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Archive: February, 2024

Joan B. Maslow

February 2, 2024

Maslow, Joan B, formerly of Florida and Cape Cod, passed away on Feb 2, 2024 at age 92.

Joan was predeceased by her husband Alan, and by her parents, George and Pauline Palais.  Joan is survived by her daughter Lori Paul, and her husband Bob, and by her sons Paul and Jonathan, and Jonathan’s wife Shana.  She also leaves her grandchildren Susan and husband David, Samantha and husband Kenny, Tim and companion Mallory, Zachary, Kayla and Lindsey, as well as 5 great grandchildren.

Joan spent the last few years at Waterstone of Wellesley where she made many friends.  We would like to thank her aide Genevieve, and all the hospice workers and staff at Waterstone.  Burial will be private.

Robert “Bob” Kutner

January 31, 2024

Bob Kutner, age 72, of Wayland, formerly of Auburndale and Plymouth, passed away on January 31, 2024. Bob was the beloved husband of Lenna (Boroff) Kutner and the devoted father of Daniel Kutner. He also leaves his brother Richard Kutner and wife Susan of San Marcos, CA, his sister Janet Kutner of Wayland, niece Lindsay Talley, her husband Eric and their sons, niece Lauren Ogden, her husband Tobias and their daughter.

Bob had been a partner in the law firm of Casner & Edwards for over 30 years, retiring in 2017 from his practice of professional liability and real estate-related litigation. He grew up in Newark and Wilmington, Delaware, son of the late Abraham and Dorothy Kutner.  Falling in love with the Boston area while attending Harvard University, Bob returned to the city after obtaining his degree from Columbia Law School, settling first in Brighton and then in Newton with Lenna.

Bob was an avid sports fan with a passion for Boston teams, which he shared and nurtured in his son Dan. He also loved travel, and over the course of his life visited many far-reaching corners of the world. In later years he and Lenna purchased a lakeside summer home in Plymouth and enjoyed the more serene lifestyle of boating and entertaining friends.

Bob continuously amazed and inspired family, friends and colleagues with his resilience and determination to live life fully in the face of 28 years of medical challenges.

Condolence calls may be made at the home of Lenna Kutner on Friday, February 2nd from 4pm to 8pm. A celebration of life is being planned for a date in late May. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Bob’s memory to support cancer research and patient care at:
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284 or via dana-farber.org/gift.

Jerome “Jerry” Kaplan

January 30, 2024

Kaplan, Jerome “Jerry” of Newton, MA formerly, of Philadelphia, PA passed away January 30, 2024 at the age of 97. Beloved husband of the late Edith (Jaffy) Kaplan. Devoted father of Paul Kaplan and his wife Lisa Rothstein of Auburndale (Newton), MA. Cherished grandfather of Isabel and Zachary Kaplan. Loving brother of the late Raymond Kaplan.  In lieu of flowers, donations in Jerry’s memory may be made to the Jewish Community Relations Council of Philadelphia or the American Civil Liberties Union.

Elaine Gregerman

January 29, 2024

Elaine Gregerman, died Monday, January 29, 2024, in Plantation, Florida.

Those of us who loved Elaine Gregerman struggle to accept her loss. She was a genuinely kind and caring woman who reached out to family, friends, and even strangers when she felt their need. Even as her health declined, Elaine was always looking to soothe others.

A graduate of Brookline High School class of 1960, Elaine met and married Arthur Gregerman. They had one son, Adam, whom they adored, and they eventually settled in Hollywood, Florida. Elaine was a woman with a flare for decorating and a great sense of style, and so it is no surprise that she had much success working for Rooms to Go, a well-known furniture store. With her gregarious personality, she was often the top salesperson and was beloved by fellow employees and customers (many who became friends).

She was friendly and outgoing, and many were charmed by her magnetic personality. She loved animals and admired every furry creature. In later years she volunteered at numerous animal shelters.

Her greatest love was for Adam, his wife Rahel, and their two children Ezra and Aviva. She enjoyed them and savored every moment spent with them. She was fortunate to get to be with them in Philadelphia and Florida, most recently at Aviva’s bat mitzvah.

She leaves behind a brother Ken Crystal, whom she adored, and a sister-in-law Anne Crystal, who she viewed as a sister, as well as nieces Maura Maziya Crystal and Debra Crystal. She was a loving aunt to Maura and great-aunt to her three children Harrison, Maya, and Inna.

Always strong but also gentle and full of generosity, Elaine cared greatly for her family and for society, and she was wonderful at making friends. Her love for and commitment to others were deeply admirable.

Graveside Service at Sharon Memorial Park, 40 Dedham St., Sharon, MA, on Thursday, February 1, 2024 at 11:45 am.

May her memory be a blessing.

Lawrence L. Langer

January 29, 2024

Professor Lawrence L. Langer, 94, of Wellesley, Mass., died peacefully on January 29, 2024 at home where he had been in hospice for several months after a diagnosis of cancer. He was Professor of English Emeritus at Simmons University in Boston.

Langer was a preeminent scholar of the Holocaust and influenced generations of Holocaust educators and researchers. He believed that the testimony of witnesses and the unflinching imagination of literary and visual artists are essential pathways to understanding one of the darkest episodes in the twentieth century. He passionately resisted efforts to deflect attention from the atrocities of the Holocaust in favor of the “uplifting” stories of resistance and rescue of European Jews.

Larry was born on June 20, 1929 in New York City, the eldest child of Irving Langer, an Ellis Island clerk and postman, and Esther (Strauss). Larry grew up and attended school in the Bronx, before enrolling at City College of New York in 1947. In his first year at City College, Larry met his sweetheart Sondra “Sandy” (Weinstein) on the boardwalk in Far Rockaway, N.Y. They married three years later in Brooklyn, N.Y. Last February, they celebrated their seventy-second wedding anniversary. Upon graduation in 1951, Larry and Sandy moved to Cambridge, Mass. where Larry earned a PhD in American Literature at Harvard University in 1961.

Larry began teaching American Literature at Simmons College in 1958, where he taught until 1992. His initial encounter with the Holocaust occurred in 1955, when on a trip to Europe he visited the Dachau concentration camp.  But his career choice was cemented during his year as Fulbright Professor of American Literature at the University of Graz in Austria, when in 1964 he visited Mauthausen concentration camp and the deathcamp at Auschwitz/Birkenau.  In both instances he was the sole visitor to the site and, standing on the terrain of the largest Jewish “cemetery” in the world, he asked himself for the first time whether it was possible to find a language to describe the crimes that unfolded there.  After returning to Simmons, he inaugurated in 1965 the first course on Holocaust literature to be taught at an American college or university, initially called “The Literature of Atrocity.”  As a result of this experience, during a sabbatical year in Germany in 1968-69, he wrote his first book, The Holocaust and the Literary Imagination (1976), which was one of three finalists for the National Book Award.  Since then, he has published eight more books on Holocaust themes. His 1991 book Holocaust Testimonies: The Ruins of Memory won the National Book Critics Circle Award for Criticism and was named one of the Ten Best Books of the Year by The New York Times Sunday Book Review. It was also listed in the 100th Anniversary Edition of The Times Book Review as one of fifteen titles “of particular permanent interest.”  He was also the editor of Art from the Ashes: A Holocaust Anthology, published by Oxford University Press in 1995.

Professor Langer worked in collaboration with many organizations including the Fortunoff Video Archive for Holocaust Testimonies at Yale University, Facing History and Ourselves and, most recently, The Pucker Gallery in Boston and artist Samuel Bak. At the Fortunoff Archive, he took testimony from many survivors and watched hundreds more. Larry’s groundbreaking exploration of survivor testimony compelled him to coin new words and phrases to describe the unthinkable, including “choiceless choice” and “afterdeath,” finding existing language to be inadequate.  Following his retirement in 1992, he continued working and writing and forged a partnership with his friend Samuel Bak, a painter and Holocaust survivor, whose imagery sought to challenge the task of finding spiritual and intellectual comfort in a disordered post-Holocaust world. The Pucker Gallery published 9 compilations of essays interpreting the abundant works of the artist, which combine critical commentary and interpretation with Bak’s paintings.

In 2022, Larry published his last two books, The Afterdeath of the Holocaust, and Hierarchy and Mutuality in Paradise Lost, Moby-Dick and The Brothers Karamazov, his only non-Holocaust related work. Larry dedicated each of his books to his beloved wife, Sandy, and to his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Larry was a highly decorated scholar, receiving fellowships and scholar-in-residence appointments from the National Endowment for the Humanities; the US Holocaust Research Center of the Holocaust Museum in Washington, D.C.; the Oxford Center for Hebrew and Jewish Studies, in Oxford, England; and the Rockefeller Foundation Study and Conference Center in Bellagio, Italy. Larry was awarded honorary degrees from Simmons College in 1996, from Hebrew Union College in 2000, and from Ohio Wesleyan University in 2002. In 2016, Langer received The Holocaust Educational Foundation’s Distinguished Achievement Award in Holocaust Studies. He received the Eternal Flame Award at the 53rd Annual Scholars Conference on the Holocaust and the Churches in 2023. The City University of New York will award Larry an honorary degree posthumously at its commencement ceremony this May.

Larry’s love of teaching and learning was lifelong. He adored collaborating with his ever-growing collection of colleagues and mentees. While his work was celebrated and immense, Larry was most proud of his wife, his children, and his grand- and great-grandchildren. His serious work was always well-balanced by his endless laughter, days working in his garden, enjoying classical music, and summers at his home in Wellfleet, Mass.

Larry was preceded in death by his sister, Nancy Winthrop (Jessie); and his parents. Survivors include his loving wife, Sandy; his son Andy Langowitz (Nan) of Wellesley, Mass.; his daughter, Ellen Lasri (Nissim) of Natick, Mass.; five grandchildren, Noah Langowitz (Monikah Schuschu) of Framingham, Mass.; Tamar Jenkins (George) of West Newton, Mass.; Emily Langowitz (Meaghan Kramer) of Phoenix, Ariz.; David Lasri of Framingham, Mass.; Joshua Langowells (Caroline) of Somerville, Mass.; and three great-grandchildren, Danny, Maya, and Addy. The family is grateful to Good Shepherd Community Care hospice for their care and support.

Funeral Service on Tuesday, January 30, 2024 at 11:00 at Temple Beth Elohim 10 Bethel Rd. Wellesley, MA.

Shiva will be at his late residence on Tuesday and Wednesday from 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm

Memorial contributions may be made to the Boston Chamber Music Society or Good Shepherd Community Care.

Stephen P. Endlar

January 25, 2024

ENDLAR, Stephen P.

 

A devoted family man, Stephen died peacefully on January 25, 2024. He was 88 years old.

Stephen was born March 17, 1935 in Brookline, MA to Lester and Josephine Endlar. He and his brother, Richard, grew up in Brookline in a happy, active household.  He made life-long friendships at Shady Hill School, Milton Academy and Harvard University. After graduation in 1956, Steve married the love of his life, Alberta (Cohen) Endlar in 1957.  He had a 50 year career in wealth management at GH Walker, Abraham & Sons, Lehman Brothers, Smith Barney, and Moors and Cabot.  During his younger years, he could be found playing squash after work at the Harvard Club.

Steve was happiest gathering the people he loved around his favorite pastimes, for a meal or for a holiday.  He had a great love of the outdoors and traveled the world to ski and golf with family and friends.  In retirement, during the summer, he could be found playing golf or meeting grandchildren at Belmont Country Club.  In the winter, he spent many years hosting the whole family at his home in Sugarbush, VT where all four grandchildren learned to ski – a gift they will have forever.

As a parent and grandparent, he spent many years as an avid family supporter at a myriad of rinks, fields, courts and courses.  As a parent at the Skating Club of Boston, he was always at the rink and was known for hosting great parties after ICE CHIPS for his daughters. When his grandchildren arrived and played competitive sports, he and Alberta never missed a soccer, lacrosse, squash, baseball or hockey game – rain or shine.

In addition to his beloved wife, Alberta, Steve is survived by his brother, Richard Endlar; daughters, Leslie (Richard) Zetlin and Laurie (Michael) Lee; four grandchildren, Derek (Renee) Zetlin, Samantha (Joe) Fruci, Jessica Lee, and Jeffrey Lee; and 3 great grandchildren, Palmer & Sloane Zetlin and Zachary Fruci.  He will be missed by everyone.

Funeral services will be private.  Shiva will be observed at Belmont Country Club on Sunday January 28th from 1:30-4:30pm.  Minyan will be at 3:30pm.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation by check to the Belmont Fireman’s Relief Association PO BOX 79222, Belmont, MA 02478.

Deborah Barrett

January 24, 2024

Deborah Barrett April 28, 1947 – January 24, 2024
Deborah Barret, 76, of Brighton MA passed away peacefully at the Care Dimensions
Hospice House on January 24, 2024, of cancer. Her son Randy was by her side.
Deborah is survived by her two sons, Randy Barrett and Jayme Fishman and his wife
Gretchen and three grandchildren, Lily, Shayna, and Evan.
Deborah had many roles and interests throughout her lifetime, first as a business owner
and craftsman, later as a college English professor and mentor, and as a hobbyist
photographer, soap maker and gardener, and wife, mother, and grandmother. She had a
great love of swimming, biking, reading, playing Mah Jong, and- in earlier days- dancing
the Lindy.
She earned a master’s degree in teaching from Simmons College, and then a second
master’s in teaching English as a Second Language when she discovered her passion
for working with international and immigrant students. In her 20-year career at Bunker
Hill Community College she supported, encouraged, inspired, and mentored dozens of
students. She felt that this was the biggest accomplishment of her working life.
In recent years she developed an interest in Buddhism and meditation, which provided
her with a support system during her illness.
The funeral will be held on Friday, January 26 at 10:30 at Mt. Auburn Cemetery. In lieu
of flowers, donations in Deborah’s memory may be sent to Organization for Autism
Research (OAR) https://researchautism.org/.

Deborah Slocum

January 22, 2024

Deborah Slocum died of Parkinson’s Disease on Sunday, January 21, 2024

She was the daughter of Edwin and Sophie Salsburg, born in 1942 in Shillington, Pennsylvania, the sister of William, Paul, Jean and Ricki, wife of Joel Slocum, mother of Susannah and Genevieve, stepmother of Rachel Bibbs, and grandmother of Sadie and Voltaire. She graduated from Governor Mifflin High School in Shillington, obtained a Bachelor’s degree in English from the State University of Pennsylvania, a Master’s degree in Political Science from Temple University, trained as and worked briefly as a paralegal, and obtained the qualification of Physical Therapist from Columbia University and worked as such at an Alzheimer’s center in Wellesley. She was a member of Temple Beth Elohim in Wellesley. A significant personal accomplishment was obtaining a private flying license. Among her interests were cooking, reading (especially novels), traveling, meeting new people, listening to music, viewing art, being physically active, and inventing improbable devices. In lieu of flowers, donations in Deborah’s memory may be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.

 

Honey Swartz

January 22, 2024

Helen (Honey) Simon Swartz passed away on January 22, 2024 at the age of 97. She was the daughter of the late Rose and Isaac Simon and devoted wife of the late Henry D. Swartz. Cherished sister of the late Frieda Freedman. Beloved mother of Marcia and Len Ross, Jeffrey Swartz and Sherrill Berk. Proud Gram of Allison and Lance George, Stacey and Alex Washkowitz, Rachel and Shawn Robinson, Haley Swartz and Joshua Sherman, and “Hon” to 6 great grandchildren: Tyler, Peyton, Ella, Jack, Isaac and Ethan. Aunt to many nieces and nephews who meant so much to her and a role model to many who she treated as her own. Honey also had many friends with whom she shared incredible memories and experiences.

The first of her family to attend college, she earned a bachelor’s degree which was a tremendous source of pride and accomplishment for her. She worked at Boston College for over 30 years, first in the art department and then as an assistant to the director of McMullen Museum.  Known as the “Jewish mother in residence,” Honey was respected and loved by students and staff alike. A life member of Hadassah, she was also active in the sisterhood of Kehillath Israel and veteran affairs organizations. She had a very strong interest in current affairs and was an avid reader until her sight became compromised in recent years. Remarkably, she began modeling in her 40’s and was in high demand thanks to her beauty, photogenic smile, and slick bun. Scarves, huge glasses, leopard prints and lots of jewelry were trademarks of her fashion style. Honey was fiercely independent and maintained a wild sense of humor throughout her life.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, January 24 at 11:00 a.m. at Temple Israel of Natick. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to NWH Charitable Foundation, The Henry D. Swartz fund for Oncology Services, 2014 Washington Street, Newton, MA 02462 or charity of your choice.

Carole R. Cotton

January 16, 2024

Carole R. Cotton

Of Waltham, January 16, 2024. Beloved wife of the late Richard “Dickie” Cotton, WFD Ret. Loving mother of Heidi Pfeifer of Reading and Joel Cotton and his wife Lauren Anderson of Marshfield. Devoted grandmother of Rina Pfeifer of Reading. Sister of Gerald “Jerry” Escott of Salem. Carole is also survived by her sister-in-law Marjorie Cotton Supple of Hingham and loving nieces and nephews. Graveside Service on Friday, January 19, 2024, at 11:00 am in Beth Israel Memorial Park, 190 South St. Waltham, MA. Carole was a cashier for over 30 years at the Star Market on Lexington St. Waltham. Remembrances in memory of Carole may be made to MSPCA.org.

Zvi Galani

January 13, 2024

Zvi Galani of Bedford, Massachusetts was born in Warsaw, Poland on October 21, 1936 and passed away on January 13, 2024. He leaves his wife Bobby of 56 years, his daughters Elizabeth Zimmerman of Bedford, New York and Judy Anderson of Austin, Texas, his son-in-law David Zimmerman and grandchildren Julia, Drew and Charlie Zimmerman, and Griffin, Owen and Jonah Plasse as well as his sister Aviva Galani of Haifa, Israel.

Not long after Poland was invaded by Germany during WWII, Zvi and his parents escaped to Russia and ended up in Siberia where they spent four years in very difficult conditions. In 1944, they were allowed to leave Siberia and reached Ukraine where Zvi attended Russian school. They remained in Ukraine until the end of the war.

After the war, they traveled to Czechoslovakia, Poland, and Austria where they spent several months in a refugee camp run by American troops. In 1946, they and other refugees crossed the Alps on foot to Verona, Italy. During the four-year stay in Italy, Zvi attended Italian schools and began learning piano, which became a lifelong passion.

In spring of 1949, they immigrated to Israel where Zvi attended the Technical High School of the Technion in Haifa. He then served his military service as part of the Israeli Air Force. After his discharge in 1958, Zvi joined his parents in Tehran, Iran and worked as a radio and television technician.

In September 1959, he traveled to the United States to study at The Milwaukee School of Engineering, graduating first in his class with a BS in Electrical Engineering. In 1963, he began employment with General Electric in Lynchburg, Virginia as a Design Engineer. In 1966, he accepted a position with Metcom in Salem, Massachusetts. Following that, he began graduate studies at Cornell University where he received both an MS and PhD in Electrical Engineering.

In 1967, he met and married his wife, Bobby. After being highly sought out for his expertise, he accepted a position at Raytheon in 1972 as a Senior Engineer in their Missile Systems Division. He was promoted to Section Manager in 1976, and then to Consulting Engineer in 1985, the highest level attainable at that time.

At Raytheon, he was involved in the solution of design and production problems on many programs. His name is on many publications, presentations, and inventions. He was a Life Fellow of his professional society IEEE.

After retiring, he spent eight years doing consulting work. In his retirement, he continued his love of learning taking classes in music, science, and history. He enjoyed hobbies such as reading, listening to music, playing piano, and visiting with his daughters and six grandchildren.

Funeral Service on Monday, January 15, 2024 at Temple Emunah 9 Piper Rd. Lexington, MA at 1:00 pm. Followed by burial at Kovner Cemetery, 776 Baker St. West Roxbury.

 

 

 

Howard J. Schlang

January 12, 2024

Howard “Howie” Schlang of Plymouth MA passed away on January 11, 2024 after a brief illness.  Howie, beloved son of the late David and Betty Schlang, was born in Boston, grew up in Mattapan, MA and was a long-time resident of Randolph, MA.

Howie was a beloved husband of Ruthann for 51 years and a loving father to his daughter Dana and her husband Donal; his son Michael and his wife Melanie.  He was also a fun-loving Zadie (grandfather) to his four grandchildren Caleigh, Jacob, Adam, and Dylan.  Howie was a cherished brother to the late Burt Cooperstein and the late Judith Rothenberg.  Howie was also a proud uncle to Karen and her husband Steve; Amy and her husband Larry.

Howie was dedicated to his place of employment, the United States Postal Service in Brockton, MA, for 30 years and he took pride in assuming a leadership role in the American Postal Workers Union.

Howie loved to be in Cape Cod soaking up the sun and the saltwater especially with his family.  Howie was also an avid sports fan and he was an accurate free-throw shooter in his own right.  Howie will be remembered for many things but he will always be remembered as the ultimate family man.

 

 

Harvey Towvim

January 12, 2024

Towvim, Harvey, 88, of Natick, passed away peacefully on January 12, 2024. Loving husband of Naomi. Father of Adam, Daniel, and Joshua. Brother of Judy Towvim Murad. Grandfather of Ava, Benjamin, Jacob, and Rebecca. Father-in-law to Geri and Laura. Son of the late Theodore and Miriam. Funeral Service on Monday, January 15, 2024 at 12pm at Temple Shalom of Newton. Burial to follow at 1:30pm at Sharon Memorial Park, Sharon, MA.

 

Marcy (Ackerman) Blank

January 12, 2024

BLANK, Marcy (Ackerman). Beloved wife of the late Martin T.  Daughter of the late Daniel and Gertrude (Feldman) Ackerman. Sister to the late Lillian LeVine, Sophie Norris, Pearl Greenblatt, Miriam Kirstein, Shirley Roseman. Born in Somerville, MA. Graduate of Cambridge Latin HS and Burdett College. Longtime resident of Natick and Framingham. Late of Wayland and Peabody. Loving mother of Cheryl, Dale (Tom), Elyse and David (Craig). Devoted grandmother of Lindsay (Frank), Michael and Mackenzie. Also survived by dear nieces and nephews. Burial in Framingham-Natick Jewish Cemetery January 21 at 11am. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Remembrances to Brooksby Village Resident Care Fund or the charity of your choice.

Edward Donin

January 11, 2024

Edward Isaakovich Donin passed away on January 10, 2024 at the age of 90 at Royal Health Braintree.

 

Edward was a son of the late Isaak and Sarra (Lekach) Donin from Belarus. He was born in Minsk in 1933, and grew up in Moscow. From a young age he loved fixing things by taking them apart to learn how they work. He graduated from the Bauman Moscow State Technical University and went on to work as an aeronautical engineer at the Yakovlev Design Bureau. Later, he designed hydraulic pumps at the Science Research Institute for Hydraulic Machinery until immigrating to the USA in 1992.

Edward had a wonderful sense of humor and enjoyed telling stories of his remarkable lifetime adventures and encounters. He had built many lasting relationships throughout his life, and these lifelong friendships are some of his biggest accomplishments. He was a role model for his daughter, a beloved cousin and uncle, and a loyal friend.

 

Edward was predeceased by his wife of 38 years, Vera (Perlin) Donin, and a brother, Alexandr Donin. He is survived by his daughter Irina and her husband Truong, his grandchildren Simon and Eva, and extended family.

 

Graveside service will be held at B’Nai Brith Cemetery at 55 St. Johns Rd., Worcester, MA  at 1:30 pm on Sunday, January 14, 2024.

Liela Steltzer

January 9, 2024

 

In Loving Memory of Liela Steltzer

Liela Steltzer, a beloved soul with a heart full of kindness, peacefully departed this world on January 9,2024,  at the age of 84. Born in Brooklyn, New York, on December 6, 1939, Liela touched the lives of many throughout her journey.
Her warm spirit and positive demeanor endeared her to friends from various chapters of her life. From the streets of Brooklyn to the neighborhoods of Plainview and Long Beach, New York, and finally to the sunlit shores of Boynton Beach, Florida, where she and her late husband, Martin Steltzer, enjoyed the well-deserved fruits of retirement.
Liela’s passions were diverse, ranging from lively games of Mah Jong, Canasta, and Mexican Train to tranquil walks along the nature trails on Jog Road and strolls on the Long Beach boardwalk. An avid reader and a dedicated shopper, she found joy in the simple pleasures of life, including movies and more.
Her most cherished moments were those spent with family during Jewish holidays and the regular dinners shared with good friends. Liela’s loving memory will forever be engraved in the hearts of her surviving sister, Sarah Levy, her late brother Henry, her daughter Anne Renee Silverman and husband Daniel, and her son Joseph Mitchell Steltzer.
Liela’s legacy extends to her three granddaughters, Julia, Aimee (and husband John Plummer), and Mollie, who were fortunate to share the last eight months of her life with her in Massachusetts. Also remembered are her three grandsons, Joshua, Jonathan, and the late Jordan.
Her feline companions, Luna and Star, were constant sources of comfort and company, remaining faithfully by her side.
The family kindly requests donations to be made to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Combined Jewish Philanthropies, and the We Stand With Israel Organization ( https://www.jnf.org/ways-to-help/support-israel ), reflecting Liela’s commitment to charitable causes. She believed in the importance of giving back and supported organizations such as Chabad in Boynton Beach, Plainview Synagogue in NY, the ASPCA, St. Jude, Hadassah, We Stand with Israel, Combined Jewish Philanthropies, and more.
Liela Steltzer’s life was a testament to the beauty of generosity, love, and simple joys.

Alan Ehrlich

January 9, 2024

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

Alan Ehrlich, age 83 of Framingham, MA passed peacefully on Tuesday, January 9, 2024 surrounded by his loving family.  He was the devoted husband of Susan (Silk) Ehrlich with whom he shared 61 wonderful years of marriage.  Born in Boston, MA, he was the son of the late Elia and Bertha Ehrlich.  In addition to his beloved wife, are his daughter, Elise Ehrlich and husband Michael Sams of New Orleans, LA and son, Evan Ehrlich and his wife Theresa of Hopedale and granddaughter Jaci, the love of his life; brother, Burton Ehrlich and wife Marian and sister, the late Eileen (Ehrlich) and Bernard Ford and many nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.  After earning a Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Northeastern University, he spent over 39 years at Raytheon Company.  After his retirement, he volunteered for 15 years as an AARP tax consultant.  He spent the past 6 years dedicated to the Board of his condo association at Harbour Towne in Sarasota, FL.  Services will be held at Temple Beth Sholom, 50 Pamela Rd., Framingham, MA on Friday, January 12, 2024, at 10 am. Interment to follow at Moses Mendelsohn Cemetery, Edgemere Rd., West Roxbury, MA. Memorial observance will begin Saturday, January 13, from 5-8 pm, and Sunday, 1-3 pm at the Ehrlich home. Donations in Alan’s memory may be made to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284, Temple Beth Sholom, 50 Pamela Rd, Framingham, MA 01701, or the charity of your choice.

Dr. Richard Wiesman

January 7, 2024

Dr. Richard Wiesman, born on October 7, 1954, son of Harold and Elaine and brother to John and Ron, grew up in Omaha, Nebraska. Richard moved to Boston to attend MIT and graduated with a BS, MS, and Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering.  It was in Boston that he also met his wife of 44 years Suzanne.

He worked at Foster Miller / QinetiQ for over 40 years starting as an Engineer and ending his tenure as the Executive Vice President & Chief Technology Officer.  Most recently, Richard served as a Senior Fellow for General Atomics, as a member of Arsenal Capital’s Industrial Growth Advisory Board, and held a faculty position as a Professor of the Practice in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at MIT.

He was a devoted and caring husband to Suzanne. Together they took great pleasure in traveling, hiking, snowshoeing, being with friends, and most of all, raising their three children: Josh, David and Ben, and being grandparents to their grandchildren-  Elena, John, William and Julian.

Richard is survived by his wife Suzanne; his son Josh and his wife Kristina; his son David and his wife Haley; his son Ben and his wife Emily; and his grandchildren Elena, John, William, and Julian.

Services will be held at Congregation Or Atid 97 Concord Rd, Wayland, MA 01778 on Thursday 1/11/24 at 10:00AM followed by interment at the Beit Olam Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the American Heart Association.

 

David Benjamin Stone

January 7, 2024

It is with great sadness that we share that David (Dave) Benjamin Stone, of Milford, MA, passed away January 7, 2024 surrounded by love.

He grew up in Newton, MA where he found his true passion at a very young age: Cars. A true grease monkey, Dave was a muscle car enthusiast.  He began his long career as a Taxi Cab driver and a tow truck driver where he really fell in love with fixing cars.

He then worked at a few different garages, including Zayers where he met his then wife, Joanie; who he remained close with up until the day of his passing.  Ultimately he became the proud owner of what we all have known as our second home for the last 30 years, Stone’s Auto Service in Natick, MA.

He was the devoted father to Matthew Stone, Samantha Camuti and her husband Christopher, Andrew Stone, Joshua Stone, and Maranda Stone. He shared his passion with his kids by watching NASCAR on Sundays and shoveling everyone in the car to head to a car show.

He was the very proud grandfather of Charlie and Casey. He shared that being a dad was great but there was really something special about being a Grandpop.

Loving brother of James Stone, and Carolyn Lilien. Dear son of the late Paul and Pearl (Itkin) Stone and a very loyal friend to all.

If you knew Dave at all you already know the kind of person he was; extremely generous and selfless; always giving, never taking and always trying to do the right thing and be fair to everyone.

A graveside service will take place for family and close friends. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in memory of Dave to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

Linda (Riesenberg) Rakoff

January 6, 2024

Rakoff, Linda (Riesenberg), of Newton, MA, passed away Jan 6, 2024. Beloved wife of Bryon Rakoff. Devoted mother of Rachel Elizabeth Rakoff. Funeral Service at Temple Reyim, 1860 Washington St., Newton, MA on Monday, January 8, 2024 at 12:30 pm. Interment to follow at Puritan Cemetery (776 Baker St., West Roxbury), memorial observance will be at the Rakoff home Monday through Thursday 4:00-6:00 pm and 7:00–8:30 pm, Ma’ariv service beginning each night at 7:30 pm.  In lieu of flowers, donations in Linda’s memory may be made to Mass General Cancer Center at Newton Wellesley, 2014 Washington St., Newton, MA 02462

Terry Fox

January 6, 2024

Terry  Fox-Of  Canton, on January 6,2024.Beloved son of the late Barnet and Bella Fox. Services are private.

Rena Fagen

January 6, 2024

To view the funeral recording please click here.

With sadness we wish to inform our family and friends of the passing of Rena Schonthal Fagen, z.l. mother of Arthur and Lester Fagen. Rena Schonthal Fagen, born Oct. 27, 1925, in Krakow, Poland, was a survivor of the Holocaust having spent nearly five years of her adolescence and young adulthood in concentration and work camps Plaszow, Auschwitz and Brinlitz.  She and her mother were saved by Oskar Schindler.  After emigrating to NYC, she married another Schindler survivor (Lew Fagen, z.l.) and they went on to have two sons Arthur (Paulette) and Les (Trudy); six granddaughters, Alicia (Matt Goldin), Shoshana, Rebecca (Matt Houghton) , Ariel (Josh Sperling), Lila (Alex Anavim), and Gabriela; and seven great grandchildren, Evelyn, Samantha, Hailey, Daphne, Lior, Rafael, and Ayla. Rena was an elegant and humble woman, who was kind to all.  She was a talented visual artist, an avid reader, and worked by Lewis’s side in his jewelry manufacturing business.  Rena was a most wonderful and loving, daughter, wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, and great grandmother. Rena passed peacefully at the age of 98, on Saturday, Jan. 6, 2024, a few hours after a musical in-person and virtual shabbat celebration at her bedside, attended by her children, grand and great-grandchildren. Services will be held at 858 Walnut Street on Tuesday 1/9/24 at 1:30 PM followed by interment at the Baker Street Cemeteries Vilna Section. Visitation and shiva minyanim will be at the home of Les and Trudy Fagen. Donations in memory of Rena can be made to Yad Vashem at www.yadvashem.org

Dr. Elliott Dan Kieff

January 4, 2024

Elliott Dan Kieff, MD, PhD, a renowned Virologist and Infectious Disease doctor, passed
away in Chicago on January 4, 2024. After a long illness, he was at peace and
surrounded with loving care from his wife Jacqueline, their children and several
grandchildren, Elliott’s caregiver Michael Larbi, and the incredible healthcare team at
Montgomery Place. His funeral was held on Sunday, January 7th, in Brookline,
Massachusetts, at the Walnut Hill town cemetery down the street from where he and
Jacqueline lived for about 30 years when he taught at Harvard, and his family are so
grateful to have been joined by the outpouring of friends, colleagues and students, who
joined in the snow to help with his burial, and for the US Army Honor Guard for the flag
and bugle ceremony.
A leading scholar in the field of Human Virology, Elliott made seminal discoveries
concerning the mechanisms by which Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) causes infectious
mononucleosis and contributes to human malignancies, improving science and global
public health.
Born in Philadelphia to Florence Kieff, a teacher in the Philadelphia Public Schools, and
Irving Kieff, JD, an eventual Deputy Attorney General for Pennsylvania, Elliott graduated
in Class 214 from Central High School in 1961. Elliott graduated with a BS in Chemistry
from the University of Pennsylvania in 1964. He and Jacqueline (Silverman) were
married at the Beth Sholom Congregation synagogue in Elkins Park, Pennsylvania, in
1965. They moved to Baltimore where he graduated with an MD from Johns Hopkins
University in 1968. They then moved to Hyde Park in Chicago so he could follow his
mentor, Bernard Roizman, ScD, to the University of Chicago to pursue his residency
training.
Elliott and Jacqueline raised their three children in Hyde Park and both graduated from
the University of Chicago with PhDs; Elliott’s in microbiology in 1971, and Jacqueline in
psychology in 1983. Elliott served in the US Army and was honorably discharged in
1975 as a Captain, after completing assigned duties domestically; and he later long
enjoyed serving on the US Army Science Board. While at the University of Chicago,
Elliott built the Infectious Disease program and began his Laboratory working with
Epstein Barr Virus, ultimately becoming the Louis Block Professor of Microbiology.
In 1987, Elliott and Jacqueline moved to Brookline, Massachusetts, where he joined
Harvard University. There, he Chaired the Virology Program as the Harriet Ryan Albee
Professor of Medicine and was the section chief for the Division of Infectious Diseases
at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital, roles he found tremendously fulfilling until his
retirement. For much of their time in Brookline, Jacqueline and Elliott also loved
spending weekends and summers with friends at their home near the water in Westport,
Massachusetts. In 2019, he moved with Jacqueline back to Chicago to receive care.
Elliott loved his work. Even more, he loved to mentor, teach and collaborate with
students and colleagues around the world, and to serve on many government,
foundation, university, and private-sector boards and committees. He is remembered as
kind, curious, dogged, playful, and whip smart. He delighted in the pursuit of knowledge
and solutions to problems, from the scientific to the practical. Elliott was a loving
husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He could often be seen doing home
renovations and gardening, or hosting parties with Jacqueline, or out and about
swimming, jogging, playing squash and tennis, or reveling in an anytime ice cream
cone. His communities of Brookline, Westport, and Hyde Park will miss his gusto.
Over his career, Elliott authored over 300 journal articles and chapters in 27 books. His
work was recognized with numerous awards and election to professional and academic
societies including the Ricketts Award at the University of Chicago, and election to the
Association of American Physicians in 1985 where he served as President from
2008-2009, the National Academy of Sciences in 1996, Alpha Omega Alpha Honor
Medical Society in 1997, the Institute of Medicine (now National Academy of Medicine)
in 2001, and the American Academy of Arts & Sciences in 2002.
Elliott is survived by his wife of 59 years, Jacqueline S. Kieff, PhD; their three children,
David Kieff, MD, (Lauren), of Newton, Massachusetts, Scott Kieff, JD, (Rebecca), of
Washington, DC, and Elizabeth Kieff, MD, (Tom), of Chicago; his five grandchildren,
Monica Gottlieb Kieff, DDS,(Martin) Benjamin Kieff, Asher Levinson, Estelle Levinson,
and Evan Kieff; his brother, Nelson Kieff, JD, Major, US Army, Retired. his
brother-in-law, Ronald Silverman, DDS, Major General, US Army, Retired, his
sister-in-law, Miriam Silverman, JD; and by his many students, colleagues, and friends.
A memorial service for broader communities of friends, colleagues, and students, will be
scheduled later when everyone can make plans.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions in Elliott’s memory be made to a
charity of the donor’s choice or the Hyde Park Neighborhood Club in Chicago, Illinois.
Elliott was a city kid, raised in Philadelphia playing tennis on public courts. He loved to
run and swim and be active, indoors and out. He cherished places where all people can
gather, have fun, and build community. The Hyde Park Neighborhood Club is a public
place for kids and families in Elliott’s long-time home of Hyde Park.
May his memory be for a blessing.

 

Eleanor (Sagoff) Mamber

January 4, 2024

Eleanor (Sagoff) Mamber, 96, passed away on January 4th. She is survived by her son, John and his wife Cate, her grandson Matt Anctil, her sister Sylvia Rosenfeld and several nieces and nephews. A native of Newton, Massachusetts, where she spent much of her life, she graduated from Goucher College in 1948 and then worked in public relations at Boston University and Brandeis University. In her forties she and her sister founded MR Communications, a PR and advertising firm, and Discovery Tours, a convention services company. A talented poet, her works were published in numerous anthologies and her readings were well received in bookstores as well as the Newton Public Library.
Somewhat of a free spirit, she spent several months travelling in Portugal, England and Israel at a time when women did not often travel alone. Postcards from her arrived several weeks after they were sent, with family members unaware of where she might be. But most of all, Ellie loved her son, daughter-in-law, and grandson. Her time spent with them was her joy. She will be missed by all. Arrangements are private for the family.

Andrew Streisfeld

January 4, 2024

To view the service recording please click here.

Andrew Streisfeld-Of Plymouth, MA, formerly of Needham, on January 4, 2024.Beloved husband of Jane (Binder) Streisfeld. Devoted father of Adam and his  wife Jennifer, Matthew and his wife Carly. Cherished grandfather of Charlie, Hayden and Sawyer Streisfeld. Dear brother of Beth Tavlin  and her late husband Edward, and the late Ellen and Jay Korn. Beloved brother-in-law to Emily and Sumner Blau. Also survived by loving nieces and nephews. Services at Temple Sinai, 25 Canton St., Sharon, on Tuesday, January 9, 2024, at 12:00 noon. Following Interment at Sharon Memorial Park, friends and family are invited to a reception at One Bistro at Four Point Sheraton, Norwood until 4:00pm, and continuing at his residence Wednesday 1-4pm. Remembrances may be made to Alzheimer’s Assoc.309 Waverly Oaks Rd. Waltham 02452 or Martin P. Solomon Medical Education Scholars Program, BWH Development Office,263 Huntington Ave., Boston, MA 02115.

 

James Starke Dittmar

January 3, 2024

 

July 13, 1944 – January 3, 2024

James Starke Dittmar was born on July 13, 1944 in Mount Lebanon Pennsylvania. His parents were members of the Mount Lebanon United Presbyterian; his father Edward Dittmar Jr. was a warm clerk, his mother Lois Dittmar was a cranky athletic homemaker who had Polio as a child, which left her with a bent spine and a limp. His mother and his sister Susan, older by only one year, adored him.

Jim was the product of the post-war American suburbs and high quality public education. A long distance runner in high school, he came in 2nd at the Pennsylvania state championships. His coach quipped, “Dittmar is into the mortification of the flesh.”

Jim went to Amherst College at a time when a single sex college could provide both a monastic intimacy and a window onto the wider world. He graduated magna cum laude and as “First Citizen” in the Amherst Class of ‘66, the highest honor awarded to a graduating senior for all around scholarship, athleticism, and contribution to the college, where he was student body President.

He entered the London School of Economics in 1966 to take a Masters in International Relations, but he did not apply himself. Instead, with civil rights and student activist Marshall Bloom as a roommate, he listened to rock and roll, talked politics, and learned how to roll joints. Jim once recalled hosting a party in London in 1967 at which black power and civil rights leader Stokley Carmichael flicked cigarette ash directly onto the white carpet. When the students occupied the LSE in 1967, Marshall was famously expelled. Jim’s supervisor was, supposedly, surprised he graduated at all.

 

Jim returned to the United States in 1968 and entered Harvard Law School, which he hated. At the time, being a student provided exemption from the Vietnam War draft. When this rule was changed, he immediately dropped out. He got a job teaching political science at UMass Boston and met his first wife, Linda Gesundheit. Their son Jeremiah Dittmar was born in 1974.

After finishing his law degree in 1973, Jim began a remarkable career as a trial lawyer. He started at Goodwin, Proctor, and Hoar, leaving the week they made him partner to start a new firm, Berman, Dittmar, and Engel. He subsequently moved to Widett, Slater, and Goldman, headed their litigation practice, and eventually led 29 lawyers to migrate to Hutchins, Wheeler, and Dittmar. His second wife, Deborah Kay, was amongst them, and he became a loving stepfather to her two sons, Miles and Ryland. In his final years of practice, Jim returned to Goodwin, before retiring at the age of 70.

Jim brought creativity and intellectual dexterity to his work as a civil litigator. He was an ambitious perfectionist. He wrote brilliant briefs, leading staff through sometimes excruciating rounds of detailed outlines. Above all, he relished the performance and improvisation of oral arguments; one judge called him a peacock. He became a nationally recognized securities law expert, defending mutual fund companies in class action lawsuits. For decades he served as personal counsel to Ned Johnson, the long-time owner and chair of Fidelity Investments. He represented the Boston Bruins and Delaware North, and tried a broad array of civil cases ranging from railroad disasters, to synthetic diamond theft, to a dispute involving the world’s greatest private collection of rare books. However, Jim was most proud of his appearance before the US Supreme Court representing minority firefighters in Boston Firefighters Union, Local 718 v. Boston Chapter, NAACP, where he advocated for diversity hiring protection in the Boston Fire Department. Attorneys across Boston regarded Jim as a role model and mentor.

Jim traveled widely and read voraciously. He was a talented photographer and an avid collector of books and the arts and crafts of other cultures. He was fascinated by the history of the Middle East and Ottoman architecture. An Anglophile and a history obsessive, his favorite was the great Marxist historian Eric Hobsbawm. Jim celebrated achievement and status, but also had a knack for sparking the exceptional life stories from almost anyone, occasionally invoking some version of Whitman’s remark, “Very well then I contradict myself.” He was a committed member of ‘the Men’s Group’ for over forty years – originally founded as a male consciousness raising and friendship group in the wake of the counterculture, and only later focusing on aging and prostates.

Jim loved living in the Back Bay and spending time with his family observing wildlife in Little Compton, Rhode Island. Some of his happiest times were traveling to France to visit his sister and to London, where his wife’s family and his son live.

Jim was diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia in 2015, an illness that causes confusion, difficulty with daily activities, and hallucinations. He moved to a memory care unit in November of 2022. He was remarkably eloquent in reflecting on his condition even as the dementia took further hold, remarking that he was “dying in slices.” Jim’s painful awareness of his cognitive decline led him to ask a month before his death, “When will I be free?” He found that freedom the night of January 3rd, 2024.

Jim is survived by his wife Deborah Kay, his sister Susan Thobois and brother-in-law Jean-Yves Thobois, his son Jeremiah Dittmar and daughter-in-law Stephanie Sherman, his stepson Ryland Stanley and daughter-in-law Kathleen Stewart, and stepson Miles Stanley and daughter-in-law Anna Rose Ott.

 

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the ACLU Foundation of Massachusetts in his memory. A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Marline Miller (CHANGE OF DAY)

January 3, 2024

To view the celebration of life please click here.

Marline Miller, age 90, passed away peacefully on December 30, 2023. Born in Chicago on March 8,1933, International Women’s Day, the only child to the late Dora and Jack Pozickow. Marline was a strong and fiercely independent woman who devoted most of her life to taking care of others. She was happiest in nature, spending time with her grandchildren, or helping others with whatever they needed. Marline taught kindergarten at the Quincy Dickerman School in Dorchester for over thirty years, and upon her retirement the classroom was named in her honor. In addition to her love of gardening and national parks, she cared deeply about politics and the state of the world. Alongside Marvin, her late husband of 67 years and her late daughter Susan, she was an activist for peace and justice. She is survived by her loving son Michael Miller (Heather Ayares), her beloved grandchildren Sam Miller (Delphine Kaiser) and Nina Miller. She will be missed by many other relatives and friends who knew and loved her and benefited from her generosity. A celebration of Marline’s life, followed by a shiva, WILL BE HELD AT 2:30 pm ON SUNDAY,JANUARY 14, 2024 AT TEMPLE ISRAEL,477 LONGWOOD AVE. ,BOSTON. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the nonprofit organization of your choice.

 

Barry Jerome Brett

January 2, 2024

Barry Jerome Brett passed away December 30, 2023. Born in Brooklyn, NY in 1940, and always a proud Dodgers and eventually Mets fan, he lived an extraordinary life; proud of his professional accomplishments, his greatest joy came from his children and grandchildren.  As he often liked to say, his was a story from Brooklyn to Brookline.  The son of immigrants found his way in the world through Stuyvesant high school and the City College of New York and then Columbia Law school.

He enjoyed a prominent career as an antitrust lawyer. He was a long-time partner at Parker Chapin Flattau & Klimpl which became part of the firm Troutman Pepper, where he served as the antitrust practice group leader. There he handled complex litigation including landmark antitrust and trademark cases, across diverse domains including theater, popular music, labor unions and more.  He was especially proud of his work in Berkey Photo, Inc. v. Eastman Kodak Company, an epic case involving claims that the Kodak company had used its legal monopoly in the film market to unlawfully monopolize part of the camera market.  His antitrust expertise was recognized in his role as chair of the New York State Bar Association antitrust law section from 1997-1998.

As a 1961 graduate of the City College of New York, he always acknowledged the life-long impact of that education.  He continued to support the educational mission of the college through his longtime service on the City College alumni board.  He was honored to be awarded the Townsend Harris Medal in 2008; this medal is named after the founder of the City College of New York, awarded to its alumni for outstanding achievement in their field.  It was there that he found both the intellectual challenge and the joy in rhetoric that he brought to both the courtroom and the dinner table. He continued to share these with a gathering of City College classmates dubbed the Stanley Feingold lunch group –  they gathered frequently with their political science professor, Stanley Feingold – and continue to meet to this day – debating politics and culture over corned beef and pastrami.

He enjoyed spending time in Remsenburg, Long Island, and Naples FL, with his leisure time engaged in tennis, golf, and sitting by the water.

After retiring, he and his wife Leslie relocated to Brookline, MA, close to their five grandchildren, giving him the opportunity to share his wisdom, guidance, wit, tennis game, barbecue and chess skills, and an endless supply of knowledge.  Most importantly, he delighted in sharing surprises, kindness, encouragement and love with his family.  He is survived by his loving wife Leslie, daughters Jessica Brett and Marisa Brett-Fleegler, son-in-laws Mitch McVey and Eric Fleegler, and his grandchildren, Joshua, Naomi, Samara, Brendan and Lex.

 

City College of New York alumni fund:

https://www.ccnyalumni.org/donate

 

Dana-Farber/Jimmy Fund

https://danafarber.jimmyfund.org/site/SPageServer/?pagename=agda_danafarber_cancer_donation2&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=AGDA103023A&s_src=AGDA103023A&s_subsrc=AGDA103023A&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiAv8SsBhC7ARIsALIkVT1qJVsDz1mW8GSJMLDYPdUTs-bD28IQWjUqYkWz3QWyT2qkNnxaXA0aAmX-EALw_wcB

Daniel A. Miller

January 1, 2024

Daniel Arthur Miller, 91, of Falmouth, ME, passed away on December 30, 2023. He was an upstanding, moral, and principled man-of-the-world who will be deeply missed by the many people he touched. Daniel was born on October 3, 1932, in Lynn, MA, the son of the late Hyman and Bertha (Alfond) Miller.

Daniel dedicated his career to serving his country and the footwear industry. He was a commissioned officer in the US Army and later worked at Moxie Shoe Company and as a footwear importer, traveling the world from Europe, to the USSR and South America in the 1960s and early 1970s before joining the Dexter Shoe Company in 1975. Over nearly three decades, he rose to the position of President of the Sales & Marketing division of the organization founded by his maternal uncle Harold Alfond. He also greatly expanded the distribution and reputation of the Dexter brand globally. He later served as industry consultant with Green Market Services, and advised US and Chinese manufacturers, and only fully retired at the age of 89.

Outside of his professional life, Daniel had a passion for international travel, boating, tennis, fishing, and military history. His primary focus was spending time with his family in Maine and Florida and cherished moments with his beloved wife, Diane, and their sons: Andrew (Gym), Thomas (Susan), Matthew (Julie), and Jonathan (Joy). He also adored his grandchildren: Benjamin, Sofia, Mya, Ari, and Gabriel.  He is also survived by his former wife Vivian Sonnenberg.

Daniel received his education from public schools in Swampscott before attending Edward Little High School in Auburn, ME.  He graduated in 1954 from Bowdoin College where he was a member of the Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity and the ROTC.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, January 3, 2024 at 10am, in the Chapel at the Sharon Memorial Park 40 Dedham St., Sharon, MA. In lieu of flowers and in his memory, contributions can be made to Hospice of Southern Maine at 207-289-3669 or give@hospiceofsouthernmaine.org.

Daniel Miller will forever be remembered for his dedication, integrity, and love for his family. He leaves behind a legacy of honor and cherished memories.

Nitza Rosovsky

December 30, 2023

On December 29, 2023, Nitza Rosovsky died surrounded by family at her home in Cambridge, Massachusetts at the age of 89. Her family will remember her keen curiosity combined with the deep well of unconditional love and support that she had for her family. Her charisma and charm carried her through her many adventures. She spent her life in the United States, Israel, and Japan, and immersed herself in these different cultures, with a particular fondness for their arts and literature.

Nitza was a 7th generation sabra, born in Jerusalem in 1934. She grew up surrounded by her extended family who ran the Berman Bakery, a period of her life which she recounted with great joy. She met her husband, Henry, while living in New York and working at the Israeli Embassy in 1955. After their marriage in 1956, they moved to Japan for several years while Henry completed his dissertation. During this time, Nitza developed an interest in Japanese art and culture, which would greatly influence her professional life.

Nitza and Henry settled in Newton in 1965, where she found a community of people who shared and encouraged her interests. She wrote and lectured extensively on history, archeology, photography, and travel. Nitza co-founded and co-directed the Art/Asia Gallery in Cambridge, which showcased a wide range of contemporary Japanese art and debuted several prominent Japanese artists for their first US exhibitions. She also served as curator at the Semitic Museum, developing exhibits including The Holy Land Then and Now, which was also shown in Haifa and Jerusalem, and Danzig 1939.

Nitza authored and edited several books about Israeli history and culture, including Jerusalem Walks, City of the Great King, Museums of Israel, and In the Land of Israel, a personal history of her family’s experience in the 19th and 20th century.

In addition to her many professional accomplishments, Nitza was the beloved matriarch of her family. She devoted time and energy to bringing her loved ones together and building a family that enjoyed spending time with each other. She enjoyed hosting Shabbat and holiday dinners for her extended family and sharing her interests with each of her children and grandchildren, frequently taking them to museums and plays. Her family will continue to support one another and spend time together thanks to the legacy that she leaves.

Nitza Rosovsky is survived by her three children Leah, Judy and Michael Rosovsky and their spouses, Jay Liebowitz, Kristen Mullins and Rachel Greenberger Rosovsky. She will be missed by her grandchildren, Benjamin McIntosh (Emma Labrot McIntosh), Sarah McIntosh, Abigail Rosovsky, and Ella Rosovsky, and her great-granddaughter Delilah McIntosh.

A Graveside service will be held at the Newton Cemetery, 791 Walnut Street in Newton, MA on January 2, 2024 at 10 AM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made online to IRAC at irac.org or the Hartman Institute at hartman.org.il.

 

Daniel F. Cashman

December 25, 2023

Daniel F. Cashman, born on October 5, 1946, son of George and Jacqueline and brother to Robert and Deborah, grew up in Wellesley and later graduated from Tufts University in 1968. He served as a VISTA volunteer in Worcester, MA and in the U.S. Army Reserves before attending law school at Cornell University. He spent several years as a staff attorney at Monroe County Legal Assistance Corporation, assisting indigent clients in Rochester, NY, before opening a private practice in Massachusetts focused on representing immigrants seeking asylum or residency in the U.S. In that work, Dan found great meaning, as well as an opportunity to indulge his curiosity about the world. He also earned the distinction of being the only known attorney who happily accepted food in lieu of payment for services.
Throughout his life, Dan remained steadfast in his love for his family and large circle of friends. He was a devoted and caring husband to Suzanne, his wife of nearly 53 years. Together, they took great pleasure in traveling, hiking, reading, being with friends, watching old movies, and most of all, raising their three children: Adam, Rebecca, and David.

He was active as a mentor through the Jewish Big Brother Big Sister Organization for many years, serving as a “big brother” to youth who lacked a father figure in their lives. Dan delighted in playfulness and laughter, and was seldom seen without a wide smile or the twinkle of anticipation that preceded it. He routinely sought out the storytellers among his kids’ friends,
prompting them to repeat the tales or perform the impersonations he found so amusing.

Despite boasting only moderate athletic ability, Dan loved coaching his kids’ sports teams and had a keen eye for drafting and shaping talent, which led to a number of successes, including as the head coach of what he coined the “Pirate Organization” – a Newton Center Little League Champion. He was also the inventor of innumerable playful and silly games that he shared widely with his kids and their friends, and for which he would provide his lighthearted running commentary.

Many of Dan’s friends continued to visit him in his final years, even after Parkinson’s disease had stripped him of his ability to connect through conversation and his unique way of finding the humor in virtually any situation.

Dan is survived by his wife Suzanne; his son Adam and his wife Viviane; his daughter Rebecca and her husband Alex; his son David and his wife Katie; and his grandchildren Ayla, Levi, Eliza, Pauline, Pele, Nori, Aiko, and Lucia.
A Celebration of Life will be held this Spring.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Political Asylum Immigration Representation (PAIR) Project or VNA Palliative and Hospice Care.

 

Susan Proger Lavine

December 24, 2023

 

Susan Proger Lavine-Of Needham, MA, formerly of Wellesley, MA, passed away December 24, 2023, just short of her 90th birthday. Beloved wife for more than 66 years of the late Edward L. Lavine. Devoted mother of Karen Lavine and her husband Donald Kilpatrick, and Nancy Ostroff and her husband Eric. Cherished grandmother of Daniel and his wife, Sarah Kilpatrick, Eleanor Kilpatrick and her husband, Michael Brown, Jessica Ostroff, and Andrew Ostroff. Proud great-grandmother of Aaron and Leah Kilpatrick, and Tali and Phoebe Brown.  Graduate of the Beaver Country Day School and Wellesley College, she was a middle-school math teacher at her high school alma mater. She had lots of interests but enjoyed spending time with family and friends best of all. The burial service is private. A memorial observance will be held at the home of Nancy and Eric Ostroff  Tuesday evening January 2nd, 7-9pm. A memorial service will be  scheduled at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the Anti-Defamation League, 605 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10158 or to a charity of your choice.

Peter R. Yaffe

December 23, 2023

Peter R. Yaffe

Of Newton, December 23, 2023. Beloved son of the late Wallace and Doris Yaffe. Loving brother of Jeff Yaffe. Devoted cousin of Jacob Abrams, Peter, Michael and Eric Shaw. Also survived by his aunt Linda Shaw and his late uncle Charles Shaw. The funeral service will be private. A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, remembrances in memory of Peter may be made to the American Heart Association @ www.heart.org.

Sara Sherman

December 22, 2023

Sara Sherman-Of Brighton on December 22, 2023. Graveside service will be private.

Irv Lemack

December 22, 2023

Irv Lemack, son of the late David and Bess Lemack, passed away peacefully on December 21, 2023 surrounded by his loving family.

Irv adored his wife Cynthia of 66 years and together they built a life filled with love, joy, and shared accomplishments. Cherishing family above all else, Irv treasured time spent with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, creating lasting memories.

Irv’s thirst for knowledge led him to pursue a BS in Chemistry and a Master’s in food technology. Education was a cornerstone of Irv’s values, and he tirelessly shared his knowledge with the generations that followed. Whether tutoring his own children or his beloved grandchildren, Irv excelled at instilling a love for learning in those around him. His legacy lives on in the academic achievements of those he influenced, a testament to the impact of his guidance.

Although his professional achievements were notable, Irv’s 15 minutes of fame came in the spotlight of the community musical “The King and I.” His portrayal of “The King” was unforgettable, earning him enduring recognition and endearment. To this day, he is fondly referred to as “The King”.

Irv is survived by his loving wife Cynthia, his children Karen and Jack, Kevin and Laurie, and Lauren and Bruce; his grandchildren Jonathan and Samantha, Jillian and Ivan, Andrew and Steph, Jason and Lindsey, Kyle, Jeremy, Austin and Harrison; and three great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brothers and their spouses, Alvin and Phyllis and Bert and Terry, his sister-in-law Elinor, as well as many nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held on Sunday, December 24, at 9:00 AM at Temple Beth Shalom, 670 Highland Ave., Needham, MA. Burial to follow at Sharon Memorial Park, 40 Dedham St., Sharon, MA.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation.

 

 

Jackie Holz

December 20, 2023

Holz-Jackie, of Stow, MA passed away December 20, 2023, the 8th day of Tevet. Beloved daughter of Carole Perla and John Holz. Loving sister of David Holz. Jackie leaves beloved step-mother Ann Katan.

Graveside service at Framingham-Natick Hebrew Cemetery, 40 Windsor Ave., Natick, MA on Friday, December 22, 2023 at 11:30 am.

Memorial observance at the home of Carole Perla, Saturday 7 – 9 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Congregation Or Atid, c/o Light of the Future Fund, or the George Perla Library Fund, 97 Concord Rd., Wayland, MA 01778.

 

Max Rosenberg

December 18, 2023

Mathew “Max” Rosenberg of Milford MA, formerly of Natick MA, passed away Saturday December 16th 2023 after a brief illness. He is the beloved son of Cheryle (Sims) Rosenberg and the late Andrew Rosenberg and brother of the late Mickey Rosenberg.  He is survived by sons Sam and Eli Rosenberg of Milford.  He is the nephew of Leslie Sims and his wife Nancy Thompson of Portland Oregon. As well as his cousin Jennifer Sims of Nebraska.  Joel and Gayle Schindler of Cincinnati Ohio. He is also survived by his nephews Graham and AJ. His beloved friend Ellen Howard, cousins Bob and Brenda, David, Alexander, Scott and Emily of Stoughton, MA. Services will be held Thursday, December 21, at 11:00 am at the Italian American Veterans Post 40, 4 Hayward Field, Milford, MA 01757.  Donations in his memory can be sent to Milford High School c/o School Athletics, 31 West Fountain St., Milford, MA 01757.

Alan Pavloff

December 16, 2023

Graveside service at Boylston Lodge Cemetery, 776 Baker St., West Roxbury, MA on Tuesday, December 19, 2023 at 12 noon. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Wounded Warrior, Peggy Adams Animal Rescue, or St. Jude’s Hospital.

Bruce David Rosenblum

December 13, 2023

Bruce David Rosenblum, 64, of Somerville, Massachusetts, and Phippsburg, Maine, passed away in the early morning of December 13, 2023, after living with ALS for 6.5 years. Bruce was a devoted and loving step-father and father to Jeff (Melissa) and Aaron, an adoring grandfather to Evan, Hannah, and Caleb, and a loving husband of 29 years to Irina Golfman Rosenblum. Bruce is survived by his mother Sandra Rosenblum and sister Laurie Rosenblum.

In 1981, Bruce graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a degree in English and History. He then travelled around the world for 27 months, including a computer consulting stint in India and 6 months on an Israeli Kibbutz. Upon return, Bruce settled in the Boston area and started his career as a software developer, working for Turning Point Software where he eventually rose to the position of Vice President. Bruce and Irina married in 1994. In their early years they traveled through Western Europe, including their honeymoon in Sicily, toured the Caribbean Islands, skied in Colorado and New England, and enjoyed spending time with friends and family. After Aaron’s birth in 1997 Bruce joined Inera, the company Irina started in 1992, to help Irina manage the business and take care of the newborn. Bruce liked this new arrangement so much that instead of staying at Inera for the planned 12 months, he settled in and became a lifer. Under Bruce’s tireless guidance, Inera became a leading developer of tools and services in the scientific, medical, and academic publishing fields, and Bruce rose to be recognized worldwide as a leading authority on publishing tools and workflows.

Bruce’s first career as a photojournalist started in high school and continued through college and while traveling the world, and it has inspired Aaron to follow in his father’s footsteps.

Bruce was diagnosed with ALS in 2017. Since the diagnosis he dedicated his time and energy to advancing ALS research by participating in every clinical trial and study he could be accepted into, lecturing to trial coordinators and medical students on ALS patient perspectives, creating ALS resources for publications including UpToDate, and many other forms of ALS advocacy. Bruce loved his care team at Massachusetts General Hospital and, in turn, they loved his dedication and genuine interest in their research. Bruce found the intersection of his professional work and ALS advocacy both fascinating and stimulating.

Bruce continued his professional work for Wiley (the new owner of Inera) and his involvement in advocacy way past the point at which most people would have decided to quit. He participated in a Wiley team meeting on the morning of Thursday, December 7, and was scheduled to talk to medical school students that evening. When his oxygen saturation plummeted while his heart rate and blood pressure skyrocketed on Thursday afternoon, he asked for the talk to be cancelled and, operating his wheelchair with the gyroscopic glasses, drove himself to the nearest emergency room around the corner. Bruce died less than 5 days later at his beloved Massachusetts General Hospital where he was surely happy to have his entire care team visit.

Donations in Bruce’s honor can be made to Compassionate Care ALS, an organization that stood shoulder to shoulder with us through the challenging ALS journey, and the Sean M. Healey & AMG Center for ALS at Massachusetts General Hospital.

Funeral Services will be held at 1 pm on Sunday December 17, 2023, at Beth El Temple Center, 2 Concord Ave, Belmont, MA. The interment at Amos Lodge in Wakefield to follow. The family will be observing Shiva at Beth El Temple Center on Sunday evening from 6:30 until 9 pm, and on Monday from 7 pm until 9 pm, with service on both nights. Shiva will continue in Bruce and Irina’s home on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday with visitation hours between 6 pm and 8 pm, with an informal service at 7:00pm.

 

Michael Godes

December 11, 2023

Michael Godes, 85, passed away on December 11, 2023, peacefully in his sleep at home, with his daughter by his side. He was born on April 27, 1938 in Boston, MA, grew up in Mattapan, MA and was a long-time resident of Randolph, MA and Boca Raton, FL.

He is survived by his sister Rhonda (Arnold) Schaffer; his daughter, Dayna (David) Gardner; his son, David (Jodi) Godes; and his eight grandchildren, Griffin Gardner, Dexter Gardner, Bellamy Godes, Tyler Gardner, Grace Godes, Sydney Gardner, Bailey Gardner and Kylie Gardner.

Michael was a Certified Public Accountant and an alumnus of Roxbury Memorial High School, Boston University and Bentley University. He was founder and long-time partner of the accounting firm Godes, Schaffer & Company and later Kesner, Godes & Morrissey.

Michael was the devoted and loving husband of Jeri (Hurley) Godes and cherished his children and grandchildren. He had many friends whom he loved dearly, and was proud of his participation in, and support for, numerous organizations including the Knights of Pythias and the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company.

May his memory be a blessing to all who loved and knew him.

In lieu of flowers, please consider contributing in Michael’s name to Shriner’s Hospital for Children.

Funeral services for Michael will be held at Sharon Memorial Park at 1:00 pm on Friday December 15. The family will receive visitors following the service from 4:00 – 8:00.

Elsa (Cohen) Robbins

December 11, 2023

Elsa (Cohen) Robbins, devoted wife of the late Stanley Robbins for 62 years, died peaceably in her sleep on December 11th, 2023 at age 87.

She was the loving mother of Jonathan Robbins and his wife Deborah, and Kenneth Robbins and his wife Debra. Dear grandmother of Laura Eichenhorn, Melanie Robbins, Noah Robbins, Michelle Beth Herman, Justin Robbins, Connor Robbins, Colton Robbins and a proud great-grandmother of Ezra Robbins-Omer, Netaniel Robbins-Omer, Lillian Rose Moss and Vera Leigh Moss. She was also a loving sister of Shepard Cohen and his wife Linda, and Aunt and Great Aunt to Elizabeth Cohen and Nina Rose Cohen.

Beyond her family, Elsa leaves a legacy of friends old and new who enjoyed her intellect, warmth and wry sense of humor. While some of her friendships have lasted decades, Elsa had a way of making new friends with almost everyone she met.

A graduate of Brandeis University, she had a lifelong devotion to reading, lasting even to her final weeks as part of her community’s book club. Besides being a close follower of current events, her interests ranged from “Grey’s Anatomy” to tennis to dining with Stanley and their friends around Newton where they lived for decades.

Elsa’s most-enduring legacy will be her unconditional loving adoration of every individual member of her family be they kin or part of the extended family.

Graveside service at Crawford St. Memorial Park (776 Baker St., West Roxbury) on Thursday, December 14th at 3:00 pm. Memorial observance will be at the Wingate Residences, Needham, MA following services. In lieu of flowers, donations in Elsa’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association MA Chapter  309 Waverly Oaks Rd., Waltham, MA 02452.

Denise Taber Finard

December 10, 2023

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Denise Taber Finard-Of Boston, on December 10, 2023.Beloved wife of William Finard. Dear stepmother of Todd Finard and his wife Andrea Goldman-Finard and their children Jacob, Murray Rose and Benjamin Finard, and Jacqueline Finard Hughes and her husband Robert and their children Molly and Izzie Hughes. Loving sister of Diane Jones, and David Taber and his wife Marie. Services at Temple Israel, 477 Longwood Ave., Boston (parking on The Riverway) on Thursday, December 14, 2023 at 11:00 am. Following interment at Temple Israel Cemetery, Wakefield, memorial observance will be at the home of Jacqueline and Robert Hughes until 5:00 pm and Friday 1-4 pm. In lieu of flowers remembrances may be made to The Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Research Center, 55 Fruit St., Boston, MA 02114.

Robert Henry Bode

December 10, 2023

Robert Henry  Bode-Of Dedham, on December 10, 2023.

Sarel Kromer

December 9, 2023

Sarel Kromer, 84, of Arlington, MA, passed away after a straight set loss (7-6, 7-6) to leukemia.  She was preceded in death by husband Philip Frederick Kromer III (“PF”), and is survived by her three children (Philip, Mark, and Matthew), seven grandchildren, and innumerable found family: five married couples she first introduced, and dozens of mentees who regard her as an adopted mother.

Sarel was born in 1939 in Pawling, NY to Erwin and Leah Kandell.  Her childhood blended elements of small-town post-war life (working as a soda jerk at her father’s pharmacy, maintaining her family’s rental property at Whaley Lake); a Jewish-American upbringing (weekend trips to the city to visit family, lunch at Sardi’s); and precocious signs of the intellect that would define her professional life (she often reminisced about how as 14-year old she got permission to skip school to watch the Army-McCarthy hearings).  Sarel attended Smith College, and then, in her words, “talked her way into Cornell Law School the week before school started in September, 1960” at a time when the campus was brimming with political fervor.

She spent the next decade as a pioneer in the field of public interest law, advocating for the causes she was passionate about: migrant rights, voting rights, women’s rights, civil rights, housing, court administration, and pursuing economic and social justice in Appalachia during stints with the New York Attorney General’s office, the Migrant Legal Action Network, the Ford Foundation, and the League of Women’s Voters, where she helped establish the National Women’s Vote Center.  She married Philip Frederick Kromer III (“PF”) in 1973 after a decade-long friendship that started at Cornell, followed by a rapid courtship.  Three children — Philip, Mark, and Matthew — followed quickly, and raising her children became the focus of her life for the next two decades.

Her passions included travel, tennis, scrabble, connecting people, photography, and public advocacy.  She traveled to more than 100 countries, with a specific proclivity for talking her way into countries on the State Department’s “travel advisory” list. A friend could throw a wedding anywhere in the world at any time (Vietnam, India, England, France, Portugal, New Zealand, Kazakhstan, ….) and she’d be there in elegant style. She found ways to leverage her travel into something more meaningful.  A 2005 trip to Rwanda inspired her to write and teach extensively on the post-genocide healing process, culminating in her contribution to the development of the Rwanda Peace Narratives Toolkit, a model curriculum for teaching the principles of non-violent conflict resolution published by the Center for Peace Building International.  She also traveled extensively to the former Soviet Republics through her volunteer work with American Councils FLEX program, whose mission is to foster international understanding through foreign exchanges with future leaders.

To the end, Sarel did what she loved: in the month prior to checking into the hospital, she traveled to Kazakhstan for a friend’s wedding, played tennis with and watched her grandchildren for the weekend, and ate a lot of ice cream.  She passed away in her hospital surrounded by friends and family.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Search for Common Ground or the American Councils.

Selma Ann Slotnick Lait

December 9, 2023

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Selma Ann Slotnick Lait was born on February 18, 1936 at Boston Lying In Hospital to the late Celina Cooper and Isadore “Ike” Slotnick.   She passed away peacefully, December 9, 2023 at Newton Wellesley Hospital following a sudden decline in her health.  Her daughters, Marci Lait and Beth Lait Harris spent her final days with her.

Selma graduated from Barnard College in NYC in 1957 with a degree in fine arts.  After returning to Boston, where she married the late Robert L Lait, Selma enjoyed a long career in teaching.  She started out at Spalding Elementary in Newton and continued for years in more schools than you can name throughout Framingham, where she and Bob had settled and raised their girls.  She mostly taught reading, spanning all levels from remedial to exceptional.  Her tenure as a teacher was only interrupted by bringing up her kids in their formative years and by the tragic illness she suffered in 1979.  Not only did she recover from the brinks, she did so as a pioneering patient under the care of her revolutionary surgeon, the late Dr Michael Scott.  Following this chapter, she heroically returned to the classroom and courageously continued to teach young children in spite of her speech impairment.

Selma (or Sunny to many of her friends) was an avid patron of the arts, befitting her education.  Perhaps what many would remember her best for was her love of the opera.  She would routinely travel to NYC to attend the Met; when she was no longer able, she would attend Met broadcasts that had popped up in movie theaters.  She talked about The Barber of Seville and Lucia di Lammermoor up to the end, and fittingly, as all who knew her well, in her own attempt at Italian.

Selma leaves behind her daughters, Marci Lait of Manteo NC and Beth Harris of Somerset England as well as her two grandsons, Kai Harris of London England and Yul Harris of Indonesia.  She was predeceased by her husband Robert, way too early, and by her parents, Celena and Ike Slotnick, her sister and brother-in-law Dotti and Gene Green and her brother and sister-in-law Eileen and Hale Lait.  She has so many loving family members on both sides who have supported her over the years not to mention friends near and far, new and old, who have continued to stand by her and help her in her later years.

It is hard to pick out any one place to memorialize her, however, given that her most consistent limitation in life, and particularly in her final months, was her speech, the family would like to suggest that they consider helping others afflicted with aphasia, a problem that can devastate expressive and/or receptive language, by making a donation to the National Aphasia Association at aphasia.org.  Selma supported many causes, however, in her memory we would like to honor her by helping others who have been similarly robbed of their voice.

Graveside services will be held at Beth Israel Cemetery in Everett on Thursday, December 14, 2023 at 12:30 pm.  Those who would like to but are unable to attend can contact the family to join us virtually. Shiva will be held at 2:45 pm on Thursday, December 14, 2023 in the Palanquin Room, Heritage Assisted Living, 747 Water St., Framingham, MA 01701.

Celia Savitz Strauss

December 7, 2023

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Celia Savitz Strauss (1967-2023)

Celia Savitz Strauss, who died peacefully at home on December 7th, prized the most important things in life—her family, her close friendships, and love. First and foremost and above all else, Celia loved her husband Adam and their son Kalman. She filled their lives with adventure and nature, music and stillness, tight hugs and ample space. For Celia, creating a stable and loving family with Adam and Kalman was her greatest accomplishment.

Celia lived her values. By personal example, she showed all who knew her how to turn judgment into empathy, how to be vulnerable without shame, how to apologize and how to forgive. She spoke truthfully and eschewed small talk. She was grateful for simple things and cherished love as the greatest gift of all.

Celia noticed. She looked at people with x-ray vision, seeing each one’s essence often before they could see it for themselves. Those who met her only once felt that she understood them. Celia also noticed the natural world. She saw individual leaves where others saw trees; she detected the undetectable opening of a flower. Even when walking in the woods became difficult, it was Celia who spotted the new mushroom, who saw the face in the tree trunk, who found the heart-shaped leaf. Celia’s eye—for the best in people and for the beauty in nature—invited others to look more carefully and to notice more.

Celia was a fearless chooser of life. She fought for her own life after her premature birth. She fought for her son’s life during her high-risk pregnancy.  And her valiant fight with cancer was a master class. Perhaps because of those battles, Celia believed deeply in the power of choice—choosing happiness, choosing gratitude, choosing meaning, choosing how to learn from setbacks and loss. Toward the end of her life she wrote, “Some think only those who have it easy can make choices. This is not the case. Choosing is really and truly hard. It is active. It is work. It is possible.”

Celia was an educator. At Harvard, where she ran CityStep, and for the next 35 years—formally and informally—Celia helped schools offer children the education they deserve, which she regarded as the civil rights issue of our time.

Celia died as she lived—with incomparable strength, with gratitude and with love. She was preceded in death by her father David Savitz and is survived by Adam Strauss, her husband of 26 years, and their beloved son Kalman Strauss; her mother Roberta Apfel (Bennett Simon) and stepmother Libby Keller; her brother Michael Savitz (Karin) and sister Molly Savitz (Jeff Merkowitz); her half-brother Paul Savitz and half-sister Emma Savitz (Sam Crawford); her stepbrother Jonathan Simon (Cherie Rosenblum) and stepsister Amy Simon; her beloved uncles, aunts, cousins, nephews, nieces, and in-laws; and scores of friends, old and new.

Funeral Services will be held on Sunday, December 10th at 10:30 am at Temple Reyim, 1860 Washington Street in Newton, and live streamed at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83755409947. The burial will follow the service at the Beit Olam Cemetery, 60 Old Sudbury Road in Wayland. Shiva will be at the Strauss home, 2 Kelley Lane in Wayland: following the burial until 6 pm; Monday, December 11th and Tuesday, December 12th,  5-8 pm.

In lieu of flowers, Celia requested that you please express your love to somebody for the unique person that they are.

Messages to the family can be posted on the Boston Globe Legacy Site.

 

Stephan Blacher

December 7, 2023

Stephan R. Blacher-Of Bailey, Colorado, Formerly of Boston, on December 7, 2023.Beloved husband of Gaetane (Bernard) Blacher. Beloved son of Constance Blacher and the late David Blacher.

Graveside services at Sharon Memorial Park on Friday, December 15, 2023 at 1:45pm

Doris Y. Yaffe

December 7, 2023

Of Boston, December 7, 2023.  Beloved wife of the late Wallace Yaffe and beloved sister of the late Charles Shaw. Loving mother of Peter and Jeff Yaffe. Devoted aunt of Jacob Abrams, Peter, Michael and Eric Shaw. Also survived by her sister-in-law Linda Shaw. Funeral service will be private. A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, remembrances in memory of Doris may be made to the Southern Poverty Law Center, at splcenter.org, or the American Heart Association at www.heart.org.

Charlotte Chiten

December 6, 2023

Charlotte Chiten, 96, passed away on December 6, 2023, peacefully in her home.

She was born on January 4, 1927 in Mattapan, MA. She grew up in Mattapan, as did her future husband, Howard, who just happened to live right across the street. Very romantic.

The word “lively” could have been invented for Charlotte. She could charm anybody with her effervescent and playful personality. Her dry wit was second to none. Her singular sense of humor stayed strong to the very end.

Charlotte had an amazing memory. She outlived everyone of her generation of  the family. The next generation of cousins would always call her to get historic information about the family, as she was the only one left. She regularly referred to herself as “The last of the Mohicans.”

Charlotte had a passion for antiques. She loved how it bridged the past with the present.

Charlotte will be greatly missed by all of those whose lives she touched.

She is survived by her son, Paul Chiten and her daughter Laurel Chiten.

 

Julie Michel Greenberg

December 5, 2023

To view the funeral recording please click here.

Greenberg, Julie Michel, of Weston, MA, formerly of Poughkeepsie, NY, passed away on December 5, 2023, after battling a long illness. Beloved wife of Jim Greenberg. Dear daughter of the late Richard and Ada Michel. Proud mother of Douglas Greenberg and his wife Talia Waskin, Hilary Greenberg, William Greenberg, and their dog Nellie. Loving sister of Lisa Michel and Jane Cohen. Funeral service at Temple Beth Elohim, 10 Bethel Rd., Wellesley, MA on Friday, December 8, 2023 at 10:30 am. Following interment at Or Emet Cemetery, 776 Baker St., West Roxbury, memorial observance will be at the Greenberg residence through Friday night. Memorial observance will continue Saturday and Sunday beginning at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, donations in Julie’s memory may be made to JF&CS, 1430 Main St., Waltham, MA 02451.

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