Brandeis Magazine

Nathan R. Light Geller ’80, GSAS MJC’83, of Teaneck, New Jersey, on Jan. 24. The director of fundraising at 70 Faces Media, a nonprofit that tells the Jewish story through impactful journalism, he devoted his life to the Jewish communal world, and is remembered for his faith and optimism. Survived by wife Lyn, three children and two grandchildren.

Lori Oshansky ’80, of Hopkinton, Massachusetts, on July 31, 2021. She enjoyed a long career as a private chef in New York City. Survived by two sisters, including Amy Oshansky Knopf ’83.

Marty Wyngaarden Krauss, Heller PhD’81, Faculty, Brandeis National Committee, of Cotuit, Massachusetts, on Jan. 12. A Brandeis lifer, Marty completed her doctoral studies at the Heller School, then began her career at Brandeis in 1984, working first as a disability policy researcher and faculty member, then in key leadership positions at Heller and the university. Survived by husband Richard, two sons and a daughter.

Suzanne Oesterreicher ’81, P’20, of Newton, Massachusetts, on Sept. 25. She was a marketing and sales director, a lover of the performing arts, and a supporter of and volunteer at many theaters around Boston. Survived by husband Jeffrey and three children, including Rose Freudberg ’20.

Elizabeth M. Weisberg ’81, of East Sussex, England, in summer 2021. Daughter of Edzia Weisberg, GSAS MA’60, P’81, P’93, Elizabeth enjoyed a career as an art historian, then opened the Lighthouse Bakery in London, and is remembered as the kindest of souls and the cleverest of people, who lived a life filled with happy endeavors. Survived by sister Emily Pinkwas ’93 and a niece.

Mark Allan Schwartz ’82, of San Diego, on Jan. 7. An attorney in the federal courts for more than two decades, he enjoyed traveling with his husband, Fred, before Fred’s passing in 2020. Survived by a brother.

Timothy J. Alavosus ’83, IBS MSF’06, of Hudson, New Hampshire, on Nov. 28. Educated in the Worcester, Massachusetts, school system, Timothy was co-founder of and chief operating officer at AlgaMetrics, as well as a volunteer at the MSPCA, an avid guitarist and a member of St. John’s Lodge A.F. & A.M. Survived by wife Marilee, and his son, stepdaughter and stepfather.

Jerry M. Kutnick, GSAS PhD’83, of Merion, Pennsylvania, on Oct. 18. A lifelong educator and eternal student, he loved history, art, nature, politics, culture, travel and, most of all, being a saba. Survived by wife Wendy, two children, three stepchildren and five grandchildren.

Joe S. Gaines, GSAS MFA’87, of Bloomington, Indiana, on Jan. 26. Passionate about acting, and involved with several theaters in Indianapolis, Chicago and Boston, he spent the bulk of his career working at NSWC Crane, including as chief technology officer. Survived by his mother and son.

Sylvia Sirignano, GSAS PhD’88, of Westborough, Massachusetts, on Oct. 22. After earning a PhD in developmental psychology, she opened a private practice dedicated to serving children, and took great joy in raising her own children and becoming a grandmother. Survived by husband Vince, two children and two grandchildren.