1952-59

Natalie Harris Bluestone ’53, of Brookline, Massachusetts, on Sept. 15, 2019. A scholar and passionate teacher, she was a professor of philosophy and ethics, and the author of “Women and the Ideal Society,” a study of Plato’s idea of “philosopher queens,” which offers a thoughtful, analytic dialogue on justice and gender equality. Survived by two children and four grandchildren.

Myrna (Korb) Fritz ’54, Brandeis National Committee, of Raleigh, North Carolina, on Jan. 8, 2020. She worked for pulmonary specialists at Massachusetts General Hospital and was an active Brandeis alumna, formerly serving as a President’s Councilor. Survived by two children and two grandchildren.

Leo R. Wolkow ’54, of Glenwood, Illinois, on July 6. The longtime rabbi at what is now Shir Tikvah in Homewood, Illinois, he influenced generations of kids throughout the Midwest who attended Olin-Sang-Ruby Union Institute, the nation’s oldest Reform Jewish overnight summer camp, which he helped run. Survived by wife Helen and three children.

Selma (Sereisky) Cooperband ’55, Brandeis National Committee, of Newton, Massachusetts, on Sept. 17, 2019. She was a beloved congregant of Brookline’s Congregation Mishkan Tefila; her rabbi compared her passing to the loss of a favorite puzzle piece — “a warm earth tone, with splashes of jeweled vibrancy” — leaving a hole in their faith community. Survived by three children and two grandchildren.

E. Melvin Nash ’55, G’15, of Brookline, Massachusetts, on Oct. 17. Blinded by meningitis at 11, he overcame obstacles through resilience and a positive attitude, enrolling in Boston College Law School at 44 with his guide dog at his side, becoming a successful construction attorney and law professor, being inducted into the Joseph M. Linsey Brandeis Athletics Hall of Fame, and serving as a mentor to family and friends. Survived by wife Susan; five children; 14 grandchildren, including Daniel Mael ’15; and two great-grandchildren.

Leona (Feldman) Curhan ’56, Brandeis National Committee, of Swampscott, Massachusetts, on Oct. 16. Co-chair of the 40th Reunion and class correspondent for the Class of 1956, she was a retired elementary-school teacher remembered for her love of learning, devotion to family and beautiful smile. Survived by two children and five grandchildren.

Benjamin Schore ’56, Fellow, of Etna, New Hampshire, on Aug. 12. Having worked his way through Brandeis as the leader of his own dance band, he became a pioneering professor of real estate at Columbia Business School and in retirement awarded financial grants to young artists and musicians, establishing the Kira Fournier Fellowship in the fine arts at Brandeis in memory of his late wife, an innovative sculptor. Survived by life partner Kathy Rines and a son.

Hershel Berkowitz ’57, of Toronto, on Feb. 26, 2019. A clinical psychologist and vintage race-car enthusiast, he is recalled as a loving and generous man who cared deeply for his family and community. Survived by wife Christine, two children, three stepchildren and four stepgrandchildren.

Davida (Moss) Goldman ’57, G’18, of Santa Monica, California, on Nov. 14. A talented artist and classically trained pianist, she became a professional ceramicist, designing and sculpting stoneware, and sharing her love of ceramics with students in the Massachusetts communities of Bedford, Belmont and Lexington. Survived by four children and eight grandchildren, including Alec Hoyland ’18, MS’18.

James F. Hooke ’57, of Richmond, Virginia, on Jan. 12, 2020. A retired psychologist at Nottoway Correctional Center, in Burkeville, he died two days after his wife of 54 years, Nancy Yvonne, passed away from cancer. Survived by two children and a grandchild.

Lea (Kanner) Bleyman ’58, of New York City, on Nov. 6. Escaping to France from Germany with her Jewish family in 1939 before the outbreak of war, hidden in a convent and on a farm to protect her from Nazi terror, she went on to earn a PhD in genetics and forge a distinguished career as a professor of natural sciences at Baruch College, becoming president of the International Society of Protozoologists. Survived by husband David Minn and a daughter.

Arthur H. Bovarnick ’58, of London, on Nov. 12. An international businessman who was former managing director of Baron International Services, he was active in the Alumni Club of Great Britain, often hosting the annual Thanksgiving Day Tea with wife Joan (Givner), PhD’69. Survived by his wife, two children and several grandchildren.

David G. Lehrman ’58, P’79, P’82, of Miami Beach, Florida, on July 3. A surgeon who treated patients suffering from debilitating pain, he is recalled for his empathy and charm, for facing life with a smile and for regarding his patients’ thanks as his most treasured possessions. Survived by four children, including Richard ’79 and Michael ’82, and six grandchildren.

Ruth (Feinberg) Markovitz ’58, P’85, P’89, of Bayside, New York, on Oct. 28. An editor-in-chief of The Justice at Brandeis, she earned a law degree from Columbia; served in New York City’s law and mental health departments, and in the Office of the Nassau County Attorney; maintained a lifelong commitment to justice for society’s most vulnerable; and baked challah every Friday. Survived by husband Lenny and two children, Amy ’85 and Jonathan ’89.

Susan (Dundy) Kossowsky ’59, of Hartsdale, New York, on June 16. A treasured friend to many, she was an accomplished tennis player, New York City Marathon runner, passionate yoga enthusiast, avid reader, world traveler, and lover of film and theater. Survived by two children and four grandchildren.

Rebecca (Cohen) Long ’59, P’85, Brandeis National Committee, of Beachwood, Ohio, on Sept. 5. An inspirational teacher, she enjoyed traveling the world, laughing at jokes, singing in harmony, going to art museums and the theater, and cheering on her children and grandchildren. Survived by four children, including Arielle Kukafka ’85, and seven grandchildren.

John McClay ’59, of New York City, on July 19. A dedicated advocate of gay and lesbian rights, he is remembered as a consummate New Yorker, a patron of fine restaurants, a world traveler, a lover and supporter of the arts, and a gentle and loyal friend to many. Survived by husband Neil Williamson.

Jordan Goodman ’61, P’88, of Las Vegas, Nevada, on Oct. 1. An obstetrician and gynecologist who delivered three generations of Las Vegas babies, he loved learning new things and enjoyed sailing, trap shooting, photography, playing the cello and summering with his family on Nantucket. Survived by wife Zelda; two daughters, including Beth Weisman ’88; and four grandchildren.