Brandeis Magazine

Don Gropman continues to write. He is about to publish his first e-book, a mystery novel titled “The Pebble Game.” He and his wife, Gabrielle Rossmer ’59, recently welcomed their first grandchild, Levon. Aaron Levy, P’90, P’94, retired after working as a school psychologist for 51 years in New York City and Dobbs Ferry, New York. He lost his wife of more than 50 years, Harriet Bodenstein Levy, to cancer four years ago. Aaron is grandfather to Shira, 13, and Jenna, 10. Joan Finkelstein Shapiro, P’89, G’12, reports 2015 was an eventful year in her family: two high-school graduations, a college graduation and a wedding among her seven grandchildren. She continues to lead Writing Workshop, which is in its third decade. She’s also had successes with abstract painting, including being accepted into several juried shows and making some sales. Joan and her beloved partner, Paul St. Onge, have been together for almost 25 years. She writes, “I continue to feel very connected to Brandeis. We now have three generations of alumni, including some in-laws.” Leroy Strom, P’83, was happily retired from his medical practice for two years when his daughter Marjorie (Gigi) developed and then succumbed to pancreatic cancer. Gigi leaves her husband, Ofer, and three children. She had been director of the Southern Arava Agricultural Research and Development Center, and lived at Kibbutz Samar in Israel. Judy Taylor, an active Democrat, is also involved in community affairs — both Jewish and general — in Atlanta, a blue city surrounded by a sea of red. She and her husband, Mark, have been married 58 years. She writes, “Missing my grandchildren, who are scattered to the winds; enjoying food, wine and life; and grateful for it all.”