Brandeis Magazine

David Van Praagh ’52, of Ottawa, Ontario, on Dec. 28. A lifelong journalist, he covered South and Southeast Asia as a correspondent for Toronto’s Globe and Mail, commented on world affairs on Canadian radio and TV, and taught international reporting in the journalism program at Carleton University. Survived by wife Sunanta Janvitaya, three children, two stepchildren and seven grandchildren.

Richard R. Silverman ’54, Fellow, of Los Angeles, on Nov. 19. A colorful stalwart of the West Hollywood community, he was a past president of the LA Alumni Club, hosting Brandeis parties on his rooftop, and donated a notable collection of Japanese netsukes to the Toledo Museum of Art. Survived by many nephews, nieces and cousins.

Harriet Kaufman Meiss ’57, of Salem, Massachusetts, on Oct. 6. A spiritual counselor and breathing trainer recalled as a radiant, loving soul, she led meditation and blessing gatherings at her Gainesville, Florida, home and facilitated dolphin-human encounters. Survived by a sister, and many nieces and nephews.

Norbett Mintz, PhD’57, P’83, of Lexington, Massachusetts, on Dec. 4. The recipient of the first doctorate awarded by Brandeis, in psychology, he taught at Brandeis, Harvard and Boston University; was founding director of the Massachusetts School of Professional Psychology; and held a clinical appointment at McLean Hospital. Survived by wife Maria Smith, four children and four grandchildren.

Ann Wertheimer Rich ’57, of Wilmington, Massachusetts, on Nov. 1. Active as a community volunteer, she was involved in Congregational church groups, scouting and the Kiwanis Club in Wilmington, and helped
those with physical handicaps learn to ski at New Hampshire’s Mount Sunapee. Survived by husband Don, two sons and four grandchildren.

Phyllis Deen Rowe, MA’57, of Alexandria, Virginia, on Dec. 10. A scientist, traveler, artist and cat lover, she lived a life of discovery and adventure — reading books; clipping thousands of newspaper articles to share; and working tirelessly in her art studio, her second home. Survived by two children and four grandchildren.

Deborah (Stern) Barr ’58, of Chevy Chase, Maryland, on Oct. 21. A dedicated English teacher who taught until age 75 at the Lab School of Washington, she particularly enjoyed teaching Shakespeare, and was beloved by students for her commitment and enthusiasm. Survived by three children and seven grandchildren.

Adele Umans Epstein ’58, of Gwynedd, Pennsylvania, on Dec. 1. She worked many years for the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare as a coordinator of subsidized child-care programs, and in retirement traveled with husband Paul ’59 to Europe, Japan and Alaska. Survived by her husband, a son and a grandchild.

Bill Ruth ’58, of Henderson, Nevada, on Dec. 11. A standout in wrestling and football at Brandeis, he served in the U.S. Marine Corps; spent three years in a monastery; and taught, coached and, in his family’s words, “searched for fights to break up” for more than 25 years at high schools in Clark County, Nevada. Survived by wife Nancy, two children and five grandchildren.