Archive: July, 2025

PAULA KRANISH STERN died on Tuesday, July 8 at home, at peace and surrounded by love.

​​Paula was the anchor for her friends and family—family by blood and family by choice. ​So many people relied on her for guidance, support, advice, and love. The quintessential New Yorker, she delighted in opening her home to family and friends, many of whom came and stayed with her for extended lengths of time. She loved sharing New York’s theaters, museums, restaurants, and subways with people who were dear to her, ​especially her grandchildren, and she navigated the city as a master. She will be remembered for her style and elegance, her strength and courage in the face of adversity, and her graceful sense of fun and adventure.​ She had a lifelong commitment to progressive values and justice, and her commitments and activism reflected an abiding belief in (and worry for) America.

She traveled extensively throughout her life with fortunate travel partners. First she explored the United States and then the world, including Nepal, Vietnam, Cambodia, Bhutan, Thailand, China, Australia, Mexico, the Caribbean, France, Ireland, Italy, Jordan, and multiple excursions to Israel.

Paula was born on July 17, 1940, in New York, the daughter of Abraham and Dorothy Kranish. Raised in Queens, her family were founding members of Temple Isaiah in Forest Hills, where she became the first Bat Mitzvah in the synagogue’s history.

She earned a Bachelor’s degree in English from Emerson College. In her forties, she returned to school for her MSW from Columbia University, which she followed up with advanced certifications and a license as a clinical social worker with a specialty in trauma counseling.

In 1985, Paula married the love of her life, Dr. Fred Stern, in a “surprise” wedding ceremony to the delight of her family and friends. Fred died in 1997 after a long struggle with Parkinson’s disease.

Paula was the beloved mother of Heidi Gold and her husband Rabbi Neal Gold of Natick, MA and Dr. Devora Lieberman and her husband John van der Wallen of Avalon, Australia; sister of Michael Kranish of Las Vegas, NV; and grandmother of Avi and Jeremy Gold. In addition, she is deeply beloved by an extended family of nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, friends, and colleagues.

The funeral will be on Sunday, July 13, at 11:00 AM at New Montefiore Cemetery in West Babylon, Long Island, followed by shiva at the Hilton Brooklyn Hotel, 140 Schermerhorn Street, Brooklyn, through 9:00 PM.

The family will continue to sit shiva at the home of Heidi and Neal Gold, 24 Pauline Drive, Natick, MA, on Tuesday and Wednesday 1:00-4:00 and 7:00-9:00 PM, with minyanim at 8:30 PM.

Friends are encouraged to honor Paula’s memory with Tzedakah contributions to The Good People Fund (www.goodpeoplefund.org) or the Kavod Tzedakah Collective (www.kavod.org).

Her memory will always be a blessing to everyone who knew and loved her.

To view livestream, please click here.

Dr. Stanley Jacobson, 87, of Newton, died July 7, 2025.

Beloved husband of Avis G. Jacobson.  Devoted father of Arthur Jacobson and his wife Robin Seidman. Loving Grandfather of Ross and Jase Jacobson.

Dear brother-in-law to Roslyn Glattman Hirsch. Beloved uncle of Andrew, Gordon, Delling, Eric, Mark and Shara.

Graduate of University of Illinois and received PhD from Northwestern University.  Longtime Fulbright Scholar and Professor Emeritus at Tufts Medical School.

Funeral service Wednesday, July 9, 2025 at 1 pm at Sharon Memorial Park Chapel, 40 Dedham St., Sharon with interment following.  In lieu of flowers, remembrances in his memory may be made to Hillel.org

Of Brookline, MA

Sarah, the beloved wife of Frank Friedman for more than 38 years, and adored mother of Yonit Rose and Samuel Jacob (Jordan White, partner) of Brooklyn NY, died the morning of 7 July 2025 at home, at peace and surrounded by loving family more than three years after the diagnosis of lung cancer.

She was predeceased by her parents, Rochelle and Raphael Kianovsky, and her grandparents Sol and Minnie Franklin, and Isaac and Dora Kianovsky, all of Milwaukee. She also leaves her brothers Zev Kianovsky (Arlene Lukin) and Nahum Kianovsky, her Aunt Diane, and 11 nieces/nephews and their partners, and many beloved cousins and dear friends.

She studied at UW Madison followed by graduate studies in Art History at the University of Chicago. In 1991 she moved to Boston and started in 1992 at what is now The Harvard Art Museums, with what began as a 1-year, non-renewable, part-time position, before retiring in 2023 as Curator of the Collection in Modern and Contemporary Art. In response to the country’s hostility towards immigrants and asylum-seekers, in 2017 Sarah collaboratively helped found the Boston Immigration Justice Accompaniment Network (BIJAN). She urged consideration of donations to BIJAN (in lieu of flowers).

Funeral service will be Wednesday 9 July, 11 am, at Temple Israel of Boston, 477 Longwood Ave, (please park on the Riverway) followed immediately by burial at Mt. Auburn Cemetery, 580 Mount Auburn St.  Shiva will commence from 2-5 pm on Wednesday at Temple Israel, and at the family home Thursday at 7 pm, Saturday at 8 pm, and Sunday at 10 am, when the family will rise from shiva.

The funeral may be viewed via Zoom: https://tisrael-org.zoom.us/j/83331876085?pwd=cEPKazmljcPV7jt9s2S6NKrXVRrRNz.1

Bijan: https://www.beyondbondboston.org

GOLDMAN, Maurice E. It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Maurice Edward Goldman of Wellesley, MA, who died peacefully, surrounded by family, at the age of 95, on July 6, 2025. Maurice was born in Philadelphia on February 1, 1930, to Sidney and Sarah Goldman. With a sharp wit and a remarkable ability to memorize Shakespearean sonnets, he charmed his Central High teachers into granting the marks that carried him to Princeton, where he left his own indelible mark. Following in his father’s footsteps, Maurice pursued a medical degree at the University of Pennsylvania, a path that eventually led him to Boston’s Beth Israel Hospital, where he did a rotation at the Shattuck Hospital. It was there he met a beautiful young nurse, “with misty, shiny eyes and a lilting Irish brogue,” newly arrived from Roscommon, Julia Kelly. Maurice knew he found the one right away, but Julia took some convincing. Ultimately, she was convinced enough to stay by his side for some 60 years, sharing their lives in Hicksville, NY, Baton Rouge, LA, Summit, NJ, Livingston, NJ, and Longboat Key, FL. Maurice’s life was filled with adventure, whether serving as a medical officer aboard the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Escanaba, volunteering to address the 1953 dike collapses in Holland, providing critical medical care at a Hopi reservation hospital, serving in the U.S. Public Health Service, traveling to some exotic locales during his tenure as an ExxonMobil executive or managing the chaos of raising four children. Maurice received the 2003 Medical Executive Award from the New Jersey Academy of Medicine. Maurice failed retirement after leaving ExxonMobil and joined New Jersey Manufacturers, as Medical Director, where he served happily for many years before he finally accepted his gold watch. His legendary sense of humor was built on endless “Dad” jokes and musical ditties, like “The Pickle Song” and while his grandchildren endured them with groans, they also adored him for his unmatched kindness, generosity, and steadfast love. He was one of a kind on all three counts. Maurice would have joined the Polar Bear Club had he known of it, with his love for plunging into frigid waters with his SCUBA apparatus. A connoisseur of theater, music, and literature, he ran into many of the greats in the jazz clubs of Boston, from Ella to Thelonius and many more. Maurice now joins Julia in the heavens. He is deeply missed by his children and their spouses: Philip Goldman (Amy) of Minneapolis, MN, Susan Alperstein (David) of Fishkill, NY, Donna Goldman of Hoboken, NJ, and Linda Goldman (Michael) of Newton, MA. He is also mourned by his beloved grandchildren, Ariel Alperstein, Jonathan Alperstein, Nicholas Goldman (Christy), Julia Goldman, Evyan DeGeorge, Teia DeGeorge and Nadia Goldman. His memories live on with many friends and family around the world. A Funeral Service was held on July 8, 2025, at Forest Hills Cemetery, in Boston, MA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Save Our Seabirds in Sarasota, Florida.

On July 5, 2025, Mark Blogier of Jamaica Plain passed away at age 71.

He is survived by his children, Alexandra Blogier and her partner CJ Johnson, Seth Blogier and his wife Kate Murdoch, and his granddaughter, Maude Melrose.

He is also survived by his sister, Roz Blogier, his brother-in-law Joel Cohen, and their children and grandchildren.

Services will be held at Sharon Memorial Park on Thursday, July 10th at 1pm.

Following the services, Shiva will be at the home of Emily Rubenstein until 8pm.

Donations in Mark’s name can be made to The Boston Alliance of LGBTQ+ Youth

HARRIET (COHEN) ROBIE

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

Harriet (Cohen) Robie, of Palm Beach Gardens, FL, and formerly of Brockton, MA, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 5, 2025, at the age of 79, following a brief illness. Harriet was the daughter of the late Joseph and Bessie (Dushman) Cohen. Devoted wife of 54 years to Joseph Robie. Beloved mother of Stephen and Edwina “Winnie” (Jacobson) Robie of New York, NY, and Michael and Jody (Sheffer) Robie of Natick, MA. Adored grandmother of Olivia, Jordan, and Addison Robie. Dear sister of Rosalind (Cohen) Hurwitz and Herb Stern.

Born and raised in Brockton, Harriet graduated from Brockton High School and the Chandler School for Women. Since the age of thirteen, she worked under the tutelage of her father and mentor, the late Joseph Cohen. She worked in management at Brockton East Side Package, Inc. where she learned all aspects of liquor store operations. Later, Harriet and her husband, Joseph, owned and operated the business for twenty-nine years until retirement. Harriet was well respected in the greater Brockton business community and always treated people, regardless of title or stature, with the same level of respect.
As the matriarch of her family, Harriet was passionate about her home, her family, and her community. Hardworking and industrious, Harriet was diligent and meticulous in managing her household and providing for her family. Her attention to detail was unparalleled and her home was a source of pride to share with family and friends, especially on the Jewish holidays. Harriet was also a long-time member of Temple Beth Emunah in Brockton and was very active in the Sisterhood as well as Torah Fund.

Generous and compassionate, Harriet also extended kindness and help to those in need both within her family and in the wider community. She cherished the lifelong friendships which she nurtured over the years and was instrumental in rescuing family members from the grips of antisemitism in Russia, providing them with a better life in Israel. Perhaps her most defining characteristic was her reverence and commitment to the Pride of Brockton Cemetery, where she served as Co-Chair for forty-nine years from 1958-1979 and from 1987-2015. Through her strength, dignity, and perseverance, Harriet transformed the Cemetery into a living testament of her devotion and legacy, which will continue to carry on the tradition of its namesake as one of the last remaining landmarks of what was once a thriving Jewish community with multiple synagogues and organizations.

Harriet will be remembered for her unwavering dedication, grace, and the love she poured into her family and community. Eshet Chayil (“Woman of Valor”) – May Harriet’s memory be forever an eternal blessing.

Services will be held at Temple Beth Elohim, 10 Bethel Road, Wellesley, MA, at 11:00AM, on Tuesday, July 8, 2025. Following interment at Pride of Brockton Cemetery, 197 South Street, Stoughton, MA, Shiva will be held at the Clubhouse at Ledgebrook, 261 Nahanton Street, Newton, MA, immediately after services from 2:00-5:00PM. Shiva will continue on Wednesday, July 9, 2025 at the home of Michael and Jody Robie, 1 Northwood Lane, Wayland, MA. Visiting hours will be from 2:00-4:00PM and 6:00-8:00PM. Minyan Service will begin at 6:30PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Harriet’s name may be made to Dr. James Cleary Research Fund, c/o Dana Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02884-9168.

Laurence “Larry” Nigrosh, 93, passed away on July 2, 2025, in West Palm Beach, Florida.

Born on August 19, 1931, and raised in Brookline, MA, Larry graduated in 1952 as a member of the inaugural class of Brandeis University. He then Joined the US Navy, where he served for four years, at the tail end of the Korean war. He worked for many years with his father at Paris Paper Box and later at his own Paris Container Corp and as a partner with Bill Cole Enterprises.

He and his wife of 52 years, Anne, raised their three children, Diane, Mark, and Jason, in Randolph and later moved to Plymouth. After Anne passed away, Larry moved to Florida where he met and married his second wife, Millicent.

Larry was a pilot of single-engine planes and spent many years with the Civil Air Patrol, training student pilots for their licenses, and running search and rescue missions for missing hikers and campers. He was a fair golfer, a good tennis player, and a senior softball champion well into his eighties.

Larry was preceded in death by both his wives, Anne and Millicent, his daughter, Diane, and his brother, Alvin. He is survived by his sister, Carol, his son Mark and his wife Elizabeth, his son Jason, and his grandchildren Hilary, Seth, Emma, and Ben.

A graveside service and burial will be held on Monday morning, July 7, 2025 at 10:45 am at Sharon Memorial Park, 40 Dedham St., Sharon, MA.

Sue Lofchie brought much love and silliness to everyone around her. Her ability to tell jokes and make people laugh in all kinds of situations was remarkable. She cared deeply about everyone in her life and we all knew she cared about us. She touched the lives of many and will always be remembered for the love she spread.

Throughout her life, she enjoyed traveling, going to the theater, singing “Celebration” and hosting small gatherings to have bbq chicken pizza.  The memories from each experience will be forever felt and recalled through stories and photos.

The joy she got from being a foster mom was unmatched by anything else. She was in her element and wanted to do it forever. Each of the eighteen babies she cared for brought her incredible happiness. She was awarded Foster Mom of the Year for the love and dedication she shared. She would do anything for each of them!

She grew up in Brookline and Hull, graduated from Brookline High School, received her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from CW Post, and her Master’s Degree in Counseling from Boston University. She went on to be the Executive Director at The Price Center, working to empower adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

She spent her adult life in Hull where she developed lifelong connections and became family to many. For years, she loved walking up to 10 miles listening to music and talking to people she passed as she made her way through Hull and Cohasset.

Sue died peacefully surrounded by loved ones at age 74 from a major stroke. For over 50 years she defeated the odds of many medical conditions that could have been life threatening with great courage and perseverance.  We were celebrating “chemo finito” last month.

She continues to be loved and will be deeply missed by her brothers, sister-in-law, nieces and  nephews, great nieces and nephews, foster children, cousins, and friends.

She lived by the Gandhi quote, “Be the change you want to see in the world.”

There will be a graveside ceremony on Wednesday, July 2, 2005 at 3 pm at the Hull Village Cemetery, followed by a gathering to honor Sue’s life at the home of Butch and Bernie.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to:

No Kid Hungry striving to end children from struggling with insufficient food: https://www.nokidhungry.org/who-we-are/hunger-facts

Cradles to Crayons to help children have school supplies and clothes to be ready for school: https://www.cradlestocrayons.org/boston/readyforlearning/

Birthday Wishes to bring birthday parties to children experiencing homelessness:            https://birthdaywishes.org

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

Gerald “Jerry” Louis Evans, 88, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully on June 22, 2025, in Bonita Springs, Florida.

Born on April 12, 1937, and raised in Gloucester, MA, Jerry graduated from Bowdoin College in Brunswick, ME, in 1955. He went on to earn his M.D. from the University of Vermont College of Medicine in 1959. It was there that he met Jane Ann Peters, his future wife, whom he married on June 24, 1961. After the birth of their three children, they settled in Sudbury, MA.

Following medical school, Jerry was invited to join Lew Dexter’s prestigious cardiology lab as a two-year fellow at Peter Bent Brigham Hospital in Boston. In 1968, he served his country during the Vietnam War at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, where he rose to the rank of Major. In 1970, Jerry was invited to lead the Department of Cardiology at Framingham Union Hospital in Massachusetts. There, he established the hospital’s catheterization lab, exercise lab, and cardiology lab.

In 1990, Jerry founded HeartVentures, a physician-led program designed to help corporate employees reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease through diet and exercise. His passion for heart health also inspired him to become an author. He published two books: Why Health Insurance Does Not Ensure Health (Only YOU Can Prevent Heart Disease) in 2010, and Heart Disease Prevention Is Better Than a Cure in 2017.

Jerry was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Jane Ann Evans, and his sister, Rosaline Weiner. He is survived by his children: Douglas Evans and his wife, Marjorie, of Avon, CT; Craig Evans and his wife, Nicole, of Lithia, FL; and Laura Evans Nocera and her husband, Ricardo, of Littleton, MA. He was a cherished grandfather to Danielle (Evans) Check and her husband, Eitan; Samuel Evans; Stephanie Leah Evans; Rachel Evans; and Allison Evans; and a proud great-grandfather to Ezra Check. He is also survived by his sister, Naomi Rosenthal, of Swampscott, MA.

A graveside service and burial will be held on June 27 at 10:00 a.m. at Beit Olam Cemetery in Wayland, MA. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the American Heart Association.

Rosalind “Roddy” Pearlstein (Wax) of Randolph, MA passed away Thursday, June 19, 2025 at 104 years old.

She was born on January 26, 1921 to Frances and Samuel Wax and was married to the late Seymour Pearlstein on June 14, 1942.

Roddy is survived by her three daughters, Marsha Goldberg, Phyllis (Marc) Breslof, and Helaine Zonderman, four grandchildren, Jennifer Barry, Michael Goldberg, David Breslof (Lindsay Totolo), and Mara Zonderman (Sam Schneider), and seven cherished great-grandchildren, Alix Barry, Sara Barry, AJ Barranco, Ari Schneider, Ezra Schneider, Rose Fullam, and Eleanore Breslof.

A lifelong Massachusetts resident, Roddy’s love of the Red Sox came in second only to her love for her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. Roddy excelled at word games and loved to play cards. She was a lifelong learner and avid reader and enjoyed sharing her love of books with her friends and family. She always knew where the nearest source of coffee ice cream and chocolate could be found.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her partner of 11 years, Al Miller, her dear sisters Barbara Kraft and Sunny Hunker, and her beloved granddaughter Lauren Beth Breslof.

A graveside service will be held on Monday, June 23 at 9:45am at Sharon Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Meals on Wheels at South Shore Elder Services, The Jimmy Fund, or National Ovarian Cancer Coalition.

Diane (Tollins) Abbott of Newton, Ma passed away on Wednesday, June 18, 2025 after declining health. She leaves her devoted husband Henry after almost 69 years of marriage. She also leaves her daughters Suzanne, Rosalee and Heidi. She was Bubbe to six grandchildren, Hailey and Jared Virusso, Alex and Nicole Strefling and Stephanie and Mitchell Wilson. Diane was also a great-grandmother to Calix and Casper Virusso-Casasa. She will also be missed by her brother Marty Tollins and his wife, Karen as well as her sister Eileen Masters and her husband Harlan. She was an aunt and cousin and life-long friend to many. She is predeceased by her parents Harry and Mae Tollins (Lato).

Diane was born in Dorchester, MA,  in 1935 and graduated from the Jeremiah Burke High School in 1952. She then went on to get her B.A degree in Teaching from Boston University.

After she graduated from BU she married Henry (Hank) Abbott that summer in Brookline, Ma. They lived in Allston and Brighton for 10 years until they moved to a new house in Newton with their three young daughters in 1967. Years later, when her children were grown, Diane got her Master’s degree in Education in Reading from Boston College.

Diane and Hank loved to travel. They have been to dozens of countries and had many adventures. They circumnavigated South America several times, took a boat cruise down the Yangtze River in China, enjoyed safaris in Africa and visited mosques in India. They traveled the Amazon River, Fjords of Norway and the ancient sites of Rome. There is hardly a country they did not visit together over the years.

Diane was very artistic. She loved to paint pictures of people and landscapes. Her work is proudly displayed in many homes. She was a knitter as well. She made each grandchild an (afghan) for their college dorm room. Growing up, the grandchildren always had sweaters and vests made by Diane. She was an active member of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, the JCC and the Museum of Fine Arts.

Services will be held at Temple Emeth, 194 Grove St., South Brookline at 11:00 am, Sunday, June 22, 2025. Following interment at Temple Emeth Memorial Park, 776 Baker St., West Roxbury, MA Shiva will be held at the Abbott household immediately after services and will continue through Wednesday evening. Visiting hours will be from 12-3 pm and 5-8 pm each day.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the JCC’s Greater Boston’s Camp Grossman, 333 Nahanton St., Newton, MA 02459.  Donations will be directed towards scholarships and ensuring a healthy and safe summer for campers.

To view live stream, please click here.

Of Natick, formerly of Scranton, PA. (the travel shortcut to all destinations), age 75, passed on Monday, June 9, 2025.  Devoted son of the late Oscar and Sara (Golnick) Morris. Ellis leaves behind his beloved wife and life partner Barbara (Elias) Morris and most cherished title of father to Ashley Olivia Morris.

Funeral service will be held at 2:30 pm, Friday, June 13, 2025 at Temple Israel Natick, 145 Hartford St., Natick, MA. Burial will follow at Framingham-Natick Hebrew Cemetery, 40 Windsor Ave., Natick, MA.

Memorial observance will be at the Morris residence, Monday, June 16, Tuesday, June 17, Wednesday 18, 7-9 pm with minyan at 7:30 pm.

In lieu of flowers remembrances may be made to the Ellis V. Morris Mitzvah Fund c/o Temple Israel of Natick.

Nathalie “Nan” A. Sussman (née Bloomberg), of Mashpee, Massachusetts, formerly of Leominster, passed away peacefully at home on June 6, 2025, at the age of 89.

Born on November 16, 1935, in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Nan was the daughter of the late Ed and Jean Bloomberg.

Nan is lovingly remembered by her children, Andrea Sussman (Andrew Troop), Donald Sussman (Jessamy Taylor) and Deborah Hermon (Danny), and her adored grandchildren: Jenna Troop, Joshua Troop, Jordan Sussman, Quinn Sussman and Benjamin Hermon.

Nan earned her degree in education from Boston University and spent time teaching in public schools.

Nan was warm, smart and opinionated.  She loved getting to know people.  She could talk with anyone, learning their stories and sharing hers.

Her love of travel was inherited from her family’s business and became a defining feature of her life. She worked in numerous travel agencies before founding her own successful business in Fitchburg, Massachusetts. Through her work and personal adventures, Nan explored the world and helped others do the same.

An avid reader, she delighted in recommendations from others and was always eager to share her latest favorites. Her intellectual and social engagement extended to the bridge table, where she was a competitive player and proudly achieved Gold Life Master status.

Nan found her greatest peace at the beach, where she could watch the waves for hours, drawing comfort and joy from the rhythm of the sea.

In her later years, Nan was surrounded by devoted caregivers who not only provided her with exceptional care but became an extended part of her family.

Services

A graveside service will be held on Monday, June 9, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at Beit Olam East Cemetery, 42 Concord Road, Wayland, Massachusetts.

Following the service, shiva will be observed at the home of Andrea Sussman and Andrew Troop, from the conclusion of the service until 8:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that remembrances in Nan’s memory be made to Jewish Family Services of Metrowest.

Of Newton, MA, passed away on June 3, 2025.  She is survived by her loving daughters, Carol and Susan, nieces and nephews and many friends.  Selma (known as Sally to her good friends) grew up in Roxbury where she attended Roxbury Memorial High School and then Boston University.  She was married for 50 years to the late Louis A. Green and then for 13 years to the late Leonard Serkess, her high school boyfriend.  Selma loved theater, cinema, ballet and dance, and travel, and she especially loved her trips to Israel.  She was a person of Social Action and was an active member of Temple Reyim in Newton and its Sisterhood.  She was involved with American Jewish Congress.  She was a life member of Hadassah and the Brandeis Women’s Group.  Selma enjoyed all that life had to offer. She will be dearly missed for her wisdom, laughter, boundless energy and her infinite love of her daughters. Funeral Service was held at Temple Reyim on Friday, June 6 at 1:00 pm, followed by burial at Sharon Memorial Park. The family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to:  Temple Reyim, 1860 Washington St., Newton, MA, 02466 or the charity of your choice.

To view the livestream please click here.

Susan Deanne  Allen of Newton, MA, passed away peacefully on June 3, 2025 at the age of 88, at her home where she lived for over sixty years, surrounded by her adoring family. Susan was a strong, independent woman who lived her life with dignity, honesty, and perseverance. Most important to Susan was her loving family and her lifelong friendships.

She was born in Cambridge, MA, on January 14, 1937, to Henry August and Evelyn (Spirtt) August. Susan had one brother, Richard August, of blessed memory. She graduated from Brookline High School and Syracuse University with a degree in Political Science.

Susan was successful in commercial real estate at a time when very few women were in that field. She was an artist, an avid collector of African art, and a passionate Celtics fan. Susan was a voracious reader who loved to learn and enjoyed sharing her wealth of knowledge with many. She will be sorely missed in her longtime neighborhood, where she enjoyed walking the local dogs and spoiling them with love and treats.

Above all, she cherished her loving family and the lifelong friendships she nurtured over the years. Susan’s warmth, curiosity, and friendship will be missed by all who knew her.

Susan was a devoted mother to her son Scott Allen, daughter Robyn Stavis (Norman z’l), and daughter-in-law Susie Allen; a proud “GG” to Barrie, Joshua, Rachel Stevens (Nick), Phoebe, Sydney and her fiancé Forrest; and a loving great-grandmother to Dana Norman Stevens.

A funeral service will be held at 11:30 am on Sunday, June 8, 2025 at Temple Beth Avodah, 45 Puddingstone Lane, Newton, MA 02459. Interment will immediately follow at Sharon Memorial Park, Dedham Street, Sharon, MA. Shiva will be observed at Temple Beth Avodah on Sunday, June 8, from 3 pm to 7 pm.

Below is a video link for the Temple Beth Avodah service at 11:30 am:
https://youtube.com/live/1sAhynpzIvE?feature=share

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in Susan’s memory be made to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute or to a charity of your choice.

With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Frederic H. Goldstein, a devoted husband, loving father, adoring grandfather, and treasured friend, who passed away peacefully on June 1, 2025 at the age of 87.

Frederic is survived by his beloved wife, Barbara Schwartz Goldstein, with whom he shared a lifetime filled with love, laughter, and unwavering partnership. He was the proud father of three children: Stacey Isaacson and her husband David, Jonathan Goldstein, and Peter Goldstein and his wife Jen. Frederic was also a deeply devoted grandfather to Lauren, Ryan, Sam, Ariel, and Brett, who brought him endless pride and joy.

A man of integrity, warmth, and quiet wisdom, Frederic touched the lives of many through his kindness, humor, and steadfast values. He will be remembered for his deep commitment to family, his generous spirit, and the love he so freely gave to those around him.

Family and friends are invited to attend the graveside service honoring Frederic’s life will be held on Thursday, June 5th at 10:45 AM at Sharon Memorial Park, 40 Dedham Street, Sharon, MA.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made in Frederic’s memory to a charity of your choice.

May his memory be a blessing.

Fay (Abrams) Wilgoren, Of Brookline on June 1, 2025. Beloved wife of the late Louis Wilgoren. Devoted mother of Natalie, Howard and his wife Bonnie, and Richard. Adoring grandmother of Joshua and his wife Krista, and Stacey. Dear daughter of the late Julius and Eva (Hodess) Abrams. Sister to the late Ben Abrams, his wife Dvora, and the late Philip Abrams. She is also survived by many nephews, nieces, and cousins. Services will be at Temple Emeth, 194 Grove St., Chestnut Hill on Wednesday, June 4, at 1:00. Following interment at Temple Emeth Cemetery, Baker St., West Roxbury, memorial observance will be at 280 Boylston Street, Newton. In lieu of flowers, remembrances to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, P.O Box 5014, Hagerstown, MD 21741.

Janice departed this world peacefully on Friday, May 30^th  leaving behind a legacy of warmth, kindness, and an unshakable love for life. Her impact on all who knew her will be remembered forever.

Born on April 1^st, 1955, in Canton, Ohio, Janice brought light and laughter into the lives of everyone she touched. Her unwavering dedication to her family and friends was a testament to her compassionate spirit and generous heart. Whether sharing a smile, offering wise advice, or simply being present when others needed her most, Janice exemplified the true meaning of love and spirituality. Her resilience and determination inspired those around her, and her kindness left a lasting imprint on every community she was a part of.

Throughout her life, Janice pursued her passions with enthusiasm and grace. She was known for her appreciation for nature, dedication to social justice, and her contributions to many non-profits, such as reading scholarships applications for the Cape Cod Foundation, and co-chairing with her spouse, Lois, Cape Cod PATH (People Against Trafficking Humans), enriching the lives of many. She had great pride in her Romanian heritage, which she shared through photos of her trip to Romania and preparing amazing Romanian meals.

Janice taught at Cape Cod Academy for 25 years and had a gift for connecting with and educating young children. As a massage therapist, her healing hands and words touched many people.

Janice was predeceased by her parents, Emil and Helen Hank and her siblings  David Hank, Mary Ellen Hank and Sherry Valentine. Janice is survived by her loving family, including Lois Hirshberg, the love of her life, 41 years together and 21 years married; her nieces Megan and Amanda, nephews Matthew, Jonathan, Peter and twelve great nieces and great nephews, and many  more who considered Janice  their Auntie and her family in spirit.

Janice’s family wants to thank the nurses and doctors of  Mass General Hospital Medical ICU Department and especially Dr. Robert Hallowell for their compassionate care of Janice.

Details about a future memorial service will be shared soon.

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made in Janice’s memory to any of the following organizations: the Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital, (https://giving.massgeneral.org/donate), Falmouth Jewish Congregation (https://www.falmouthjewish.org) or B’nai Or of Boston (https://www.bnaior.org/donate).

Arrangements entrusted to Brezniak Funeral Directors.

Boston philanthropist and business leader, passed away peacefully on May 25, 2025 at the age of 85.   Beloved husband of Rosalyn (Greenberg) Slifka. Devoted father of Amy Cook and her husband Jamie, Karen Dattilo and her husband Jeffery, and Andrew Slifka and his wife Jodi. Cherished grandfather (“Grumpy”) of Shayna and Daniel Cook, Joseph and Michael Dattilo, and Julia and Jason Slifka. Dear brother of Alfred Slifka (z’’l) and his wife Gilda.

Richard was a proud alumni of Boston Latin School and M.I.T.

He and Rosalyn met at age seventeen on an arranged date and they were married for sixty-three years.  They raised their family of three, and watched their family grow to include their children’s spouses, 6 grandchildren, 1 step-grandchild and 1 step-great-grandchild. Richard cared deeply about making the world a better place. He served on the Board of Directors of St. Francis House, the largest day shelter in Massachusetts, from 2002 to 2024. He served on the Board of Trustees of Boston Medical Center, the academic medical center and safety net hospital, from 2006 to 2019, and of BMC Health System, Inc. from 2013 to 2021. At BMC, he sponsored the Richard B. Slifka Chief of Neurology position.

Richard became involved in fighting Multiple Sclerosis in honor of his mother, Sonya Slifka. He was a director of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society from 1981 to 2019.   He served as Greater New England Chapter Chairman from 1986-1988 and was elected to the National Board of Directors in 1987 where he served as Chairman from 1998-2001. He and Rosalyn supported many Jewish causes and charities in the United States and in Israel, including many day schools.

Chairman of the Board of Global Partners LP, Richard joined the company in 1963 and held various leadership and governance roles with Global Partners or its predecessors throughout his career. Mr. Slifka entered the oil industry at his brother Fred’s request to join him at Slifky’s Reliable Oil Company, the business started by his father, Abraham, in 1933. Fred and Richard transformed the business into one of New England’s largest wholesalers of distillates, gasoline, residual oil and bunker fuel. Mr. Slifka and his family successfully completed Global Partners’ initial public offering and listing on the New York Stock Exchange in 2005. Mr. Slifka is a past director of the New England Fuel Institute and served as president of the Independent Fuel Terminal Operators Association.

Services at Temple Sinai, 25 Canton Street, Sharon, MA on Sunday, June 1, 2025 at 10:30 am. Interment to follow at Sharon Memorial Park, 40 Dedham St., Sharon, MA.  Family and friends are invited to join Richard’s family at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, 776 Boylston Street on Sunday afternoon from 2:30 to 7 pm.  Memorial observance will continue on Tuesday, June 3 from 5 to 8 pm at Temple Beth David, 7 Clapboardtree Street, Westwood, MA. In lieu of flowers remembrances may be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Greater New England Chapter or to a charity of your choice.

To view livestream of funeral click here

Robert “Bob” D. Sadler passed away peacefully at his home in Dedham, MA, on Tuesday, May 27 at the age of 97. A devoted husband, father, uncle, grandfather and great grandfather. Bob lived a life defined by resilience, dedication, and love for family.

Born in Munich, Germany, on May 14, 1928, to Emil Sadler and Lise Birn Sadler.  Bob, his brothers and parents fled Nazi Germany in 1934, eventually settling in Buenos Aires. There, he attended Carlos Pellegrini High School, a rigorous academic institution where he earned a diploma equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in accounting. Although he never attended college, Bob deeply valued education and carried a lifelong curiosity for learning.

In 1952, Bob immigrated to the United States, where he built a successful career in the wool industry. He was President of Hart Wool, his father-in-law’s company, and played a key role in its growth and eventual sale—an achievement that reflected his keen business sense and unwavering work ethic. After retirement Bob remained engaged as a consultant, especially for nonprofit organizations. He was particularly proud of his contributions to Gore Place in Waltham, MA, where he served on the Board and helped develop their now-popular annual Sheepshearing Festival.

Bob cherished time with his family and was a source of guidance and encouragement to those around him. He loved sharing meals and ideas with his family and close friends in the business community. He spoke many languages, read voraciously and traveled the world with Alyce. He and Alyce spent many happy years in their homes in Quechee, Vermont and Phoenix, Arizona.

Bob is survived by his beloved wife of 42 years, Alyce Simon Sadler; his children Mona Sadler, Gary and Anne Simon, Nancy and Bobby Casper, Doug and Anna Simon his nephews, Andres and his wife Evelyn, Alberto and his wife Daniela, and Alex and his wife Aurora Sadler; seven grandchildren and nine greatgrandchildren. He was predeceased by his dear older brothers, Theo Sadler and Fred Sadler.

Though he considered himself neither German nor South American, Bob proudly embraced his identity as an American. He will be remembered for his wisdom, warmth, and unwavering devotion to family. His life was a testament to perseverance, love, and a remarkable spirit that touched all who knew him.

A private ceremony was held in Sharon, MA, on Friday, May 30, 2025. Remembrances in memory of Robert may be made to the Temple Beth Shalom Annual Fund @ tbsneedham.org/annual-fund/

In Loving Memory March 23, 1935 – May 25, 2025

It is with profound sadness and deep love that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, and grandfather, Herbert H. Itzkowitz, who passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on May 25, 2025, at the age of 90.

Herb was a man of quiet strength, boundless generosity, and unwavering devotion to his family and community.

Born on March 23, 1935, in Malden, MA, he was a proud graduate of Everett High School and Northeastern University, where he later returned as a dedicated educator, sharing his knowledge and passion for learning with generations of students. A highly respected Certified Public Accountant, Herb built a long and distinguished career marked by professionalism, integrity, and a commitment to excellence.  For decades, he served his clients and colleagues with care, precision, and the highest ethical standards, earning the trust and admiration of all who worked with him.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Herb was first and foremost a family man. He was the devoted husband of Judith (Rudman) for almost 60 wonderful years. Together, they built a life filled with love, laughter, and lasting memories.

He was a loving father to Mindy, Michelle, Stephen, Marcy, and his son-in-law, Peter Klay. He was a proud grandfather to Jacob, Haley, Blake, and Andrew, all of whom brought him immense pride and joy. He was a devoted friend to many, someone who could be counted on for sound advice, a kind word, or simply a steady presence.

His loyalty, sense of humor, and genuine care for others earned him lifelong friendships that he nurtured with grace and humility. Whether teaching in the classroom, solving a complex tax return, or telling stories around the dinner table, Herb touched the lives of many with his kindness and quiet wisdom. His presence had a way of making others feel calm, heard, and cared for.

In addition to his beloved family, he is survived by many extended family members, friends, former students, and clients who will carry his memory forward with deep affection. He is also survived by his sisters, Sarah Itzkowitz and Frada Marvel. He is predeceased by his parents, Arthur and Esther (Balter) Itzkowitz, sisters Eleanor and Miriam, and brothers Howard and Barry.

A celebration of Herb’s life was held on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at Temple Beth Sholom in Framingham.

Though we mourn his passing, we are deeply grateful for the many years we shared with him. He will forever remain a guiding light in our hearts.

In memory of Herb and his dedication to Northeastern University, donations can be made to the Herbert and Judith Itzkowitz Scholarship Fund at Northeaster University, Attn: CPS Scholarship, 360 Huntington Ave., Boston, MA 02115. Donations can also be made in Herb’s memory to Temple Beth Sholom, 50 Pamela Rd., Framingham, MA 01701.

Allan Jay Krueger, born March 25, 1946, died on Friday, May 23, at the age of 79, surrounded by those he loved and who loved him. Allan (2 A’s, 2 L’s) was the son of Murray Krueger and Lee Krueger, of Dayton, Ohio. He was graduated from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio and, along with a degree in Psychology, was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Air Force. He proudly served his country for 21 years, retiring with the rank of Major. Allan earned a Masters of Business Degree from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln. Allan married Ellen Feinstein Krueger, after 16 years of friendship for a marriage of 50 years. Allan’s children Lauren Krueger and Max Krueger, were lucky to have him as a father, role model, mentor, and great guy to hang out with. His grandchildren, Sydney and Lucas Krueger-Brozik had all that and the fierce love of Allan as Grandpa. David Krueger was honored, and lucky to have Allan as his big brother.

After retiring from a career in administration with the Air Force, Allan went on to have a long career as a systems analyst and project manager with the Air Force and Defense Contractors. After the birth of his first grandchild, he chose retirement to spend time with his growing family, and to travel with Ellen. He was an active and committed member of the Congregation Beth Elohim Acton Community for over 40 years. Allan also had a close and loving relationship with Temple Emunah in Lexington.

Allan is survived by his wife Ellen Feinstein Krueger, daughter Lauren Krueger, son Max Krueger, son-in-law Matthew Brozik and daughter-in-law, Shannon Voto, and grandchildren Sydney and Lucas Krueger-Brozik, his brother David Krueger and sister-in-law Elaine Berson Krueger, nieces Jennifer, Alyson, and Rachel Krueger and their families, and in-laws Brother in law Barry and sister in law Laura Feinstein, Sister in Law Sharon Feinstein (Jerold Feinstein, deceased), nephews Michael (Viktorya)  and Daniel Feinstein (Melissa), Scott Feinstein (Jaime), Bonnie Feinstein (Michael Maniker) and all of their children, along with many loving cousins

Services will be held at Congregation Beth Elohim, Acton, on Tuesday, May 27 at 11:30 am with internment to follow at Beit Olam Cemetery, Wayland. Shiva will be held Tuesday, 5-7 pm at Beth Elohim. Wednesday and Thursday, shiva will be from 5-7 pm at the family residence.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Allan’s memory to The Dana Farber Cancer Institute or to Congregation Beth Elohim, Acton.

Link to livestream service

Robert Dworet Fanger passed away peacefully on May 21, 2025.  He was born on April 15, 1933 and grew up with his parents, Philip and Esther Fanger and his sister Ruth Fanger Backman in Brookline Massachusetts.

Bob graduated from Dartmouth College in 1955 and received an MBA from Columbia University in 1957. Shortly after, he joined the Stop and Shop grocery store management training program and became the company supplies buyer.  Later, he founded the Robert D. Fanger Company, food brokers, and then co-founded Firestone Financial Corporation where he served as president, CEO, and member of the board of directors. He was also a founding partner and consultant at Sullivan, Fanger and O’Brien, and a founder, officer and board member of Medallion Funding Corp. in New York City. After retiring, he remained active in the finance world as an adviser to Eastern Funding LLC, NY, New York.

More important than his career was his dedication to family, friends, Dartmouth College and philanthropy.  Bob was a lifelong member of the Dartmouth community, chairing the class of 1955 25th and 50th class reunions, and acting as class president and Alumni Council representative. He also devoted time and energy to charitable and civic causes. He served on the food team for Combined Jewish Philanthropies, and as trustee of University Hospital, Boston Children’s Services, and the Home for Little Wanderers. Bob’s greatest strength was his gift for friendship.  He built a network of friends that extended around the world. He was the undisputed king of “small world stories” running into old friends on ski lifts, in airports, and on the Great Wall of China.

He leaves behind his loving wife Iris Fanger of 68 years, his children Michael Fanger, Linda Sattel and Laurie Fanger Reed; grandchildren Rachel Fanger, Jon Fanger, Ember Reed and Nat Reed; and nieces and nephews Paula MacDonald, and Jill, Charles, Bruce, and Garett Backman.

A funeral service and reception will be held at noon on Sunday May 25, 2025, at Temple Israel 477 Longwood Ave Boston 02215. Parking on the Riverway.

Visiting hours at home:  Monday May 26 2-5 pm and 7-9 pm and Tuesday May 27 2-5 pm.

Memorial donations may be made to Combined Jewish Philanthropies of Boston MA, Dartmouth College, or the Woodwell Climate Research Center in Wood’s Hole MA.

To view the livestream please click here

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

June (Hoffenberg) Welz, 82, of Newton, passed away peacefully on the morning of May 20, 2025. June was the Wife of the late David Welz, Daughter of the late Jean (Rosenberg) and Jack Hoffenberg, Mother of Deborah (Jim) Murphy and Ronald (Laura) Welz, Grandmother of Bobby, Jake and Abby, and Sister of Toby Abel. Burial will be held at the Massachusetts National Cemetery, Bourne, MA. Shiva will be held at the Welz residence in NEWTON on Wednesday, May 28th from 3pm-7pm and Thursday, May 29th from 3pm- 7pm. Donations in June’s memory may be made to The American Cancer Society.

Betty Ann Sweet, age 92, passed away May 19, 2025.  Betty was born January 17, 1933 in Toledo, Ohio.  Betty moved to Brookline in 1965 where she would work and raise a family.  While her kids were young, Betty worked as a dressmaker, including intricate bead work for figure skating outfits.  She then worked with her husband Allen, owner of the popular women’s shoe store Ralphs. She was best known to her family for her holiday pie baking, her love of cats, and knowledge and love of gardening and bird watching. Betty resided for the past three years at Adelaide of Newton, an assisted living memory care home.

Betty is predeceased by her husband Allen and two sisters Mollie and Eve.  She is survived by her Daughter Lynne Sweet and husband Tom Rezendes, and son Bruce Sweet and wife Deborah Faragi Sweet, their two children Eric Sweet and Ariel Hondros, and four great grandchildren.

A celebration of her life will be held at Temple Beth Avodah in Newton on Friday May 30, 2025 at 11am followed by lunch and visiting hours until 2pm.  Donations in Betty’s memory can be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America or Friends of Arnold Arboretum.

Joseph Fox of Lexington, MA, passed away on May 16, 2025, at the age of 88.  Joe was a devoted husband to Myrna Fox for 66 years.  Joe and Myrna met at a Teen Town social in Dorchester and became an inseparable pair shortly thereafter.

Always a dedicated and caring husband, Joe wholeheartedly supported Myrna’s love of travel and the two had many adventures walking the streets of foreign cities.  There were also adventures closer to home as Joe pursued his love of sailing.   Starting with a remarkably small boat, Joe honed his sailing skills around Marblehead Harbor as Myrna nervously held on.   Biking in the fall and skiing in the winter, Joe and Myrna were always on the go, all while lovingly raising a family of three boys at their home in Lexington and tirelessly caring for their own parents over the years.

Joe had a very long and successful career working in the Government Systems Division of GTE.  With amazing stamina and sense of purpose, Joe excelled as a proposal manager, retiring from the company after an incredible 40 years of service.

Not one to slow down, Joe then sought out other rewarding endeavors by first volunteering at the Museum of Science, then serving as a guide in several of Lexington’s historic buildings.  In a move no one saw coming, Joe decided to take a position as a cashier at Starbucks.  Although he was never known to be an extrovert or even particularly social, there was something about the Starbucks environment that transformed Joe.  When he put on the green apron, he effortlessly started to smile and welcome patrons.  After 14 years behind the counter, Joe was known near and far by Starbucks regulars, always receiving a warm greeting from those he had served.

Joe adored his grandchildren, and he was always willing to pack up the car for a ride to New Jersey or Maryland to see them.  Mollie, Zoe, Sophie and Daniel kept him very busy building sandcastles on the beach and lugging ski equipment up the mountain.  As the great-grandchildren came along, Joe was filled with joy when he could spend time with Theo, Josie and Rafa.

The Fox family gratefully acknowledges the wonderful care Joe received from the dedicated staff at Cooperative Elder Services in Arlington and Belmont Manor.

A graveside service will be held at Sharon Memorial Park, 40 Dedham St., Sharon, MA on May 19, at 1:45 pm.  The Fox family will welcome friends and family at the house in Lexington at 4 pm.

Donations in Joe’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, Temple Emunah, or to a charity of your choice.

Kenneth Ulin, age 75, of Arlington, MA, died May 15, 2025, from heart disease. Unassuming and kind, he was happiest helping others in his work as a Medical Physicist and at home as a good neighbor and friend. Giving back was important to Ken. Should you wish to remember him with a charitable donation, please consider supporting the charity of your choice.

On October 23, 2024, Erich Goldhagen, 94, died peacefully in his home in Short Hills, New Jersey that he shared with his beloved and loving wife of 67 years, Norma Goldhagen.

Erich, born in 1930, survived the Holocaust in Chernivtsi, Ukraine (then Romania), and, as a scholar, was one of the Holocaust’s most penetrating interpreters. After being liberated by the Soviets in 1944, he and his parents fled west, living for a year in a Displaced Persons camp in Germany. As a teenager, he just walked in and attended the Nuremberg Trials. Sponsored by family friends, his family emigrated to Canada in 1948, where he went to college and at McGill University earned a master’s degree. He then migrated to the United States to enroll in a PhD program in political science at Harvard, specializing in Soviet Studies.

Erich, an old-world intellectual with encyclopedic knowledge, was a dazzling thinker and speaker and had extraordinary command of English, even though he began learning it only as a teenager after the war, in good measure by measure reading Shakespeare, whom, in conversation, he would often quote from memory. Although not a professional linguist, he was a near super-polyglot, speaking nine languages, in many of which he was virtuosic. Erich, raised in the Orthodox tradition, was wedded to his Jewishness and steeped in its culture, even though he was secular in belief. As a person, he was marked his entire life by the suffering and the loss of most of his extended family that he endured during the Holocaust. As an intellectual, he set out, clear-eyed and dispassionately, to understand and explain the Holocaust’s commission.

Erich taught one of the first courses on the Holocaust at an American university, and started in the early 1970s a quarter century run at Harvard University, at its Russian Research Center and Divinity School, teaching his legendary undergraduate General Education course Explaining the Holocaust and the Phenomenon of Genocide. His son, Daniel Jonah Goldhagen, also a former professor at Harvard, is the author of the landmark book Hitler’s Willing Executioners: Ordinary Germans and the Holocaust that changed the way much of the world understands the Holocaust. Daniel always emphasized his intellectual debt to Erich, to whom he dedicated the book. Erich’s story can be seen in Daniel’s PBS documentary Worse Than War.

In addition to his wife Norma, and his son Daniel, he is survived by his children, Benjamin Goldhagen, Ethel Bogursky, and Mayer Goldhagen, and by eight grandchildren, to whom he was a devoted Grandpa.

Andre Rosowsky died on May 8 in his 90th year. He was born in 1936 in Lille, France, and spent the first six years of his life in Paris until, in 1942, the occupying Germans instigated a massive campaign against Parisian Jews. Andre’s parents were given one night’s advance warning of their imminent arrest, and arranged for their only child to go into hiding with non-Jewish friends. Although his parents and many other members of his family were killed in Auschwitz, Andre survived the war and emigrated to the United States to be raised by an aunt and uncle in California. He studied chemistry at the University of California, Berkeley, earned his PhD at the University of Rochester, and completed his post-doctoral studies at Harvard. In 1962, Andre married Erlene, and they had three children—David Rosowsky, Lisa Rosowsky, and Jessica (Rosowsky) Smith. Andre spent an impressive forty-seven years as a pharmaceutical and medicinal research chemist at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, producing more than 300 publications and holding 18 patents. Brilliant and humble, with a dry wit, he devoted the latter years of his career mentoring younger scientists in grant-writing, and spent many hours after retirement keeping up with the latest developments in medicinal chemistry. In addition to his loving wife and children, Andre leaves his adored grandchildren: Madeleine, Sophie, Sam, Melissa, April, and Leo. A funeral service will be held at 10:30 am on Tuesday May 13 at Temple Reyim, 1860 Washington Street, Auburndale, Massachusetts (with private burial to follow). The family will receive visitors for shiva from 4:00–7:00 pm on May 13 and 14 at his late residence. Online remembrances may be left at Legacy.com. Donations in Andre’s memory may be made to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute or to Yad Vashem.

To view the livestream please click here.

Leonard Allan Mintz, 89, of Westwood, Norwood, Norton, Canton, and Indio, California, died peacefully at home. Len was predeceased by his beloved wife, Tina, and his beloved parents,  Henry & Helen. Len is survived by two daughters and their husbands, five grandchildren, two  grandchildren-in-law, and one great grandchild. Len was a proud graduate of Hebron Academy,  Hebron, Maine, later serving on the Board of Directors, and he remained a dedicated supporter and advocate of Hebron throughout his life. After graduating from Tufts University, Len successfully ran Franklin Manufacturing for many years, designing and patenting hot stamping machines still in use across the globe. Len enjoyed a long retirement, traveling in a motor home with Tina, often to the Southwestern US, which he loved. After Tina’s death, Len was blessed by connections with old and new friends. Len was a fine, gifted pianist and enjoyed sharing his musical talent with family and friends. Contributions in his memory may be made to Hebron Academy, 339 Paris Road, PO Box 309, Hebron, ME 04238-0309. Service to be held Sunday, May 11, at 10:00am at the Sharon Memorial Park Chapel, Sharon, MA, with interment to follow in the Safed section. Shiva to be held at his daughter’s house in Sharon.

To view livestream of funeral click here

Zalman S. Agus, former Professor of Medicine and Physiology, and Associate Dean of the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania died on May 7 after a short battle with cancer.  He was a world-renowned nephrologist and former Chief of the Renal-Electrolyte Section at Penn.

He was a graduate of the Johns Hopkins University and later attended medical school at the University of Maryland, after he was denied admission to Johns Hopkins due to a quota on Jewish students.  He completed his residency at the University of Maryland and a nephrology fellowship at the University of Pennsylvania.  He is the son of renowned rabbi and theologian Rabbi Jacob B. Agus and Miriam S. Agus.

Dr. Agus has served the American Society of Nephrology as Vice Chair of the Program Committee, Chair of the Nephrology Training Program Directors’ Executive Committee, and Chair of the Informatics Committee. He has served on the Executive Committee of the National Medical Advisory Board and the Board of Directors for the National Kidney Foundation. He is a past Chair of the Council on Kidney in Cardiovascular Disease of the American Heart Association, was elected to membership in the American Society for Clinical Investigation and was a fellow in the American College of Physicians. He served as a Major in the Air Force at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas in the early 1970s.

Dr. Agus authored and edited over 120 publications and is internationally recognized for his expertise in the physiology and pathophysiology of calcium, phosphate, and magnesium transport.

Along with Sondra, his loving wife and life partner of almost 62 years, they raised their family in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, except for a 2-year stint in San Antonio. Together, they helped found a Jewish day school in San Antonio, and in Cherry Hill, they helped steward and grow the Kellman Academy day school, where Zalman served as Chair of the Board. They moved several years ago, along with his service dog Doc, to the Boston area to be near two of their sons and their families. He is survived by Sondra, sons David (physician and CBS News contributor, Santa Monica, CA), Joel (attorney/financial planner, MA) and Michael, (physician, Newton, MA), as well as daughters-in-law Amy Povich Agus, Beth Agus, and Elisa Deener-Agus, nine grandchildren Eytan, Sydney, Noah, Eli, Miles, Kayla, Kobe, Sammy, Marley, and two sisters Edna and Deborah. He was predeceased by his brother Robert.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, May 9, 2025, at 1:00 pm EDT at Walnut Street Minyan, 858 Walnut St, Newton, MA. For those who are unable to attend in person, it will be livestreamed at https://www.walnutstreetminyan.org/live-events.html.

Interment will follow at Independent Pride Cemetery, 776 Baker Street, West Roxbury, MA.

Shiva minyanim will be at the homes of Zal’s sons in Newton, Sharon, and Los Angeles. Shacharit at 8:00 am Sunday through Thursday (Newton). Mincha at 7:00 pm, followed by Maariv 8:00 pm Sunday, Monday, and Wednesday (Newton), and Tuesday (Sharon).

Contributions in memory of Zalman Agus z”l may be made to America’s Vet Dogs.

Kenneth Erwin Karger, of Framingham, formerly of Newton, died on May 5, 2025. He was a graduate of Boston Latin School, Boston University, and Boston University Law School on the Law Review.  Ken served as a Judge Advocate General (JAG) in the US Army for three years, then graduated Bentley College with top honors in a Degree of Accounting.  He was an elected Town Member in Brookline. After being legal counsel at Honeywell for many years, he founded a private commercial law practice in Boston for over 60 years representing many large corporations in the development of the computer industry throughout the country and abroad.   He was a former President of Temple Reyim, in Newton, and a long- standing member of Wightman Tennis Center.  A season ticket holder of many Boston teams and an avid sports fan, he also enjoyed skiing and spending holidays on Nantucket with old friends.

Son of Charles and Ruth Karger, brother of Barry Karger, Ken was a loving husband to Margery (Bloch) for 63 years, a devoted father to Daniel and Lisa (Pollino) Karger, Bill and Tracey (Kagno) Karger, and a proud grandfather of Jake and Kristie (VosWinkel), Jackie, Max and Emily Karger.   Ken was hardworking, well respected and cared deeply for his family and many friends.

Funeral services will be graveside at Sharon Memorial Park, 40 Dedham St., Sharon, MA on Thursday, May 8, 2025, at 11:45 am.  Shiva will be observed immediately following at his residence, and on Friday, May 9th from 3-7 pm.

Marc S. Miller of Dedham, on May 6, 2025.

Adored son of Roanne Miller and the late Robert Miller. Loving brother of Jonathan Miller and sister-in-law Alycia Miller. Loved uncle of Travis Miller.

Services at Beit Olam Cemetery, 42 Concord Road, Wayland, Friday, May 9, 2025 at 10AM.

Following services, Memorial observances at Jonathan and Alycia’s residence until 5pm. Shiva will continue at Roanne’s home Saturday 7-9pm and Sunday 2-6 pm.

Kindly omit flowers. Donations may be made to a charity of your choice.

To view the livestream please click here.

DUKAKIS, Katharine (Kitty) Dickson, 88, of Brookline, died surrounded by her family on March 21, 2025. Kitty is survived by her husband of 63 years, Michael S. Dukakis; son, John Dukakis; daughters, Andrea and Kara Dukakis; grandchildren, Ali Dukakis, Peter Dukakis, Sofia Dukakis, Alana Dukakis, Niko Hereford, Olivia Onek and Nora Onek; sons-in-law, John Hereford and David Onek; nephews, Rob and Mike Shain; niece, Betsy Barry. Kitty was preceded in death by granddaughter Jobie Hereford.  A memorial service will be held at 2 pm on May 11, 2025, in the Roberts-Dubbs Auditorium at Brookline High School.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Jobie Project, supporting pediatric brain tumor research at Dana Farber, in memory of Kitty’s granddaughter, Jobie. Checks can be made out to “American Endowment Foundation – FBO Jobie Project DAF H23058” and mailed to American Endowment Foundation, Attn: Accounting, 5700 Darrow Rd Suite 118, Hudson, OH, 44236. Donations can also be made to RefugePoint, which provides support for refugees, online at www.refugepoint.org/give or by mail to RefugePoint, 89 South Street, Suite 802, Boston, MA 02111.

Lila Goldstein passed away on May 4th at the age of 92. She was a creative, sharp, hilarious woman with a generous heart. She was a book brimming with life, filled with stories, and memories. Her children and her grandchildren were her absolute greatest pride and joy until her last day.

Lila was consumed by her love for adventure, her love of family, and by the pride of the legend she left behind which exists in each of us that carry the Goldstein, White, Theriault, and Macklin names.

Known as Nana to her grandchildren, Lila was a spitfire. A timeless comedienne who served as President of her own country. She was born and raised in New York City. Her parents, Harry and Sarah Sherry, emigrated from Russia and sold linens at their modest shop in the Bronx. They taught her patience, hard work, and Jewish values which she carried with her throughout her life and passed on to her children and grandchildren. Her prowess as a teacher, artist, life-long learner, adventurer, and grandmother showed us how important laughter is in a world plagued by divisive politics, societal inequities, and international conflict. She consumed knowledge at an incredible rate for a woman 92 years young – loving her news channels, but most of all, her exclusive time with Lester Holt as he hosted the evening news.

Lila knew the importance of travel and cultural immersion and spent every opportunity encouraging her family to explore – nurturing a curiosity for life within each of us. She was brave and fearless. And she instilled those same qualities in those closest to her.

She attended Brandeis University and Hunter College to become an elementary school teacher, later putting her skills to use teaching English as a second language and at Jewish religious schools where she made life-changing impacts on young lives. She created a prolific collection of beautiful paintings that are exhibited in the homes of friends and family across the globe. They fill us with pride and they will live on in her honor.

Lila is predeceased by her devoted husband of 47 years, Dr. Harold M. Goldstein and her sister Miriam Blaustein. She is survived by her four children – Debora (Peter), Mark (Amy), Seth (Genalin), and Michelle (Matthew), her nine grandchildren – Hallie (Michael), Kayla, Noah, Sam, Rachel, Michael, Kelly (Adam), Jessica, and Brendan, and her great granddaughter, Gayle. She touched the lives of our family, friends, and strangers as she even recently rolled up to any location in her wheelchair, whether it be her favorite cafe, opera or dialysis, dressed to the nines and exuding confidence and charm. Thank you to all of Nana Lila’s care takers, drivers, physical therapists and doctors – “Team Lila” – for keeping her comfortable and nurtured, and for extending her life so we could enjoy her eternal optimism. We are forever grateful to you: Rita, Joyce, Sophia, Dawn, Gurzel, Diana, Donavan, Rosie, Joe, Gerard, Tina and Dr. Ronald Goldin.

Lila’s funeral will be at Temple Beth Elohim, 10 Bethel Rd, Wellesley, MA at 10:30am Friday, May 9th. Burial will then be at Westview Cemetery, 520 Bedford St, Lexington, MA.  After the burial from 1:30-4:00pm friends are invited to join the family for an informal lunch and Shiva at the home of Debora and Peter White.  We also invite Shiva visitors on Saturday May 10th from 5:00-8:00pm. Lila was an incredible woman who will live forever in our hearts.

Donations in memory of Lila Goldstein may be made to Wellesley A better Chance.

Aviel Klausner, April 26, 2025, beloved husband, father, brother, son, uncle, cousin and friend, and Distinguished Systems Developer at InterSystems, died early Saturday morning while folk dancing. Born in Israel in 1956 to a loving family and kind and brilliant parents Yehudah z”l and Yocheved, he was instilled with a deep love of learning and of his Jewish heritage, overflowing kindness, and a desire to connect with people. He had an intellectual and curious mind, and a sweetness and purity of heart with which he approached all things throughout his life. Aviel grew up and spent his time between Israel and the U.S., living a child in Princeton, New Jersey and Detroit where his father studied and worked as a professor. The family returned to Be’er Sheva, their home in the Negev desert, where Aviel attended Ben Gurion university after serving in the Israel Defense Force. He later moved to Cambridge, Massachusetts where he received his PhD in computer science from Harvard. There he fell in love with and married his cherished wife Andrea, whom he endlessly adored, who was pursuing her master’s degree in education at Harvard. In the Boston area Aviel also fell in love with the Harvard Hillel community, the Israeli folk dancing community, and his job and colleagues at InterSystems, where he held the most senior developer position in the company, and always looked forward his work, which continued to stimulate him for over 38 years. In 1990, Aviel moved back to his hometown of Be’er Sheva with his wife and children, where he lived a short walk away from his parents and enjoyed being able to spend more time with his three brothers, David, Meir, and Moshe, his nieces and nephews, and extended family. Upon returning to Boston in 1996, Aviel built a warm and loving home in Newton with Andrea and their three children, Zak, Yael, and Ben, and became a beloved fixture in the Newton Center Minyan (now Walnut Street Minyan) community, as well as in the Israeli folk dancing community. Aviel died while folk dancing, an activity that he loved passionately. Aviel engaged in every activity he did with deep enthusiasm and a childlike delight and curiosity; he was endlessly optimistic, giving and loving unconditionally. Avi filled each moment of his life with people and pursuits that brought him delight and so much joy, everything from Torah study and communal prayer, celebration of holiday traditions, family dinners and time spent time with his beloved wife and children, helping friends and community members without hesitation, playing with and embracing babies and young children, writing code and connecting with colleagues, participating in the annual Walk for Hunger (which he completed over 24 times), treasure-hunting at yard sales, editing Wikipedia articles, dancing multiple nights a week, doing yoga, tending to his plants and spending time in nature, telling jokes, solving puzzles, or enjoying good scotch or a cup of coffee. His sudden loss is felt immensely by his family and the countless people and communities he touched. Immense too is the gratitude, honor and love felt by those who had the privilege of knowing this kind, unique and joyful soul.

Funeral Service will be held 11 am, Wednesday, April 30, 2025 at the Walnut Street Minyan, 858 Walnut St., Newton, MA. Burial will follow at Independent Pride of Boston, 776 Baker St., West Roxbury, MA.

Shiva minyanim will be at the Klausner home, 90 Westminster Road, Newton Centre at the following times:

Wednesday: Mincha/Maariv 7:30 pm

Thursday Shacharit 7:15 am and Mincha/Maariv 7:30 pm

Friday: Shacharit 7:30 am

Sunday: Shacharit 8:30 am and Mincha/Maariv 7:30 pm

Monday: Shacharit 7:15 am and Mincha/Maariv 7:30 pm

Tuesday: Shacharit 7:30 am

Visiting hours during the week are from the end of Shacharit until 3 pm and from 6:30 pm until after Maariv.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Walnut Street Minyan Tzedakah Fund

Edward William Jay, Jr. of Brookline, Massachusetts, died at home on April 29, 2025 after a lengthy battle with Parkinson’s. Loving and beloved husband of Heidi (Shuman) Jay. Adoring and adored father of Samantha (Jay) Crane and husband Nick of Delray Beach, FL, and Molly Jay and husband Kyle of Brookline, MA. Doting grandfather (Crummy) of River Jay.

We will always remember Ed and his razor sharp wit, singing and dancing throughout the house with the kindest smile, and making us laugh with the smartest dumb jokes we’ve ever heard.

Funeral services were private. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the ACLU, Planned Parenthood, or the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s research. To honor Ed, please vote Democrat.

It is with shattered hearts that we say goodbye to Florence Wiener, 93, of Needham, MA. Preceded in death just one year ago by her husband of 64 years, Herbie Wiener, Florence is survived by her daughters Michele Sharaf and Beth Wiener, her grandsons Benjamin and Daniel Sharaf and her brother, Marvin Weinstein.

Florence lost a short battle with complications associated with Leukemia just two days after the first anniversary of her beloved Herbie’s death. Florence was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, daughter and aunt.

Her grandsons, in particular, were a great source of  her pride and joy. But she was more than a doting grandmother, she was the family’s matriarch in every sense of the word. Omniscient and omnipotent, Florence was the conductor who made beautiful music out of cacophony, the captain who calmed troubled seas and the bright light that illuminated otherwise treacherous roads ahead.

A Holocaust survivor, Florence came to the United States after WWII in 1947 with her father and brother. After surviving the murder of her mother and grandparents at the hand of the Nazis and the horrors of living in the forests of Belarus for five years, Florence was not deterred.

While looking after her father and brother, she managed to teach herself English by sitting in on five high school English classes a day and simultaneously become a skilled bookkeeper.

Florence became a US citizen in 1954 and met her beloved Herbie soon thereafter and they married in 1960. Best friends for life, they were the perfect ying to each other’s yang, but Florence defined the family. A force to be reckoned with, Florence didn’t pull any punches. She told it to you straight and could be as tough as nails. At the same time, her empathy was palpable. If you hurt, she bled. She was a hard shell and a cotton candy middle, a drill Sargent with a heart of gold, a lion tamer without a whip.

For most of her life, she worked in a local print shop and loved every minute of it. Outside the shop she seemed to know everyone and they knew her. A bit of a yente, she loved to chat up her customers whenever she ran into them. A real celebrity around town. She was devastated when she lost her job at age 70, but turned lemons into lemonade and got healthy. For many years you could find her on the elliptical machine at the JCC on level 8 or walking around the track at the high school.

Sharp as a tack until her final hours she knew every bill coming due, every dollar owed and the cost of grapes at every supermarket within a ten mile radius. There was no putting one over on Florence. We should all aspire to be just a fraction of the woman she was.

Words cannot express how deeply she will be missed. There was no one like her, as unique and wonderful as they come. This world will seem a bit duller without her shine. Our only solace is that she is now reunited with her beloved Herbie.

Graveside service at Sharon Memorial Park, 40 Dedham St., Sharon, MA on Thursday, May 1, 2025 at 10:45 am.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Holocaust Legacy Foundation.

Herbert J Zarkin, age 86, of Boca Raton, FL and Mashpee, MA, died on April 25, 2025.

He was born in Haverhill, Massachusetts in 1938, son of Bernard and Dorothy Zarkin, née Simon.

He graduated from Lowell High School in 1956 and attended the University of Pennsylvania.

Mr. Zarkin spent his entire professional career with one organization, beginning as a stock boy for Zayre Stores in 1961 and moving his way up the corporate ladder to store manager and then to the the home office. In 1988, he was promoted to Chairman and Chief Executive of Zayre Stores.  In 1990, Mr. Zarkin became the President of BJ’s Wholesale Club and in 1993, the President and Chief Executive Officer of Waban Inc. He retired in 2010.

Mr. Zarkin was well known for his philanthropy, in particular to Dana Farber Cancer Institute where he established the Zarkin Family Foundation to encourage cancer research as well as to support the nursing staff.

In addition to his success in business, he is most fondly remembered by his loving family. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Susan Zarkin, née Bell, and his daughters, Amy Reiner (Neal) and Beth Ann Ditkoff (Charlie), his four grandchildren, Allyson, Michael (Jayme), Andrea (Andrew) and Julia (Andrew), as well as his brothers Gerald (Phyllis) and Norman.

Services will be private. The family will hold Shiva on Wednesday April 30^th at the Reiner residence from 3-7 pm and on Sunday May 4^th at the Ditkoff residence from 3-7 pm.

Donations in memory of Herbert Zarkin can be made to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, www.dana-farber.org or to the charity of your choice.

Frances Pinsky Goroll of Whippany, New Jersey died peacefully on April 24, 2025 reaching her 104th birthday, at Lester Senior Housing.

Born in Jersey City, New Jersey to Benjamin and Celia Pinsky, the oldest of 3 girls (Iris and Pauline).  Frances lived in Jersey City until she met Jacob Goroll, married and moved to Irvington, New Jersey and finally settled in South Orange, New Jersey.

Mother to Barbara Sternfield, Dr. Allan Goroll (Phyllis Wasserman), grandmother to Brett Sternfield (Michele Esposito) and great grandmother to Jules Arielle Sternfield and Remy Noa Sternfield.  Frances and Jacob were dedicated to the continuity of the Jewish community through their tireless volunteer efforts and charitable donations.

Frances was president of the Irvington Chapter of Hadassah and chairman of her Jewish National Fund chapter.  For almost 20 years Frances worked for New Jersey Food Stamps helping to assist new Russian immigrants who escaped the Soviet Union.

Frances leaves a gaping hole at her senior housing and a legacy of feistiness and determination—her famous expression was “push”.  The family is deeply indebted to Sharon Creary who devoted her caring and kindness to Frances.

Graveside service will be held at 1 pm Tuesday, April 29, 2025 at Zviller Cemetery, 776 Baker St., West Roxbury, MA in the Beth Zion section. Rabbi Moshe Waldoks will officiate.

Following services, the family will receive guests at the home of Dr. Allan Goroll and Phyllis Wasserman until 6 pm.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made Hadassah, where Frances was a lifetime member.

To view the recorded funeral service please click here.

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Myrna Franzblau, age 87, on April 23, 2025.  A beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, she will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Myrna was married to Carl Franzblau, and together they built a life full of love and laughter. She was the devoted mother of William Franzblau and Debra Fisher, and Rachel and Scott Weiss, and the proud grandmother of five cherished grandchildren (Andrew, Sarah, Zachary, Ethan, and Stephanie). Her family was the center of her world, and her love and support shaped their lives in countless ways.

Born with a passion for learning and nurturing others, Myrna dedicated her career to teaching. As an educator, she touched the lives of many students with her warmth, patience, and wisdom. Outside the classroom, she found joy in painting and spending time on the golf course, where her creative spirit and competitive edge both found room to shine.

She was known by all for her sharp sense of humor, unwavering loyalty, and strong will. These traits made her a pillar of strength to her family and a trusted friend to many. Her presence lit up every room, and her laughter was both unmistakable and unforgettable.

A funeral will be held on Sunday, April 27, 2025 at Temple Reyim 1860 Washington Street, Newton MA, at 11:30 AM. All who knew and loved her are welcome to attend and celebrate her remarkable life. Following interment at the Beth El Cemetery, 776 Baker St., West Roxbury, MA, family and friends are invited to the Clubhouse at the Gables 407 Dedham St., Newton, MA until 4 pm. Memorial observance will continue at the Franzblau home that evening, 7-9 pm, Monday and Tuesday, 1-3 pm and 7-9 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to be made to the Myrna and Carl Franzblau Fellowship Fund at Boston University School of Medicine.

To view the service, please click Zoom link .

Surrounded by close family, Terrie M. Winograd of Acton, Massachusetts died peacefully on April 21, 2025 at the age of 74. She is survived by her husband Mark, her children Joshua and Leah, their spouses, Catherine and Nicholas, as well as her grandchildren Julian, Roslyn, and Solomon.

Born in the Bronx, raised in Westchester, Terrie always had a soft spot for New York City. After high school, she went to University of Buffalo, then worked in Vista, before moving to Cambridge, Massachusetts and getting her Masters degree at Massachusetts College of Art and Design. Set up by a mutual friend, Terrie married Mark and built a life of fifty years together in Acton, Massachusetts alongside her in-laws.

For Terrie, there was nothing greater in life than her family — the whole family, including all the distant, extended family. She was known for making great feasts, but most of all, for making great feasts of dessert. She was a baker who crafted intricate cakes, a locally famous banana bread, and more cookies than you could ever imagine. Though nothing gave her greater joy than the hours she spent on the grandkids’ birthday cakes — from a race car cake, to a rainbow, sparkle, unicorn, princess cake, her happiness was always in the awe on her grandchildren’s faces.

If Terrie wasn’t hosting at her home in Acton, she was hosting down in Bradenton, FL where she loved to winter with her husband. She loved her toes in the sand of Coquina beach during the day and friends over at night for a smattering of always too much food. Even as she bravely battled pancreatic cancer, even in her final months and weeks, she made sure that where she was, her friends and family were there too with a feast.

Terrie will be remembered for her warm and loving spirit as a friend, a wife, a mom, and a grandmama. In her honor, a funeral will be held at Congregation Beth Elohim 133 Prospect St., Acton, MA  on April 23, 2025 at 11:30 AM.

Shiva will be observed at the family residence, Wednesday, April 23, 2025 from 5-7 pm, with Minyan at 6 pm.

Donations in Terrie’s honor may be made to the ACLU or Household Goods.

Mark Greenberg passed away on April 19 at the age of 94.   Born in Boston on October 15, 1930, he grew up in the Dorchester section of the city, son of Ruth and Jack and brother of Gloria.  He was a proud alumnus of Boston Latin School and the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.  While stationed in Rochester, NY in the Air Force, he met Norma Fishman. Mark and Norma lived in Newton nearly all of their married life and there raised three children, Susan, Richard, and Louis.  On April 17, Mark and Norma celebrated an incredible 70^th wedding anniversary.

Mark was a devoted husband and father, and grandfather to Sam, Eliza, and Harry.  He loved all kinds of card and word games, playing and watching sports, planning road trips to beautiful places in New England and beyond, and taking frequent trips to Ogunquit beach in Maine, a tradition his parents began when he was a child.  After retirement he and Norma travelled extensively in the U.S. and Europe, and spent winter months in Sarasota, Florida.

Mark had a remarkable memory and capacity for mastering complex subjects.  This served him well in his long and successful career in the field of accounting, working for several corporations before concluding his career with Ernst and Young as a nationally recognized expert in government accounting practices and regulation.

Mark had a natural gift for making people feel comfortable, and all enjoyed his company.  He made many friends in his community and workplace and maintained those friendships for decades.  In his later years, he combined his love of challenging games and what he might call “kibbitzing” by becoming a regular bridge player with several groups.  For both his skill and camaraderie, he was in great demand as a player.

Mark took great joy – and sometimes heartache – as a passionate fan of all the Boston sports teams.  His greatest love was the Boston Celtics, for which he had season tickets in some of the Bob Cousy and Bill Russell years, and to which he brought Norma and his children to hundreds of games across championship eras, creating lasting family memories.  He attended the 1967 Red Sox World Series and the famous Game 6 of the 1975 World Series and watched or listened to most of the Patriots game since their founding.  But as passionate as he was to see Boston teams victorious, in the end it was always good sportsmanship and the fun of competition that mattered most to Mark.

Elaine, born March 16^th,1926., daughter to Alick and Ethel Rosenblatt, grew up in Everett, Massachusetts with her sister Inez Burgin.  Elaine was married to her beloved husband, Edward Groipen for 67 years and resided in Newton, MA.

Elaine was hard-working, had endless amounts of energy and was always ready to help anyone in need. She loved to work.  She spent 40 years as a market researcher then immediately following retirement, she stepped right into a new role volunteering at the Day Surgical Center at Newton Wellesley Hospital. Here, she spent over 25 years volunteering well into her 90’s.

She was a devoted mother, wife, nana, and GG. Elaine was happiest when she was surrounded by her grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins.  Elaine was loving, generous and always ready to take her loved ones on an adventure. You could always count on Elaine for a good laugh with her quiet sarcastic sense of humor which was always full of surprises.

The family would like to thank the staff at the North Hill Retirement for their attention and care for the past 8 years. Her presence left a lasting and memorable impact on everyone she met, both at work, home and with friends.

Elaine is survived by children Beth Melnick, Paul Groipen & Todd Satterlee, and Larry & Lori Groipen. Her grandchildren Julie Groipen Herzlich, Jennifer & Nick Jasilli, Jamie & Sam Korman, Allie Melnick & Benjamin Hendel, Rosalynn & Andrew Baker and Bradley Satterlee. Her great grandchildren AJ, Zachary Edward, & Aliyah Jasilli, Piper, Bennett, & Oakley Baker, Liam Korman and Nico Groipen. She leaves behind a beautiful legacy of kindness and strength.

Memorial service will take place Thursday April 24,2025 at the Chapel at Sharon Memorial Park at 1PM. Following interment family and friends with gather at the home of Paul Groipen and Todd Satterlee until 9:00 pm. Minyan service to begin at 7:30 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Temple Emanuel, 365 Ward St. Newton, MA 02459, Congregation Shirat Hayam, 55 Atlantic Ave Swampscott, MA 01907, or Epstein Hillel School, 6 Community Rd. Marblehead, MA 01945.

To view the livestream please click here.

Howard Abel of Wayland, MA, passed away on April 17, 2025. Beloved and devoted husband of Susie Schwartz Abel (pre-deceased) for 63 years. Father to Julie Abel of Watertown, MA and Karen Abel Lucero and her husband, Mike Lucero of Pelham, NY, previously of Kirkland, Washington. Loving grandfather to Josh, Jordan and Sydney Lucero. Howard was the loving uncle of many nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly. His 3 grandchildren were his pride and joy, and he never missed a birthday or milestone.

Howard was a long-time member of Sudbury River Tennis Club, Wayland Men’s Retirement Club and along with his wife Susie one of the oldest and most active members of the Wayland Swim and Tennis club where he played weekly tennis games until his eighties and was affectionately known as the “Mayor.”

Howard and Susie loved to travel and were fortunate to have travelled around the world. He loved to play Poker and Gin and enjoyed weekly card games for over 60 years with his oldest and dearest friends. He was a sports enthusiast and die-hard Red Sox fan. Over the decades, he and Susie enjoyed hosting many gatherings, which often included his famous Caesar’s salad, chicken chili and ice-cold martinis.

Howard was a natural salesman, enjoying a long and successful career with London Fog. When that chapter ended, he and Susie teamed up as sales reps, traveling across New England, selling beautiful crafts and jewelry to small businesses, and making countless friends along the way.

He will be missed dearly by all who knew him, especially his daughters.

Services will be held at 11 am at Congregation Or Atid, Tuesday, April 22, 2025, 97 Concord Rd, Wayland, MA. Followed by Burial at North Cemetery, Old Sudbury Rd., Wayland, MA. Donations in his memory may be made to Make-A-Wish Foundation of Massachusetts and Rhode Island, 133 Federal St., 2nd Fl., Boston, MA 02110 or Wayland Swim and Tennis Club, PO Box 315, Wayland, MA 01778. For full obituary notice please visit www.brezniakfd.com

Joan Raphael Katz, 88, passed away Tuesday, April 15, 2025 surrounded by her family in Boston. Joan was a resident of Newton since 1968 and was a trailblazer in clinical social work in Massachusetts. She worked in the criminal justice system for decades, advocating for her clients on the witness stand, in prisons and to attorneys and public defenders in the state. Joan was an avid reader, with a passion for mysteries and loved attending the August annual mystery writer’s conference in England. She had an insatiable thirst for travel, art, culture and the diversity of the world. She was passionate for women’s rights, civil rights and the protection of animals. She was fiercely loyal to her family and friends. She raised two sons, with her husband Sanford Noah Katz, who preceded her in death in February of 2024. She was incredibly proud of her family, son Daniel Katz of New York and his wife Meg Parsont and son Andy Katz of Newport, RI, and his wife Denise Padilla. Joan always loved to discuss her beloved and devoted grandchildren, Lucia and Salvador Katz. A service celebrating Joan Katz’s life will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, April 18, 2025 at Temple Shalom, 175 Temple St., Newton, MA. Burial service to follow.

An Angel Went to Heaven.

Bryna (Levine) Curley passed away April 16, 2025 at age 84. She was the wife of Steve Curley and mother of Brad (Karen) and Joy (Joe Kempfer). She leaves her two perfect grandchildren, Isaac and Molly Curley. Bryna was the daughter of the late Harry and Sylvia Levine and grew up in Dorchester and Newton, MA. She graduated from Newton High School and started college at Boston University until she and Steve got serious. Dating led to engagement and then to a wedding in May of 1961. Bryna was a great wife and mother. She cared for Brad and Joy and had to take care of Steve as well. Their love for over 65 years was what commitment was supposed to be.

Bryna worked for IBM on a machine that today, nobody knows but was the rage back in the early 60’s. She was thrilled to be paid “$100 clear”. She worked in banking with Bank of Boston and enjoyed her time as an ombudsman at the Senior Living Village of Farm Pond. She was sweet. She was an angel. She was fine. She was dignified. She had impeccable taste in everything from clothing to jewelry to antiques. It was antiques that made her happy. She was an expert and had a great reputation in the industry in Glass and China. Bryna did antique shows where she bought and sold and was respected for her knowledge.

There was no one that knew Bryna that didn’t love her. She never offended anyone and was everyone’s friend. She was, as her husband called her, a China Doll. The family wants to recognize the love, support, and assistance Bryna was afforded at Mary Ann Morse Nursing facility in Natick by all the nurses and aides in the Birch Section.

Funeral service at Temple Beth Am, 300 Pleasant St., Framingham, MA on Tuesday, April 22, 2025 at 11:30 am. Interment will follow at Shepetovka Cemetery (Baker St., West Roxbury).

Memorial observance will be at the Hampton Inn, 319 Speen St., Natick, MA 3-5 pm & 6-8 pm, continuing Wednesday, April 23 from 5-8 pm.

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

Betsy Marjorie Arnold Abrams—adored mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend— died April 16 at Newbridge in Dedham at the age of 82.

Born in Worcester, she raised her family in Newton and summered in Ogunquit, Maine, where neighbors waved as she drove through town with her dog Claude  in her red Mini Coop convertible.

Betsy was funny, warm, and totally down to earth; it would not be an exaggeration to say she was liked by everyone she met. An avid traveler, gardener, reader, and supportive friend, Betsy was a longtime volunteer at the Parent Child Home Program in Watertown, where she worked with the parents and children of immigrant families, helping them understand the American culture and learn English.

She leaves her son and daughter Matthew and Robin Abrams, her grandchildren Zachary, Jack and Logan Abrams of Brookline and brother Mark Arnold of East Dennis.

She was predeceased by her parents Anthony and Marjorie Arnold and her brother Richard Arnold.

A special thank you to the staff at Newbridge, who will miss her along with everyone whose life she touched.  She was the best.

Donations in Betsy’s memory can be made to The MSPCA (support.mspca.org) and Autism Speaks (autismspeaks.org).

A celebration of Betsy’s life will be held at a later date.