international authority in acid base physiology, and the recipient of numerous honors for outstanding teaching and clinical work, including as the inaugural electee to the Academy at Harvard Medical School and as Associate Master and Senior Advisor of the Walter Bradford Cannon Academic Society. In addition to authoring 150 academic reviews, monographs, and case reports in the New England Journal of Medicine, the American Journal of Physiology, and many other publications, Dr. Seifter also wrote textbooks on renal physiology and seminal chapters in Harrison’s and Cecil Goldman’s Textbooks of Medicine, and was a speaker on medical ethics and the Nazi salt water experiments at the 50^th anniversary of the Nuremberg Doctor Trials.

A former sprinter and football player at New Rochelle High School, a fisherman, sailor, naturalist, and avid collector of everything from baseball memorabilia to butterflies, Dr. Seifter had a gusto for life that he shared with his loved ones.

“He wanted to taste everything in life,” his nephew Austin Ratner, with whom he co-authored a physiology textbook, said. “Once when we were fishing together, he tasted the bait. He taught me to throw a baseball and to catch a toad on the same dusty road in Amagansett when I was a kid and told me dozens of stories of his life from his childhood in New Rochelle to his travels across Mexico on a motorcycle to his days in the Merchant Marines in the South China Sea. As a doctor he had the best bedside manner I ever saw. He would give you a diagnosis and immediately after, in the sanest, calmest way, he would give you the plan. He always made you feel that no matter what the problem, there was always something that could be done to make it better.”

Dr. Seifter attended Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, OH, where he met his wife Betsy (Weisberger) Seifter. He received his medical degree in 1975 at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, completing a fellowship in nephrology at Yale New Haven Hospital before joining the Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School faculty in 1982.

Humanism and a love of knowledge infused Dr. Seifter’s teaching of generations of Harvard and MIT medical students, Brigham and Women’s house staff, renal and internal medicine fellows, and junior faculty. Dr. Seifter won numerous awards at Harvard as a tutor, course leader, and mentor at every level of medical education, as well as awards for gender equity and compassionate care. He also taught at medical centers in Russia, China, Taiwan, Norway, Mexico, Spain, the United Arab Emirates, England, Ireland, Germany, and Austria,

In his book “After the Diagnosis: Transcending Chronic Illness,” which he wrote with his wife Betsy, an author, Dr. Seifter brought his own experiences with chronic illness to the stories of his patients, detailing with humor and compassion the nature of the doctor-patient relationship. The ideas captured in this book – that doctors are treating human beings, not diseases, and that for treatment to work it must meet people where they are – is a lesson for all walks of life, not just medicine. As he put it, relaying struggles to manage his own diabetes in an interview with The New York Times, “Good control means trying to duplicate what the pancreas does, and I never really wanted to become my pancreas.”  Dr. Seifter continued, through the course of serious chronic illness and in the face of great personal loss, to forge a rich and meaningful life, continually sought after for consultations by colleagues and patients up until two months before his death.

Dr. Seifter’s collections of extraordinary memorabilia were not just markers of a fascinating life, but a jumping off point for exploring the world with those he loved.

Included in his wide collection are autographs from Jackie Robinson, whose family he knew, microscopes from the world’s most esteemed doctors, and draft cards from beloved classmates lost in the Vietnam war. He also had the bat Roger Maris used to hit his 55th home run in his record-breaking 1961 season. Though a Brooklyn Dodgers fan as a child, Dr. Seifter would often sneak into old Yankees Stadium. He acquired the bat from one of the batboys he knew there. A gifted baseball player himself, he used the bat for over a year in his own games, explaining to one of his nephews that he had to use it “because it was such a good bat.”

Dr. Seifter is survived by his wife, co-author (and often co-captain) Betsy, his son Andrew, daughter-in-law Lori, granddaughter Ellie, his sister Madeleine, sisters- and brothers-in-law he treasured, and nieces and nephews for whom he was the beloved Uncle J. He shared his love of Boston, sports, and the natural world with his younger son Charlie, who pre-deceased him in 2016.

To view livestream of the service, please click here.

Greta Helene Averbach died peacefully in the early hours of October 29th, 2025. Greta was born in Newark, New Jersey, to loving parents Cora and Sam Averbach. Greta raised her family in New Jersey, adventured to Tokyo, Japan, returned stateside to reside in many cities and towns in Maine, and finally made Watertown, Massachusetts, her home to be closer to her children. Greta was passionate about her profession as a family therapist. She was most proud of her thriving therapy practice and work with gender-diverse, neurodivergent, and autistic children and families. She also served on the Board of Directors of the Jewish Community of Japan and Woodfords Family Services.

Friends say: “She was one of the most genuine, authentic, and caring people we have ever known.” “She was a wonderful friend and confidante.” “She read people quickly and respectfully and I will miss following her Facebook posts and just knowing there was someone so wonderful on the other side of the country who, with faith, was always looking out for and standing up for those in need.”

Greta had a never-ending will to live. Throughout her long journey with ovarian cancer, she never thought of it as a battle to be fought but a challenge to meet. She faced each new treatment with courage and excitement for the additional time it would give her to enjoy her life and make the most of her time with her husband Jamie, children Maddy and Sam, daughter-in-law Ruthy, and beloved grandson Asa Kol.

Greta’s family is feeling deep sadness and is comforted to know that she now rests peacefully. She lived graciously with cancer and her memory will be a light and a blessing to us all.

Funeral Service at Temple Reyim, 1860 Washington Street, Newton, MA., on Friday, October 31, 2025 at 10:30 am. Followed by interment at Workmen’s Circle Cemetery 776 Baker St. West Roxbury.

Shiva will be held on Friday, immediately following the funeral from 2-4 pm and Saturday: 3-6pm at her late residence. Sunday from 3-6pm at the home of Maddy Popkin.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Dempsey Center, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, or your local liberal Democratic candidate.

George Harold Isgur, 91 of Easton and formerly of Brockton MA, passed away on October 28,2025.

He was the loving husband of Diane J. King-Isgur and the late Eileen (Bender) Isgur.  Son of the late Rose (Blotcher) and Louis H. Isgur. Brother of the late Frances (Isgur) Feiger and the late Miriam (Isgur) Frankel. Father of Lisa and her husband Michael Claire of Hollis N.H. and the late Russell Stuart Isgur. Stepfather of Steven (Margery) King, Dr. Michael H. (Brigitte) King and Susan King Comeau. Grandfather to Kayla (Drew), Matthew (Jade), Alex (Sneha) Claire.  Jared and Rachel King, and Brandon and Nathan King.

Services will be held at Sharon Memorial Park Sunday November 2, 2025 at 9:00 AM. Donations in his memory can be made to the Cure Alzheimer’s Fund  curealz.org

Edmond Murad, of Newton, MA passed away peacefully on October 26, 2025.

Beloved husband for 45 years of the late Judith Towvim Murad. 

Across a multi-decade career at the Air Force’s Research Laboratories and its successor at Hanscom AFB, Edmond’s research and leadership connected astronomy, atmospheric chemistry, and space physics.

A widely published scientist, Edmond was a mentor to many researchers. Scandinavian radar physicists credited him as the first senior scientist to champion their meteor experiments. Colleagues also remember Murad as a principled advocate for public access to publicly funded research.

Edmond was born in Baghdad, Iraq. Dear son of the late David Murad and the late Naomi (Abed) Murad. Loving brother of Lisa Feit (husband Ira), Sylvia Hoffmann (husband George), Velda Murad, and Howard Murad (wife Mara). Edmond leaves nephews Richard Feit (wife Melissa and children Ethan, Eliana, Emelia Feit) and Robert Feit (son Nathan), niece Nicole Murad (children Ben, Leo and Ky) and nephew Yvan Murad (husband Richard), niece Laura Hoffmann (husband Ryan and children Vanessa and Bradley). 

He also leaves nephews Joshua Towvim, Daniel Towvim (wife Geri and children Ava and Jacob), and Adam Towvim (wife Laura and children Benjamin and Rebecca).

Funeral services at Temple Israel Cemetery, Wakefield, MA on Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at 10:30 am. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Temple Israel, Boston, MA.

To view the livestream service, please click here.

Larry Lasser, 82 years old, of Sea Island, Georgia, Waldoboro, Maine, and formerly of Brookline, Mass died at his residence on October 26, 2025.

He was born in New York, NY on November 1, 1942 and raised in Scarsdale.  After Antioch College and Harvard Business School, he joined Putnam Investments, serving as Chief Executive Officer from 1985 to 2003.

A truly larger-than-life personality and a man of many passions and interests, he loved art, cooking, the Maine coast and, most of all, his friends and family.

Larry is survived by his beloved wife, Michelle, son Ethan and daughter-in-law Jessica, and his cherished grandchildren Levi, Hattie and Goldie.

A memorial service will be held at Temple Beth Elohim, 10 Bethel Road, Wellesley, MA at 11am on Wednesday, October 29, 2025. 

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Winnebago Alumni Association (https://www.winnebagoalums.org/) or the Wadoboro Children’s Winter Program (P.O. Box J, Waldoboro, Maine 04572).

Surrounded by her family that loved her so deeply, Diane L. Alten of Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 25, 2025. Deedee, or simply Dee, grew up in Ventnor on the southern New Jersey Shore, but always referred to home as A.C. (Atlantic City). One of her greatest joys was spending her summers there, strolling the boardwalk, visiting lifelong friends and enjoying the fresh ocean breezes.

Dee’s undergraduate education brought her to Boston, where on one magical and enchanted evening, she met Dr. Jack B. Share of Syracuse, New York, her future husband and devoted partner of 49 years, and where they began their life and family together.

Dee will be cherished for the many friends whose hearts she touched, who brought her laughter and filled her heart with joy. She will be remembered for her radiant beauty, elegance, poise, sharp wit and distinctive sense of style, for the vibrant and lush gardens she created and the flowers that always adorned her home, for the art and antiques she passionately collected, for her boundless energy, generosity and warm hospitality, and for her extraordinary and incomparable talent in the kitchen. Every minute spent with Diane was a precious, joyful gift.

Above all, Deedee was devoted to her beloved family, who loved her deeply in return. She poured her heart into providing a supportive, caring and nurturing home for them.

Dee’s legacy endures through her devoted and loving husband, her cherished son William and daughter Julia, her closest friend and sister Linda Mangels, her husband Tom and daughter Liz of Shady Side, Maryland, and her sister, retired Air Force Lt. Col. Susan Alten and husband Dominic Simon of Alexandria, Virginia.

A funeral service will be held by the family at the Newton Cemetery Chapel, 791 Walnut Street on Tuesday, October 28, 2025 at 1PM. Interment to follow immediately after the service. Shiva will be observed at the family home, after the service until 8pm and on Wednesday, October 29th from 3 to 5 pm and 7 to 8:30pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Diane’s memory may be made to the Gastrointestinal Cancer Treatment Center of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

Joel M. Rosenfeld, 94, of Newton, MA, October 21, 2025. Beloved husband of Jeannette (Leslie) Rosenfeld, devoted father of Barbara Ryder (Charlie), Douglas Rosenfeld, Paul Rosenfeld (April) and Gayle Rosenfeld (Steve Piraino). Proud grandfather of Allison Ryder, Scott Ryder, Hayley Rosenfeld, Danielle Rosenfeld, Carly Rosenfeld, Mallory Rosenfeld, Sadie Rosenfeld, Tate Rosenfeld and Bella Rosenfeld.  Loving brother of the late David and Robert Rosenfeld.

Funeral services will be private.

One of the “good guys” is gone…never to be forgotten.

Bernie Grubstein of Wayland passed away on 0ctober 20, 2025. He was the beloved husband and best friend of Linda; devoted father of Michael (Karen), Brian (Meredith), and Debbie (David), and extraordinary grandfather to his seven grandchildren.

Bernie was a voracious reader, who shared his passion by reading regularly to his children and grandchildren. His other passion was his weekly basketball game with the same group of friends and family. It went on for decades.

He was a kind, gentle, funny, and humble human being. He was well loved.

Funeral services are private. There will be a memorial celebration at a later date.

To view recording of funeral service click here

Gary Orleck of Sharon, MA, age 80, passed away peacefully on October 17, 2025. Gary was a loving, devoted husband of Ronna (Lewe) Orleck of 49 years, whom he affectionately called “Ronnie”. He was the son of the late William and Charlotte (Gold) Orleck. Gary was a devoted father of Scott (Jackie) Orleck and Kimberly (Eli) Nachamkin. Proud grandfather “Pop-Pop” to Logan, Nylah and Gavin Nachamkin and Talia and Hannah Orleck. Loving uncle to Todd Fleischman and many nieces. Brother to Myrna Aiello and the late Anita Webber.

Gary graduated from Babson College with a BS/BA degree. He was the owner of Broadway Tire of Pawtucket, RI, where he cultivated many business relationships that continued long after his retirement. After he retired, he enjoyed spending winters with Ronna in Boca Raton, where he thoroughly enjoyed “the snowbird life” with great friends.

He was a car enthusiast, especially Corvettes and a fanatic Patriot fan. Gary loved to travel and at last count had been to 42 countries. He also loved cruising, gardening and was obsessed with recycling. Gary dedicated 5 years writing a novel, titled “Travels with Maurice” that was published and sold on Amazon where it received numerous rave reviews. His most favorite time was spent with his kids and grandchildren whom he cherished. He was the consummate family man! Gary will be deeply missed and loved forever by his friends and family.

Funeral service will be held at 10:30 am, Thursday, October 23, 2025 at Temple Sinai of Sharon, 25 Canton St., Sharon, MA. Burial will follow at Sharon Memorial Park, 40 Dedham St., Sharon, MA. Memorial observance will be at Temple Sinai immediately following burial, and will continue on Friday, October 24, at the home of Scott and Jackie Orleck from 1-5 PM. Donations may be made in his memory to the American Lung Association or Boston Children’s Hospital.

1949-2025

It is with tremendous sadness that we announce the passing of Marjorie Hacker.

Margie was a devoted wife to Jonathan, a loving mother to a Melissa, and a proud “Grammy” to Anna and Jack, whom she lovingly helped care for when they were little. Of all her many joys and accomplishments, she was proudest of being “Grammy” to Anna and Jack. She cherished every moment spent with them—whether it was embarking on adventures to farms, zoos, or their favorite spot, Gymboree. Her sense of fun and joy made every outing an experience to remember. She is survived by her loving sister, Linda Henault and brother Lester Meyer as well as many loving nieces, nephews,cousins, and friends.

A lover of family traditions and travel, she planned countless trips to Disney and many family cruises, always ensuring that every detail was perfect and everyone had an amazing time. She and her beloved husband, Jonathan, especially enjoyed going on cruises together, creating lifelong memories on the open sea.

Margie was the proud former owner of Raggedy Ann and Andy Preschool, where she shared her creativity and love of children with so many families. She attended college at Lasell, where her passion for early childhood education began to take root.

Margie loved gardening. From picking out new plants in the spring to watering and caring for them each day, she poured her heart into it and took pride in watching them grow.

Above all, she loved spending time with her grandchildren—baking together, laughing, and making every day feel special. Her warmth, generosity, and endless love will be remembered always by her family and all who knew her.

She is survived by her loving husband, Jonathan; her daughter and closest friend Melissa; and her cherished grandchildren, Anna and Jack. She will be deeply missed and forever loved.

Her legacy lives on in the countless hearts she touched, the laughter she inspired, and the family she so deeply cherished. Though she is no longer with us, her spirit will continue to guide, comfort, and fill our lives with love.

Services will be held on Tuesday, October 21, 2025 at 10:30 am at Mishkan Tefila Memorial Park, 2667 Centre St., West Roxbury.  Shiva will be at the home of Melissa Schwendemann immediately following the service until 8pm and Wednesday from 2-8 pm.

Remembrances in her name may be made to Alzheimer’s Family Support Center, 2095 Main St., Brewster, MA 02631.

David H. Davidson of Brookline, formerly of Belmont, age 76, on October 15, 2025. Son of the late Israel Davidson and Lucy Sanderson Davidson. Father of Beth L. Davidson of New York, New York.

Graveside services at Sharon Memorial Park, 40 Dedham St., Sharon, MA, on Sunday, October 19, 2025 at 9:45AM.

Shiva will take place in both Massachusetts and New York.

In Massachusetts, shiva will be at the home of Robin Goldberg.

Sunday, October 19^th following service until 8PM

Monday, October 20^th (1-5PM; 7-9PM)

Tuesday, October 21^st (1-5PM; 7-9PM)

In New York, Shiva will be at the home of Mesh and Naomi Worch.

Wednesday, October 22^nd (4-10PM)

Thursday, October 23^rd (4-10PM)

Friday, October 24^th (9am-2PM)

Saturday, October 25^th (8-11PM)

Donations may be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (https://pancan.org/) or Bring Them Home Now (support for the hostages) – https://stories.bringthemhomenow.net/donate.

(Born 1936 in New York, NY)

Ken Greenberg passed away peacefully, at age 89, in Norwood Massachusetts on October 14, 2025.

Raised in New York, Ken moved with his family from Brooklyn to Mt. Vernon, and then New Rochelle. Being a born and bred New Yorker, New York would always be a part of his identity. He loved jazz music and walking the streets of New York City recalling his childhood when he would take the train into the city after school.

Ken studied engineering at Lehigh University and was very proud to be a Chemical Engineer. Lehigh was also the place he would find the love of his life, Lois, who was studying at nearby University of Pennsylvania.

Ken’s career started at Merck in Lewisburg PA where he was just out of college and chaperoned Bucknell Fraternity parties with his new wife, Lois. The couple were just barely older than the students they were chaperoning. A stint in the armed services and the beginnings of a new family would move them from Lewisburg to Boston Massachusetts.

Always a proud New Yorker, and forever connected to his upbringing in Mt Vernon NY, Ken would nevertheless fall in love with Boston and build his life there. While the Brooklyn Dodgers would always be his team, he became a true Bostonian, appreciating the New England lifestyle.

With an MBA from Boston College in hand, Ken built a successful 20+ year career at W.R. Grace and then made a leap moving from a big corporation to a start-up tech company called Laser Science. He loved the interaction with the scientists, and he invested himself in making Laser Science Inc. a success.

Ken was always a man ahead of the times, ready to embrace the future and bring his family with him. He embraced a healthy lifestyle, became a vegetarian, and got the running bug in the 70’s, ran road races and logged miles and miles on the beautiful country roads of Wayland Mass. After retirement, he went back to study sustainability and invested himself in learning and leveraging his business experience to create a call to action for businesses to build a more sustainable future. His book “Decision Time” reflected his strong belief that climate change must be addressed, and that businesses must play a critical role.

Perhaps what defined him the most was his generosity and desire to help people. He was a Big Brother, mentoring a number of young men, and through Jewish Vocational Services he spent time supporting young men to become employed and independent. His volunteering efforts were recognized by the Clinton Administration at a ceremony in Washington DC.

His 70-year love affair with wife Lois would define his life more than anything else. His dedication and enduring affection lasted until his final days. He is survived by his loving wife Lois. Ken was a loving brother to his sister and brother-in-law Helen and Steve Charmides, and his brother-in-law and sister-in-law Harvey and Melody Shapiro. He was also deeply loved by his two children Debra and David, his son in law Doug Morgan and Daughter in Law Kyle Greenberg, as well as his four Grandchildren, Rebecca, Henry, Jenna, and Ethan.

Donations in Ken’s name would be welcome at the Boys and Girls Clubs of Boston.

Barbara (Steinberg) Sesnovich of Wellesley, formerly of West Harwich, passed away peacefully at her home on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at the age of 89. Beloved wife of the late Joseph Abram Sesnovich. Wonderful mother to Saralee (Lisi) Sesnovich, Barrie and Jeffrey Steinberg, and Debra and Jed Duggan. Loving grandmother (“Grammy”) to Becki and Joshua Altschuler, Emily Steinberg, and Joshua Steinberg. Doting great-grandmother (“GG”) to Eli Altschuler. A private family funeral service will be held on October 15, 2025, at Sharon Memorial Park. Memorial observance will be held on October 15, 2025 from 6:30 to 8:30 PM at the home of Barrie and Jeffrey Steinberg. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to Jewish Family & Children’s Services (JF&CS) Family Table Food Pantry.

Judith Frances Diamond of Chestnut Hill, formerly of Needham, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully at her home on Thursday October 9 at age 92.

She was the beloved wife of the late Norman Diamond; devoted mother of Lisa Smith, David Diamond and Andy Diamond; doting grandmother of Alex Smith, Samuel Diamond, Katie Diamond, Clyde Diamond and Theodor Diamond; and the proud great-grandmother of Mason Smith and Skylar Smith.

Her Funeral Service will be held at Temple Israel, 477 Longwood Ave. in Boston at 12 noon on Thursday October 16, 2025. Parking on the Riverway. Interment following at Sharon Memorial Park.

Friends and family are invited to her former home in Chestnut Hill for a Shiva on October 16, between four and seven o’clock.

Judy was a longtime employee and proud alumna of Brandeis University and, in lieu of flowers, donations in her honor can be made to the Brandeis Fund, which is best accessed at https://give.brandeis.edu/campaigns/38667.

Notes and reminiscences are appreciated on legacy.

Ryna Greenbaum Philanthropist, Social Leader, and Woman of Grace

Ryna Greenbaum of Palm Beach, Florida, and Newton, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on Oct.9, 2025. Surrounded by her loving family and dedicated caregivers. A woman of uncommon grace, generosity, and poise, Ryna devoted her life to family, friendship, and philanthropy. Born and raised in Newton, she was the beloved daughter of the late Celia and Joe Greenbaum and the cherished sister of the late  Bernice Coleman, Laurel Hammer, and Gladys Myers. Deeply devoted to her family, she was also adored by her many nieces and nephews. Her warmth, elegance, and compassion touched everyone fortunate enough to know her.

Guided by a strong sense of community and connection, she embodied sophistication and kindness in equal measure. Her generosity found expression in a lifetime of philanthropy, supporting causes that reflected her compassion and commitment to others. She was a devoted benefactor of Morse Life in West Palm Beach, Hebrew Senior Life, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and the Jewish Community Center (JCC) in Newton—organizations whose missions mirror her belief in the power of care, dignity, and belonging.

Ryna’s love of the arts was another enduring thread in her life. She found joy and inspiration in supporting the performing arts, particularly the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts in West Palm Beach and Boston’s Wang Center for the Performing Arts. Her passion for culture and creativity reflected her belief that the arts enrich not only the individual spirit but the broader community.

Ryna’s presence illuminated every room she entered. She lived with intention, led with kindness, and gave with a generous heart. Her loss will be deeply felt by all who knew her, yet her legacy will endure through the lives she touched and the organizations she so passionately supported.

Services will be held at Sharon Memorial Park on Thursday at 2:45 p.m. to celebrate her remarkable life. In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to Morse Life in West Palm Beach or to a charity of one’s choice.

May her memory be a blessing, and may her spirit of grace continue to inspire all who were privileged to know her.

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

Daniel A. Dreyfuss peacefully passed away on October 9, 2025 at the age of 82.

He was born in Jerusalem and worked as a psychiatrist in Israel and Boston until he suffered from a stroke in 2020.

Beloved partner of Marilyn Edelson; son of late parents Adina (Lachovitzki) and Fritz Dreyfuss; father of Peri Dreyfuss-Kaufman, Jonathan Dreyfuss and Eliane Dreyfuss; grandfather of Peri’s son Leo Dreyfuss-Kaufman, and Eliane’s children Micah and Noa Glassman; brother of Gideon Dreyfuss and Arnon Dreyfuss; uncle of Philip Dreyfuss, Michael Dreyfuss, Ilan Dreyfuss, and Gil Dreyfuss; and doctor to many grateful patients.

Graveside service will be held at the Newton Cemetery and Arboretum, 791 Walnut St, Newton, MA 02459, on Thursday, October 16, 2025 at noon. Memorial Observance/Shiva immediately following the service, will be held at his late residence from 2:00 until 7:30 pm.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances in his name can be made to The American Stroke Foundation, www.stroke.org/donate or by mail to 6405 Metcalf Ave, Suite 214, Overland Park, KS 66202-4000.

Leslie Steven Schwartz, 73, of Boston, MA, passed away peacefully on October 5, 2025. Born May 8, 1952, in Philadelphia, PA, Leslie was a man of complexity and resilience who lived a life dedicated to the arts, education, and civil rights.

With a deep love for acting and musical theater, Leslie’s artistic spirit was a defining feature of his character. He pursued a career as an educator, where he sought to inspire others; however, due to the progression of Wilson’s disease, he was unable to continue working for long. His perseverance through the challenges of this chronic illness was a testament to his unwavering strength.

Leslie was also a fierce advocate for free speech and the First Amendment, passionately supporting the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) throughout his lifetime. His commitment to civil liberties reflected his belief in justice and equality for all.

He shared a long-term partnership with Dickie Colacula, now deceased, a relationship marked by deep companionship and love. Leslie lived his final years in Boston at 80 Mason Street, Apartment 108.

Details of a memorial service will be shared with family and friends. Donations in Leslie’s memory may be made to organizations supporting Wilson’s disease research, the arts, or the ACLU.

Leslie will be remembered for his courage, artistic soul, unwavering spirit, and dedication to the freedoms we hold dear.

Barbara Dolan, 71, of West Roxbury, Massachusetts (formerly of Duxbury, Massachusetts) passed peacefully at home in the presence of loved ones on October 3, 2025.

Born on May 29, 1954 in Brooklyn, New York, Barbara moved to Boston to attend Emmanuel College and came to love her adopted city where she built a beautiful and unique life.

Barbara worked in the field of mental health throughout the Boston area for over 30 years, as a clinical social worker, educator and administrator. A woman of many talents, she additionally pursued interests in fields as diverse as secondary education, dog rescue, and Irish imports.

An active and hardy New Englander, Barbara was at her happiest rowing at sunrise on Duxbury Bay, cross-country skiing frigid trails in Vermont and biking the backroads of the South Shore and Cape Cod.

Always one for a challenge, Barbara regularly participated in regional regattas and completed the Pan-Mass Challenge several times. Her strong work ethic and determination was an inspiration to her loved ones, and uplifted anyone who knew her.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents Ray and Marie Dolan and sister Sharyn Dolan. 

She is survived by her beloved husband of 41 years, Bennet Epstein; son Jake Epstein (Elizabeth); sisters Kim and Kerry Dolan; and loyal companion, Griffin.

She will be remembered by all for her warm and loving nature, tenacious spirit, intellect, and wisdom.

Friends and family are invited to a graveside service and celebration of Barbara’s life at

The Gardens at Gethsemane

670 Baker Street

West Roxbury, Massachusetts 02132

Tuesday October 7 at 11:00am

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donating to an organization dear to Barbara’s heart. 

Boston College High School

Boston Medical Center

Community Rowing, Inc.

Doctors Without Borders

MSPCA

Renee Delatizky, 73, died on October 3, 2025 at her home in Newton with family by her side.

She was born and grew up in Johannesburg, the daughter of Harold and Rene Cohen. Her mother died in childbirth. She was raised first by an uncle and aunt and then by her father and stepmother, Thelma (Tilly) Cohen. She attended King David School in Johannesburg and graduated from the University of the Witwatersrand where she and Jonathan met. They married in 1974.

After leaving South Africa for the USA in 1975, she taught English as a Second Language (ESL) in Cleveland, and completed her MS in Adult Education at Syracuse University. She and Jonathan moved to Newton in 1979. She taught ESL and ESL methodology at Boston University until retiring in 2018.

Renee was a fiercely loyal and loving wife, mother, cousin and friend and was loved by all in her orbit. Her capacity for joy and living to the fullest inspired all around her. She had the rare ability to make everyone feel special (which was the key to her success and popularity as a teacher). Her humor was legendary and she delighted in the absurdities of life, especially with her adoring grandchildren, the delight of her later years. Her ironclad sense of justice led her to advocate for all she knew were unfairly treated whether they were a friend or stranger, even if it got her into trouble. Her love extended also to animals including two house cats at all times and support for animal shelters.

Renee’s moral compass was rooted in her strong Jewish identity. She spoke her mind and was not afraid to be critical of Israeli government actions while retaining her unconditional love for Israel.

She is survived by her husband of 51 years, Jonathan, her children Bethea Tashjian (Derek) and Michael Delatizky (Kate), and her grandchildren Helena Delatizky, Asher Tashjian, Simone Delatizky, and Walter Tashjian.  She was predeceased by her sister Sandra Soekoe.

Renee’s loss leaves a void in the lives of family, friends, and students worldwide, but her legacy of love and joy will endure.

Funeral service Monday, October 6, 2025 at Temple Emanuel, 385 Ward St., Newton at 11:30 am.  Interment will be private.

Shiva observance will be at the family home on Monday, October 6th from 3pm-5pm followed by a commemorative open house on Tuesday October 7th and Wednesday October 8th from 2pm – 4pm, and 7pm – 9pm, and on Thursday October 9th from 2pm – 4pm.

To view recording of funeral service, please click here.

Sara Matzkin lived a life devoted to family and friendship. On September 28th, 2025, she passed peacefully from complications from Parkinson’s disease, leaving behind a grand legacy that will continue to shine through all those she touched.

Sara was born and raised in Bridgeport, Connecticut. Her undergraduate studies were at The University of Bridgeport, and she later completed graduate work at Fairfield University and Tufts University. After marrying the love of her life, Michael Matzkin, she moved to Woodbury, Connecticut, where together they built a home filled with love and laughter. Sara devoted most of her professional career to working as a school psychologist at the Sherman School in Sherman, Connecticut, where she guided, supported, and uplifted generations of students.

Sara was a friend to all. Her loyalty and capacity for connection were perhaps best exemplified by a pen-pal friendship she began in the third grade—a correspondence that endured for more than 70 years. She never stopped welcoming new friends into her life, believing deeply that human connection was life’s greatest gift. With her handwritten notes, thoughtful gestures, warm companionship, and willingness to listen, Sara offered wisdom not through prescriptive advice but through gentle guidance. She changed lives with her kindness, grace, and insight.

Her passions were many. She loved gardening, exercising, studying Spanish, watching sports, going to the beach, listening to music, dancing, and traveling. But her greatest creative outlet was pottery. Her bowls and mugs fill the homes of countless friends, reminders of her artistry and talent.  A collector of pottery and art, she especially cherished the galleries of San Miguel de Allende in Mexico, bringing home pieces that reflected her eye for beauty.

Sara lived with elegance, humility, and joy. She treated everyone she encountered with respect and warmth. She was spirited and fun, stylish and effortlessly cool—and her stunning silver hair was admired by all who knew her.

Above all, the center of Sara’s world was her family. Her husband of 56 years, Michael, was her partner in all things, and together they lovingly raised three daughters: Elizabeth Matzkin Smith, Jessica Matzkin Shactman, and Laura Griffin. She leaves behind her sons-in-law Eric Smith, Brian Shactman, and Liam Griffin; and nine grandchildren who adored her: Abby, Sami, and Emily Smith; Annie, Max, and Bennett Shactman; and John, Owen, and Thomas Griffin. To them, she was a model of strength, resilience, and unconditional love—so much so that countless school essays were written about her.  Sara’s memory will live on not only in her family but also in the hearts of her many friends. Her immense spirit, her authenticity, and her love will continue to shine brightly in all who were blessed to know her.

Funeral service will be held at 10:30am, Wednesday, October 1, 2025 at Temple Shalom, 175 Temple St., Newton, MA.

Donations can be made in her memory to any of the following organizations:

Michael J. FoxFoundation, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (Breast Cancer),Temple Shalom of Newton

B’nai Israel of Southbury

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

ANNE LARDNER PALMS CHALMERS

December 20, 1942 – September 27, 2025

Anne Lardner Palms Chalmers died peacefully at home in Needham, Massachusetts on September 27, 2025 after a long illness.  At her side was her loving wife, Holly Gunner. She is also survived by her son, Christopher Chalmers, and her brother and his wife, Tony and Ann Palms.  Born on December 20, 1942, she grew up in Washington, DC. She attended the Potomac School, was graduated from Smith College, and earned a Masters degree from NYU’s Institute of Fine Arts. During study for her Master’s degree, Anne attended London’s Courtauld Institute of Art and won an internship in the Rare Books department of New York City’s Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Anne was a talented watercolorist whose paintings were primarily of nature and landscapes. She loved the structure of trees, clouds and water. A Signature Member of the New England Watercolor Society, Anne also was active, as a long-time resident, in the Newton Art Association. Her work was shown at juried shows of the Guild of Boston Artists.

Music was also a central part of her life. Her love of choral music came from her parents, Anne and Francis Palms, Jr. For many years, Anne sang with, and was on the board of, Musica Sacra, a well-known group in Cambridge. A member of the Boston Early Music Festival Corporation, in her early adult years Anne sang with another local choral group, Quadrivium, and performed in the Christmas Revels. These groups benefited from her skill as a graphic artist because she designed many of their programs and publicity pieces.

Anne applied her skills as a graphic artist and undergraduate degree as an English major to the craft of book design. For nearly three decades, she was a Senior Designer at Houghton Mifflin Harcourt’s Trade Book Division, and also did freelance work for Beacon Press. Her career started at the independent publisher of fine books, David Godine. A woman who worked exceptionally well with people, she was assigned to design the books of many prominent authors, including poet Mary Oliver, Alison Bechdel, Donald Hall (America’s Poet Laureate), and Jonathan Safran Foer. She did the complex designs of the Peterson Field Guides series, as well as a guide to birds by the famous birding author, Kenn Kaufman.  Anne also was tapped to be Houghton Mifflin’s Senior Designer of Cookbooks, including the Gourmet Magazine volumes. In her final years, as a resident of retirement community North Hill, she worked with museum artist Helen Meyrowitz to place images of Meyrowitz’s paintings in a community publication. Throughout her life, Anne Palms Chalmers lived in and helped create a world of beauty, light and the creative spirit.

Funeral Service at Temple Israel, 477 Longwood Ave., (parking on the Riverway), Boston, MA on Tuesday, September 30, 2025 at 11:00 am. A livestream link can be found at brezniakfd.com. Interment to follow at Newton Cemetery, 791 Walnut St., Newton, MA. Memorial observance info to be shared at funeral. In lieu of flowers, donations in Anne’s memory may be made to The Potomac School, c/o Development Department, 1301 Potomac School Road, McLean, VA 22101 or ACLU of Massachusetts Foundation, One Center Plaza, Suite 850, Boston, MA 02108.

Entered into rest, after a prolonged illness, on Monday, September 22, 2025, Robin A. Slater of West Newton, MA, formerly of Waltham, MA. Daughter of the late Melvin L. Slater and Minnie (Shulman) Slater, both of Boston, and later of West Newton. Robin was a graduate of Newton High School and Grahm Junior College, on her way to becoming a legal secretary, a career she practiced at various law offices the last 25 years of which were spent at Ropes & Gray until her retirement. She enjoyed sports, especially bowling and golfing with her friends, and was a big hockey fan. She spent many years volunteering her services at various agencies locally, particularly helping with special needs children. Donations in her memory may be made to Beth Israel Deaconess Needham Hospital.  Robin is survived by her brother, Paul, of West Newton.

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

David Sean Robinson-of Boston, on September 25, 2025.

David was born in New York and was a charming young man who dreamed of being a screenwriter after graduating from Middlebury College. In Los Angeles, however, he began to volunteer interfacing with   youth gangs and emergency rooms and veered toward a career in helping people.

He embarked upon becoming a physician and entered Medical School. He graduated in 2014 from the Keck School of Medicine in Southern California. During that time, he and his wife Jennifer had two twin boys, Holden and Asher. They then moved back to Boston to live near both of their families.

Although David and Jen divorced, they both remained devoted parents. David completed his residency at the Harvard South Shore Psychiatric Center in 2018. He became Medical Director at Carney Hospital and practiced at McLean and the Dana Behavioral Health Center. He specialized in addiction treatment.

David was a caring and thoughtful son to his mother Gyda and often included her in all of the events of Asher and Holden including birthdays, holidays, soccer games, movies and dinners. “Grandma Gyda” was often the fourth to their celebrations.

Weekends or overnights with the boys were the center of David’s life. The three of them went sailing on the Charles, traveled to California and Iceland for a wedding, and countless day trips for varied adventures. Since Holden loved the video game Super Smash Bros., David would take him whenever he wanted to play the game. Asher loved racing and was taken to NASCAR events to see the races. He got the boys CALY…the sweetest dog ever and Jen, Holden and Asher continue to love and enjoy him as part of their little family.

David will be missed desperately by all who loved him and by all the patients he helped immeasurably.

A graveside service will be held at Newton Cemetery, 791 Walnut St., Newton (those attending will meet in front of the Cemetery office building) on Monday, October 6, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. Following the interment. Family and friends are invited to Seasons 52 Restaurant, 220 Boylston St., Chestnut Hill

Vicki Sack, born Vicki Deborah Cohen, beloved wife of the late Alan and cherished mother of Scott and Stuart, passed away surrounded by love and memories that will live on forever. Born in 1944, she was the devoted daughter of Irene Cohen, a homemaker, and Sydney Cohen, a hardworking businessman who owned butcher shops.

She grew up in the Mattapan, Dorchester, and Roxbury neighborhoods of Boston, where she built lifelong bonds. Most of her adult life was spent as a resident of Newton where she raised her family and was close with her friends. Including remaining close with her best friend Nancy, who remained by her side through every chapter of life. A gifted student, Vicki earned a scholarship to the School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, where her love for creativity and design first took root.

One of her greatest passions was her business. As the proud owner of Subs N’Such in Boston, Vicki poured her heart into serving her community. After becoming a young widow, she courageously carried on running the shop until deciding to close it and begin a new chapter. She went on to excel as one of the top salespeople of luxury goods and jewelry, building relationships as sparkling as the pieces she sold.

Later in life, Vicki embraced retirement by rediscovering her first love—art. She designed countless one-of-a-kind jewelry and home décor creations, each piece carrying her signature flair and creativity. She lived by her guiding motto: “You can’t go wrong if you do the right thing.”

Vicki was more than a mother to her own children, she was “Mom” to friends, employees, cousins, and anyone lucky enough to be embraced by her warmth. Her generous spirit extended even further to her beloved fur babies—Maxx, Cydney, Hank, Braxton, Parker, Zachary and Lenni —who brought her endless joy.

Her life was a masterpiece of giving and love. She will be remembered for her strength, her sparkle, and her unwavering belief in doing right by others.

Graveside service at the American Friendship Cemetery, 776 Baker St., West Roxbury, MA on Thursday, September 25, 2025 at 11:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Vicki may be made to the Leukemia Research Program at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center by visiting www.bidmc.org/giving or by check made payable to “Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center” with Vicki Sack/Leukemia Research Fund” in the memo line.  Contributions can be mailed to:  Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Office of Philanthropy, 529 Main Street, 4th Floor, Charlestown, MA  02129

Henry David Shapiro, 82, of Lexington, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on September 23, 2025. Born on October 15, 1942, he was the beloved son of the late Lillian and Jacob Shapiro.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Cara Shapiro; his son, Aron Shapiro, daughter-in-law, Jill (Winnick) Shapiro; and his cherished grandchildren, Dylan and Lily Shapiro, who brought him immense joy and pride. He also leaves behind his loving sister, Phyllis Sachar; his nephew, Michael Sachar; his extended family and many dear friends.

Henry was an avid tennis player into his 60s and dedicated more than three decades of his life as a systems engineer for the United States Air Force at Hanscom Air Force Base, where his expertise, dedication, and quiet leadership left a lasting impact on colleagues and the missions he served.

Henry will be remembered as a loving, kind, and generous husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend. His gentle spirit, unwavering kindness, and deep devotion to family will be carried forward in the lives of those he touched.

A private service will be held for family and close friends. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Henry’s memory to Care Dimensions Hospice House, Lincoln, MA or Dana Farber Cancer Institute.

He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Emily Jan Aransky

June 3, 1974 – September 20, 2025

After a long battle with Cushing’s disease, Emily Jan Aransky, of Needham, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on September 20, 2025, at the age of 51.

Born and raised in Needham Massachusetts, Emily graduated from Needham High School and spent many of her happiest summers at Camp Pembroke alongside her sister, Becky. It was there that she built lifelong friendships and cherished bonds that remained close to her heart.

Emily went on to attend Elmira College in New York, where she earned her degree in education. Following her graduation, she dedicated her career to nurturing children, working as a daycare teacher and later rising to the role of director. She was deeply loved by her students, their families, and her colleagues, who admired her patience, kindness, and devotion.

Beyond education, Emily carried a deep passion for music. If you knew Emily, you knew the 80’s channel was always playing nearby. Her love for music led her to work at some of the region’s most iconic venues, including the Xfinity Center, Gillette Stadium, and the Orpheum Theatre, where she shared in the joy of live performances.

Later in life, Emily found another passion through Scentsy, a fragrance company that allowed her to blend her creativity with her love of connecting with people. She took great joy in building relationships and making lasting friendships with people from all over the world.

Emily was a devoted and proud aunt, treasuring the time she spent with her three nephews, who were her greatest joy. She also adored her beloved dog, Dash, who was always by her side.

Emily is survived by her loving mother, Arline Aransky, and was predeceased by her father, the late Jerry Aransky. She leaves behind her sister, Becky Sarette (Aransky), and brother-in-law, James Sarette; as well as her three nephews, Matthew Sarette and his wife Briana Sarette, Josh Sarette, and Brandon Sarette.

A graveside service will be held at Sharon Memorial Park, 40 Dedham Street, Sharon, Massachusetts, on Friday, September 26, 2025, at 12:45 p.m. Following the service, the family will sit shiva from 2:00–4:00 p.m. at Temple Beth Shalom, 670 Highland Avenue, Needham, Massachusetts.

Donations in Emily’s memory may be made to the Jerry Aransky Passport to Israel Fund or the Chesed Fund, c/o Temple Beth Shalom, 670 Highland Avenue, Needham, MA 02494.

Emily’s warmth, strength, and love for her family and friends will be remembered always.

A Beacon of Kindness, Creativity & Love

Jeanne Ruth Adelman Goodman was born in Chicago, Illinois, on November 4, 1947, the cherished first daughter of Robert “Butch” Adelman and Betty Ruth Adelman. From an early age, Jeanne’s parents—especially her mother—disregarded 1950s gender norms, nurturing their daughters’ boundless curiosity and encouraging Jeanne to be fearless in her pursuit of new horizons.

By 16, Jeanne had already begun to chart an adventurous path, following in her parents’ footsteps to become a licensed pilot. She soloed as a teenager and aced her pilot’s test—much to the bewilderment of her mother, who needed three tries to pass hers. Though it wasn’t until her late 70s that it was discovered Jeanne had a near-gifted IQ, her capacity was apparent from an early age. She was a voracious reader, a lover of animals, and full of wonder.

Her thirst for knowledge led her to study fine arts and later major in literature in college before moving to London in the late 1960s—a cultural epicenter of art, fashion, and politics. There, she worked for TWA and later for an independent media company, where—on assignment in the Middle East—Jeanne left her job to provide humanitarian aid in East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) following catastrophic flooding. She worked alongside the Red Cross to deliver medicine as one of the first international responders.

Upon returning to the U.S., Jeanne married John Goodman and continued her journalism career. She wrote for the Old Colony Memorial in Plymouth, Massachusetts, chronicling stories of local townspeople and spending time with national figures such as Ralph Nader (touring a nuclear power plant) and Francis Ford Coppola (on press tour for One from the Heart) for The Boston Globe.

In the 1980s, Jeanne stepped away from journalism to raise her two sons, Jason and Jared. As with everything she did, Jeanne poured her full energy into motherhood—teaching her children to be lifelong learners and fearless adventurers like herself. She became an active member of the Wellesley, Massachusetts, community: a generous friend, a warm and smiling neighbor, and, on more than one occasion, someone who opened her home to her children’s friends for extended stays. She had an effortless way of making people feel comfortable and loved connecting with young minds.

In the 1990s, at the dawn of the digital era, Jeanne’s curiosity was reignited. She practiced early digital art by exploring code-based visual imagery and later worked at the Davis Museum, the MFA, and eventually the Institute of Contemporary Art–Boston. There, she led public tours, learned directly from world-renowned visiting artists, and shared her passion for their work with thousands. This proximity to some of the leading artists of the time undoubtedly informed her own artistic development—and despite being in her mid-60s, Jeanne found her calling through photography.

She developed a singular visual style she called “WaterGraphs”—photographing landscapes and seascapes with digital cameras looking through century-old glass fishing floats that had washed ashore, blending ancient and contemporary practices. Her photographs used the refractions of weathered glass to capture the feeling of being inside a twilight sky, undoubtedly inspired by fond memories of flying through the clouds with her pilot parents as a child. Her work continues to be exhibited in galleries across the country.

No matter what Jeanne was exploring, family was always at the center of her attention and perhaps her greatest gift to future generations was preserving the family’s rich history. As a child, her Uncle Frank—recognizing something special in her—told her she would be the family genealogist, and she treated that assignment as a sacred responsibility. She traced the family’s lineage back to rabbis who came to America with little, refugees who were forced to start over as junkmen before rebuilding their lives, and other familiar Jewish-American immigration stories from the turn of the 20th century. Jeanne was so passionate that, on more than a few occasions, she would appear at distant family celebrations with tales of shared great-grandmothers—bringing forgotten histories to life for present-day strangers and mending broken branches of the family tree.

Jeanne was a great unifier who cherished people, delighted in discovery, and was always eager to hear about others. Her life advice included: “Travel while you’re young” and “life can be hard, you have to make sure to have fun”. Friends remember her as a “beacon”—someone whose endless curiosity led her to explore avant-garde ideas and share them in ways that made them accessible. “I’m just curious. I’ve always been very curious,” Jeanne said—and that fascination with life was palpable to all who were fortunate enough to be by her side.

Jeanne’s legacy is one of vibrant memories, thoughtful lessons, and a radiant spirit. She was known for chasing sunsets, listening with intention, and revealing that true strength lies in kindness and an open heart. She is survived by her husband, two sons, sister, nieces, nephew, grand-nieces and grand nephew, who are so grateful to carry her with them as they continue to explore the meaning of their own lives. She was a true hero among us all, and we are forever thankful to be shaped by her love and joy for life.

Donations in Jeanne’s memory can be made to The Healey Center for ALS at Mass General www.giving.massgeneral.org/healeycenter or to Compassionate Care ALS at https://ccals.org/

Peter Zimmerman, of Hudson, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 20, 2025. He was born on a chilly Boston January day in 1940, the son of the late Joe and Evelyn (Teperow) Zimmerman.

Peter met the love of his life, Ellen Shafran, on a blind date in 1964. The two were married in June of 1965 and went on to share more than six decades together. Peter was a proud graduate of both the undergraduate and law programs at Boston University. During his final year in law school, Peter became one of the original Roxbury Defenders.

Peter and Ellen raised their two children, Susan (Olshanski) and Michael Zimmerman, in Framingham. A devoted father, he welcomed his children’s friends with open arms and a “funny” joke, making their home the neighborhood gathering place. He was always present at Susan’s field hockey games, and never far from the sidelines of Michael’s soccer games and countless tennis matches.  When Susan married her husband, David and Michael married his wife, Ali, Peter instantly felt like he gained two amazing new children.  He cherished his role as “Zaydie” to his four grandchildren—George, Rachel, Stella, and Gordon—who brought him endless joy.

Peter shared a lifelong closeness with his brother Paul, Paul’s wife Barbara, and their children, Eric and Robin. They traveled together, celebrated holidays side by side, and helped raise each other’s families.

Growing up in a close-knit neighborhood in Mattapan, Peter cultivated his lifelong passion for Boston sports. As a boy, he snuck into Boston Braves games before their move to Milwaukee, and he later became a diehard Red Sox fan. He was an original season ticket holder of the Boston Patriots and, according to family lore, co-created the legendary Celtics “Beat LA” chant.

Peter found joy and companionship on the golf course, where he spent countless cherished hours. As a longtime member of Nashawtuc Country Club, he deeply valued the enduring friendships and camaraderie that grew from years of play.

A graveside service will be held at Sharon Memorial Park, 40 Dedham Street, Sharon, MA on Thursday, September 25, 2025, at 12:45 p.m.

The family will be sitting Shiva on Thursday from 6pm-8pm and Friday from 10am-3pm at the Landing at Sauta Farms, located between 20 and 22 Hummock Way, Hudson, MA.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Peter’s memory may be made to: Better Day, 195 Reservoir St., Marlborough, MA 01752 and/or Good Shepherd Community Care, 160 Wells Ave., Newton, MA  02459

Linda Scheib of Newton, MA. passed away September 17, 2025. Beloved wife of Marc Bloom. Dear sister of Alan Scheib.

Graveside funeral service at Beit Olam East Cemetery, 42 Concord Rd., Wayland, MA on Sunday, September 21, 2025 at 11:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The GroundTruth Project, 68 Harrison Ave., Ste 605, PMB 46837, Boston, MA 02111, or the ACLU, 1 Center Plaza, Ste 800, Boston, MA 02108.

Richard Allen Gilman of Weston, MA passed away on September 16, 2025 after a valiant battle with Parkinson’s Disease and Parkinson’s Dementia.

Richard was born on November 27, 1940, and grew up in Malden on Essex Street with his parents, Edward and Ruth, as well as his older sisters, Phyllis and Beverly. He loved to regale his children with fond stories from his youth. He received his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Vermont, and eventually earned his Doctorate from Boston University.

Richard was a life-long educator. He spent most of his career teaching 8th grade English and serving as team leader at the Clarke Middle School in Lexington, MA. Earlier in his career, he worked for the Massachusetts Department of Education where he met Bob Watson, with whom he formed a close friendship that they both cherished.

However, Richard’s passion for educating spanned much farther than the walls of the classroom. He loved teaching his children and grandchildren new things every chance he could. Whether it was pushing them the find the etymology of a common expression at the dinner table, or quizzing them on their math facts, Richard created a sense of inquisitiveness and passion for knowledge within his family.

Richard fiercely loved his family, Judaism, the Red Sox, the Celtics, music, puns, and good books. In his later years, he adored walking up the street to visit his friends and the horses at Beechwood Stables. He also became an accomplished watercolor painter in retirement.

Richard had boundless love for his wife of 60 years, Barbara Brenner Gilman, whom he leaves behind. He is also survived by his sister Phyllis Magerer, his children and their spouses, Joshua (Wendy) Gilman and Rebecca (Bob) Scott, and his three grandchildren whom he adored, Nate Scott and Courtney and Bryce Gilman. He was predeceased by his parents, his sister Beverly Sidel, and his daughter Candice Brenner Gilman.

A service celebrating Richard’s life will be on Friday, September 19 at 11:00 am, at Congregation Or Atid in Wayland, MA. Burial will occur in Lindwood Memorial Park in Randolph, MA directly following the funeral. Shiva will be observed Friday after interment and Sunday from 2-4 pm at Richard’s former residence.

The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations are made in Richard’s memory to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, Grand Central Station, P.O. Box 4777, New York, NY, 10163-4777 (on-line at Michaeljfox.org), to Congregation Or Atid, 97 Concord Road, Wayland, MA, 01778, or a charity of your choice.

Toby Frances Ulman Grandberg, 81, of Sharon, MA, passed away peacefully on September 15^th, while surrounded by her loving family.

Toby was born on February 20, 1944, to the late Eli and Pearl Carpenter Ulman in Canton, MA, where she grew up, and then pursued her dental hygiene certification at the Fones School of Dental Hygiene at the University of Bridgeport in Bridgeport, CT. Toby was married to her beloved husband, Martin, for almost 57 years, and they created a beautiful family and life together. Toby was a devoted mother to Harris Grandberg and his wife, Elana, and to Rachel Grandberg Weinstein and her husband, Shad. She was the cherished Bubbe of Isabella and Sarah Weinstein, and Jeremiah Grandberg.

Toby is a past president of Sharon-Stoughton Hadassah and has also been very involved with Temple Israel in Sharon, MA.  She is a past president of the South Shore Dental Hygienist Association. She loved bringing people together and being part of these special communities. Toby gave so much to her friends and family, always putting others before herself. She was a constant source of strength, warmth, and kindness, a role model for what it means to offer unconditional love and support. She was so generous to everyone she met, and her presence made others feel seen, valued, and loved. She leaves behind a legacy of compassion and grace that will continue to inspire those who knew her.

Toby is survived by her husband, Martin, her son Harris and his wife Elana, her daughter Rachel and her husband Shad, and her grandchildren Isabella, Sarah, and Jeremiah.  She is also survived by her sister Debra and her husband Eric Zornberg and her nieces, Elana and Delia Zornberg, and Pamela Eaton and her nephew Jeffrey Kerner.  She was predeceased by her sister, Roberta Kerner.

The funeral will be held on Wednesday, September 17^th, at 11:30 am at Temple Israel, 125 Pond Street, Sharon, MA 02067. Burial to follow at Sharon Memorial Park, 120 Canton Street, Sharon, MA.

Livestream access will be available here: www.tisharon.org/livestream

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Temple Israel, 125 Pond Street, Sharon, MA, or Hadassah.

George Farkas, 88, of Newton, MA.

Né Jorge, was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, to Elizabeth and Zoltan Farkas. He grew up in Las Pampas, in the province of Santa Fe, Argentina. George was an accomplished graduate of the Buenos Aires Yeshiva Academy and later received his Baccalaureate at the University of Buenos Aires in Electrical Engineering. George and his wife emigrated to Massachusetts in 1969, where he attended Northeastern University for a Master’s in Electrical Engineering and Babson College for an MBA. From 1980-2015 George worked as a Communications Engineer within Global ASNT and MSI, part of the Air Force communications network.

George is survived by his wife Claire, sister Norma, daughter Valerie, son Eric, grandchildren Gabriella and Samantha, and sons-in-laws Mark Pirri and Viktor Horvath.

The funeral will be held at Temple Emanuel in Newton, Sunday, September 14th at 1pm.  Burial to follow at Mishkan Tefila Memorial Park at 2605 Centre Street, West Roxbury.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Magen David Adom

Israel’s Emergency Services System.

To view the live stream service, please click here.

Lois Lee Kretzer Solomon of Brookline, MA, passed away peacefully on September 11, 2025. Born in 1943 in New York City to the late Syde (Sarah) and Sol Kretzer, Lois spent her early years in the city before her family moved south to Mobile, Alabama, when she was 12. She later said it was “like moving to Mars.”

She began college at the University of Alabama and graduated with a BS in Education from University of Illinois. Shortly after graduating from Illinois, Lois reunited with an old boyfriend from Camp Blue Star summer camp, Harold Solomon of Savannah, Georgia, who was finishing medical school at the University of Georgia. They were married in Augusta, on the weekend of the Masters golf tournament, in 1965. They settled in Boston and despite later divorcing, Lois made Greater Boston her home for 56 years.

Lois’s impressive career in Human Resources and Training & Development spanned decades and included such business powerhouses as Polaroid, Wang Laboratories, and Tyco International. She was also dedicated to lifelong learning, earning a master’s in education degree from Harvard in 1980 and an executive MBA from Babson College in 1985. Her first love, however, was for art and culture, and that led to her favorite and final role of her career, as the Head of Lectures and Courses at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston.

What made Lois special was her enduring beauty, endless curiosity and energy, sense of adventure, and her propensity to have fun. She traveled the world and made art and music central in her life, inspiring her children and grandchildren to do the same. She was a voracious reader and loved going to the movies with friends. Her travels took her to all corners of the globe, including her final international trip to see the famed Vermeer exhibit in Amsterdam in 2023.

Lois’s life was indelibly enriched by the hundreds of friends she made, notably her 40+-year-old Chavurah and her book club of 36 years. She had a gift for bringing people together, introducing many couples to each other and forming affinity groups – all while making countless lifelong friends along the way. Many of Lois’s friends and family recall having long conversations with her and benefiting from her life-altering advice.

She was a remarkable lady of beauty, charm, grace, and intelligence. All of us who knew and loved her were blessed and positively impacted by her presence.

Lois is survived by her children, Lara Cohen of Wellesley and her husband Craig Cohen; and Jeremy Solomon of Medfield and his wife Michelle Solomon; and her six grandchildren Dara Cohen of Somerville, Morgan Cohen of Quincy, Sadie Cohen of Wellesley; Maxwell Solomon, JJ Solomon, and Mason Solomon of Medfield; and her sister Barbara “Babs” Feibelman and brother-in-law Jef Feibelman of Memphis, TN and their children. She is also survived by countless friends, many of whom were like family.

Memorial service will be held at Temple Beth Elohim in Wellesley, MA on Friday, September 19, 2025 at 10:00 am with shiva at temple immediately following until 12:45pm. Her friends and family knew her many passions; in lieu of flowers please make a donation in her honor to the charity of your choice.

To view the livestream of the service, please click here.

Courtney Elizabeth Stano, age 48, of Bow, NH, died peacefully on September 11th, while surrounded by her loving family.

Courtney was the beautiful daughter of Sue and Mark Misselbeck and the loving wife of Matthew Stano. She leaves her uncle, Frank Rudnick, her parents-in-law, Mary Lou and Tom Stano, cousins, and many loyal and loving friends.

Courtney graduated from Watertown High School in Watertown, CT, in 1994. She graduated from Bentley University in 1998 with a degree in Marketing.  Inspired by her own personal experiences, she subsequently returned to school to earn her RN in Nursing and was a dedicated nurse in Massachusetts and New Hampshire.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, September 17, 2025 at noon at Temple Israel of Boston.  A Shiva will follow at the Temple. There will be parking on the Riverway.

Donations can be made to organizations supporting organ donation, a cause very close to Courtney’s heart and of which she was a fierce champion.

A Link to view the livestream funeral service can be found here.

Phyllis S Sage, age 96 passed away on September 10, 2025. Born October 12, 1928, in Waltham MA to the late Abraham Caplan and Lottie (Lubarsky) Caplan, Phyllis was married to her beloved husband Robert Sage for 76 years. Phyllis is survived by her husband Bob, the love of her life and their three great children and spouses Marjorie and Mitchell Muroff, William and Marci Sage, and Jane Rosenthal and her companion David Welton. Phyllis had seven beautiful grandchildren, Zachary Muroff and his wife Sarah, Brandon Muroff, Whitney Muroff, Alissa and her husband Joey Sherman, Shayna and her husband Ethan Selinger, Jennifer Rosenthal, Samantha and her husband Ryan Kelly. She also had four great grandchildren, Harrison, Madeline, Leia, and Jackson. She is also survived by her nieces Carol Cushner, Joyce Caplan, Martha Eisen, Marcy Prager, her nephews Mark Sage, Brad Sage, Michael Sage, Richard Sage, her brother-in-law Norman Sagansky and her sisters in law Fredda Sage and Priscilla Kay. She was pre-deceased by her sister-in-law Marilyn Riseman, her brother-in-law Burton Sage and her niece Linda Mills. Phyllis was the beloved sister of her deceased brothers, Sam (18 years older), Pat (15 years older) and her sister Sylvia (10 years older). Phyllis was the baby sister.

The Early Years

The Caplans were a very close family and Friday night dinners were a special occasion. Phyllis herself was a very elegant and loving young lady. She had a great sense of style and often would accompany her mother to various clothing stores in Waltham and Boston. She had a penchant for meeting and making many friends at Waltham High School, where she was a drum majorette and voted Best Dressed Student of her graduation class. She attended Mount lda College where again she was voted Best Dressed Student of her graduation class.

Love at first sight

Phyllis met Bob on the beach in Nantasket during the summer of 1947. This was the beginning of what would be a long and loving life together. After being discharged from the Army, Bob attended Colby College. But wanting to spend more time with Phyllis, he began taking more classes at Harvard during the summer. With the additional courses Bob was able to graduate in three years and married Phyllis after his graduation from Colby. In June of 2024, they celebrated 75 years of marriage at the Belmont Country Club with family and friends.

Travel, sports, and fun

Phyllis lived up to her reputation of being a woman of style, and elegance. She and Bob were inseparable and they did most of everything together, living, laughing, and shopping in the Boston area and in Palm Beach Florida where they enjoyed their winter home. They traveled together for business and pleasure, attended Jazz concerts. and loved going to sporting events. They enjoyed going on cruises with friends and visited many countries including Israel, England, Portugal, Italy, Spain, Greece, France, Bermuda, St Martin, Mexico, and Puerto Rico. On one of her more memorable trips, she celebrated a birthday in Venice with their travel friends. They also attended hundreds of sporting events and had season tickets with premium seats including for the Boston Bruins (behind the Bruins bench), Celtics (center court), and the Patriots (45-yard line). But her favorite seats were those they enjoyed sitting only 6 rows behind the Red Sox dugout for over 50 years at Fenway Park.

A Beautiful Soul

There are not enough words to describe how much Phyllis was loved by her family and friends. She was soft-spoken, kept herself in good health and good shape. and hardly ever yelled or complained, even though her health began to decline in her later years with arthritis and macular degeneration. She had a fulfilling life and always maintained that beautiful smile. Together with her husband Bob, they donated much of their time and money to numerous charities, and made donations to hospitals, college, medical organizations, and various other institutions throughout their lives.

Funeral Service at Temple Israel, 477 Longwood Ave., Boston, MA (parking on the Riverway), on Friday, September 12, 2025 at 12:30pm. Interment to follow at Sharon Memorial Park. Memorial Observance will be held at the Great Meadow Hall at Newbridge on the Charles, 5000 Great Meadow Rd., Dedham, MA, following interment, and on Sunday, Sept 14, 2025, 11 am – 2 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations in Phyllis’ memory may be made to Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Ctr., 330 Brookline Ave., Boston, MA 02215.

Michael Hart of Easton passed away peacefully on September 3 after a brief illness. He was 81.

Beloved husband of 58 years to Eileen (Bernstein) Hart, Michael was a devoted father to Matthew Hart and his wife Lisa, David Hart and his wife Melissa Ackerman Hart, Stacey Hart and her partner Mikk Barinov.He was the cherished grandfather of Lexi, Ruby, and Sam Hart. He was predeceased by his sister, Mildred (Hart) Quint.

Born and raised in Boston, Michael earned both his B.S. and M.Ed. from Boston State College. He began his career as a teacher in Quincy, where he taught for 12 years before transitioning into nonprofit leadership. For 28 years, he served as executive director of Congregation Mishkan Tefilah in Chestnut Hill, where he was deeply respected by colleagues and congregants alike.

Michael found joy in simple pleasures—time with family and friends, traveling, cheering for the Red Sox, and watching the sunset from his patio in Panama. His kindness, humor, and unwavering love for those around him will be remembered always.

Graveside service, Sunday, September 7, 2025 at 1 pm at Mishkan Tefilah Memorial Park, 2605 Centre St., West Roxbury.

Shiva at the Hart residence following interment through Wednesday.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice in Michael’s memory.

To view the funeral service recording, click here.

Nechama Suconick Myrvaagnes, known to most as Naomi, was a poet, feminist, violinist, and student of Torah and of movement. 

She was born in Central City Philadelphia, and made lifelong friends at the Akiba school and through her violin teacher. She obtained a PhD in Old English literature, but her heart was more drawn to creative writing. She was especially glad to have a chance to tutor and to teach poetry in public schools as a visiting teacher. She was a scholar in the Brandeis Women’s Studies program and helped create the visiting scholars program.  

She also supported and curated her husband Eric‘s photography, and her son’s many creative projects.  She touched the lives of many friends over many years as well. 

In her last days, she wrote about the value of Hesed, of simple caring. A heart that doesn’t know the rules but simply operates from love, as exemplified by Rivka watering Isaac’s camels. 

She wrote:

Rifka saw, and Rivka acted.  Rivka was impelled forward by the simple motion of her heart.  She is known as the embodiment of Hesed, the loving-kindness that one could say redeems our world.  It is pure, spontaneous, instantaneous.

In her last week, she let go of giving priority to external measures of whether her poems were worthy of publication, and simply shared what she had to share. And that is how she wanted to be remembered. 

She is predeceased by her father Motel Suconick and her mother Estamalka Suconick, and is survived by her husband, Eric Myrvaagnes, and her son Joshua Myrvaagnes, born Yoho.

Services Friday, September 5, 2025 at 10 AM at Shir Hadash, 1310 Centre St., Newton, MA.  Interment to follow at Adath Jeshurun Cemetery, 350 Grove St., West Roxbury.

Carrol S. Levin of Wellesley, most recently residing at Newbridge on the Charles, Dedham, passed peacefully on August 27, 2025, three days before her 98^th birthday. Carrol was born in Chicago, daughter of Robert and Dora Silverman. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin at Madison with a degree in biology where she met her husband Robert (Bob) Levin, who was raised in the Boston area. After graduation from Wisconsin, Bob and Carrol moved to Boston and raised their son Richard (Rick) and daughter Cathy in Newton.

While raising her family, Carrol was active with various charitable activities and was a fashion model. When her modeling career ended, she worked at high-end clothing boutiques for many years. Her interest in fashion was a driving force throughout her life and she was very glamorous (and an enthusiastic shopper!). Bob and Carrol had an active social life and travelled extensively.  She loved entertaining friends and family, whether hosting large parties or weekly card games. When her children left the house, they maintained homes in Wellesley and Lake Worth, FL, and treasured time spent at their home on the Cape in Falmouth.

Carrol was predeceased by Bob after 64 years of marriage and by her daughter Cathy. She leaves behind her son and his wife Arlene; their children Matthew of Atlanta; and Scott and Scott’s wife Ariel Nelson and their daughters, Avery and Sylvie, of Boston; and her granddaughters Samantha Shuman of New York City and Rachel Sullivan and her husband, Michael Sullivan and their children, Carly and Tyler of Milton.

There will be a funeral service in the Chapel at Sharon Memorial Park, 40 Dedham St., Sharon, MA, on Thursday, September 4, 2025, at 1:00PM, where she will be interred. A reception will be held at the home of Richard and Arlene after the burial.

Should friends desire, contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or the charity of their choice.