Doris Berenholz

Our dear mother, Doris Berenholz, died on August 21, 2020.

Since her death, we have been moved by a flood of wonderful messages we have received in emails, calls, and Facebook comments. Some amazing photos have also been shared.

This page includes many of the messages we have received. A number are from our French family.

And we are moved by the many donations that have been made in honor of Mom. Thanks to all for sharing your love in so many ways.

Rochelle, Robin and Ellen

Dear Sal, Robin, Ellen and Rochelle,

This is with a deep sadness that we received the news of our dear Doris leaving us.

We cannot imagine how difficult those last few months might have been and we are deeply and sincerely sorry for your loss.

We wanted to send you a more personal message as Doris (your wife, your mum) has also been a part of our life, even if we didn't see each other very often, we wanted to let you know how special she was to us the French Family.

Her smile was so communicative, we could feel each time we saw each other, how caring she was. 

She always had a nice word for each one of us and we always considered Doris as if she was our grand-mother from the US.

We will remember her joy, her cooking skills and all her little attentions, especially towards my Sister and I when we were still teenagers and discovering the US.

We also can't forget those amazing times we spent together in the US when we came to visit with Cyril and Victor in 2012, and later on when both Sal and Doris came to visit us in France (multiple times).

She will always remain in our heart and we send you all our Love and support in those difficult times. 

May her soul rest in peace and her love, joy and beautiful smile continue to shine for all of us.

We will be joining the Zoom today.

Love from all the French Family.

P.S : I have attached few souvenirs, that will remain in our heart and memory.

We received your sad news and wanted to share with you some memories about Doris.

We saw Doris for the last time in 2019 November during their Parisian stay. Despite her difficulty to walk she received us with Sal very friendly.

We spoke about family. She explains us how she found Sal personal diary hidden in a cupboard since a long time. It was such a discovery!! She was happy for him because it was the beginning of a great adventure for him: publication of his personal story during the war with his parents and Victor.

She always seemed more attentive to individual needs rather than its own.

She enjoyed cooking so she cooked for us and she loved especially pastries and chocolates, so she offered us some. It was a real pleasant time to share together.

She received a long time ago our daughters, as they were her owns. We can never thank her enough for her kindness and attention.

She never spoke about her and her tragic family story as if each of our family member replaced his own a bit.

She was for us like a mother, a grandmother so endearing and so close.

Jocelyne, my mother, join us. She shared with Maurice, my father, so many family moments and memories. She is very affected as us by this loss.

We are so so sad, we send you, through the ocean, much love.
— Daniel and Cathy from France

So sorry for your loss. I loved your Mom so much. She was a dear friend to me and my parents. I feel the deep sadness of losing someone who hasn't really been lost it just is she is not here anymore. Anyway I cannot express how significant your mother was to me. In 1970 she changed my life. I had just met you guys and I was still functioning in an in between world. I had great love from my family but I did not have understanding. And then I met you and her and she gave me easels and oil paint to work with, and playful ridiculous ways to be, and camping and Girl Scouts. She changed my life. She gave me the path I'm on now. I was so lucky to have had her. There's a little tiny decoupage box that she gave me with a bat mitzvah gift in it. I have no idea what the gift was but that box has come with me everywhere my entire life. Has my name on it, "Debbie" and some other lovely words and the date of my bat mitzvah. But the most important thing about it is she made it for me. She took the time and crafted it for me. That's what she did with her life she took the time and she crafted it. I will always love her. May you be comforted.
— D’vorah Horn-Greenberg

So many great memories with her and all of you over the course of my childhood. My heart is with everyone and I am sad I won’t be able to be there on Monday. Thankfully she got to live a full and wonderful life!! Love you Aunt Doris!!
— Eric Monger

Oh Rochelle, so very sorry for your loss — sending you and your family my warmest heartfelt sympathy and love. You know what I remember most about your Mom from the wonderful visits we had at your home? Her laugh. She was so welcoming and sweet, many hugs to you, and again much love.
— Cheryl Piperberg

Mrs. Berenholz was my Girl Scout Leader for years. She was endlessly joyous, optimistic, regardless of all the rain during our camping trips. What a fantastic family and amazing blessing to know her and Mr. Berenholz. I met Ellen in Grade 7 and it's very special to be on zoom at the funeral now. May she rest in peace and Mr. Berenholz and the girls all find comfort during this time.
— Carol Rosskam

All our commiseration for your loss of this exceptional woman! We share your unbridled sadness!
— Charles and Sylvia Walowitz

Our hearts are breaking for Sal and all of you. She will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege to know her. 
— Jill Walowitz Balmuth

My deepest sympathy to the entire family. I have such wonderful Marion Road memories…
— Barbara Neibart

My heart is broken to hear about the passing of my dear cousin Doris. She was the oldest of our sixteen first cousins, but she always had such a young spirit & vitality. She always had such great enthusiasm for everything she undertook. Sending love to you, your sisters & your dad. Although we can’t join you at her service, we will be there in spirit. 
— Sandy Blanck Green

I am so very sorry to learn this. Your mom was such a lovely woman—always fun and interesting and full of creative energy. I was so pleased when I ran into her and your dad a few years ago at the airport—-she seemed exactly the same as from so many years back. Heartfelt condolences to you, Robin, Ellen and all of your family, and especially to your father. My deepest sympathies and love to all of you. So sorry these are not the times for family and friends to gather, share and hug. My heart is broken for you.
— Laurie Marks

Oh Rochelle, we are so sad for all of you. She was beloved.
— Amy Seltzer Perlman

Toutes mes condoléances à toute la famille. Je pense bien fort à vous et garde en mémoire la bienveillance de Doris et sa gentillesse. Je garde un souvenir impérissable de mes passages chez vous.

Sal pleins de gros bisous 
— Frédéric Gouvet

What beautiful words to describe your Mom. I know how proud she was of all her family. She will be greatly missed.
— Naomi Rossabi

Our dear friend for more than half our lives. We cherish every moment we shared with her and Sal. She will always be with Mary and me.
— Alan Frankel

Oh Rochelle. Your Mother was a treasure. So sorry to hear of her passing. Thinking of Sal, you and the rest of the family. Sending love and strength.
— Sharon Kricun

Tellement triste d’apprendre cette terrible nouvelle… Je vous embrace fort…
— Florence Kahn

My deepest condolences to Doris’ loving family, each and every one blessed by her light and laughter.
— Carol Lasky

Cheryl and Elliot are so sorry the loss of Doris. She was an exceptional woman and friend.
— Cheryl Gursky

My deepest condolences to the family. I worked for Doris in Anguilla at Lime Tree House at Culver de Sac. She was a very exceptional person. May her memories live on.
— Monica Lewis

Aunt Doris’ warmth and love were truly wonderful and profound. Her light and love will be greatly missed by the family and all who knew her. Sending all my love.
— Jon Monger

We are so deeply sorry. We loved Doris a great deal and will miss her greatly.
— Julia Heskel

Her smile and laughter lit up the room. Her intelligence and experience inspired everyone to listen and learn. Her warmth, compassion and generosity made everyone around her...a better person.
— Barry Rosenthal

I look at this picture and cannot believe that our dear Doris is gone. She was so close to my heart with her warmth, kindness, generosity and of course immense talent. She will continue to live in my heart for all my days.
— Ruth Hartz

So sorry for your loss. Doris will be greatly missed by family and friends. Sal and Doris were a wonderful couple.
— Ceil Opalsky

Sal, so sorry for your loss. I'm remembering her as a joyful person.
— Marilyn Guss Altman

I am so sorry for your loss. Doris was a wonderful friend to our family and was so welcoming to all of us. Sending you all love.
— Mary Heskel

Condolences to all the Berenholzes. Our families have been intertwined and friends for so many years. I have a small watercolor she did of our barn in Ohio on my wall here in Texas and it always reminds me of her. Many wonderful memories of her and all of you. Sending love to all of you.
— Susan Monger

Dear Rochelle, Steven, Mr. B and the entire B. Clan,

I could never call Mrs. B. “Doris.” I learned so many things hanging out in your warm and loving home. Mrs. B taught me:

• About “country French” decorating and Dutch fireplace tiles.

• There is a cut of beef called “London Broil”.

• Don’t save pretty serving pieces. Use them daily.

I have a special memory of a dinner party hosted by Mr. and Mrs. B while I was in 11th grade. I know Rochelle, Steve and John W. were there, but have no memory of other attendees or what was served, other than wonderful food and homemade mayonnaise. (I had a failed attempt to replicate the mayo making this meal!) 

Enjoy this dinner, made with awesome memories and love for your family. 
— Cynthia

Dear Robin and family,

I feel so fortunate to have been able to attend the Shiva service for your mom/Doris today. The format, blessings and stories were wonderful and certainly reflected what the rabbi had said your mom did so well, that is, made living into an art.... bringing beauty, delicious foods, promoting interconnections of family and friends, the art of cutting a grapefruit, and a model to others for loving relationships.....

It was so wonderful to hear from family and friends who have known her for a long time. I love the photo that you shared of her. It exudes the love that she shared with all.  

I hope that you and your family found the Shiva comforting.

I loved getting to hear about her. May her memory be a blessing.

Love,
Margie (Scharf)

Robin,
I am honored to have been part of the shiva for your mom.

What a beautiful tribute to her through prayer, poetry and memories, and what an outpouring of love, YUMMY(!) love that she was and will continue to be for you! May her love help guide you through your grief and may you find all the sweetness that she was (with an appetizer thrown in!) as you navigate through your grief.

With Love, 
Bea (Leopold)

Dear Robin,

I just can't say how sorry I am to hear that Doris is gone and that you had to suffer her decline during the pandemic and quarantine.

She was strong and supportive even as she wasn't well, attending Julie's funeral in February.

Your Mom was one of the few adults who related to me during our teen years. I had been thinking of that lately. She wanted us to be independent and think for ourselves.

Wishing you comfort and the time and space to mourn.

Love
Deborah (Bernstein Abramowitz)

Robin, Sharon and I were so sorry to hear about your mother’s death, and wanted to let you know that you’ve been in our thoughts for the last few days. As you said today during your eulogy, losing a parent is difficult whenever it happens (and no matter how old they are), but it’s much more difficult — and just plain stranger — during a pandemic, when all the things we ordinarily are able to do for support become so attenuated. We wish we could have been there in person today to give you a hug, or could be there in person for one of the shiva services. I hope that you and Mark were surrounded today by enough loving family members and friends to help you feel held in the love of your larger community. Lila was wonderful, steady presence on Zoom today when the connection to the cemetery failed — amazing how grown-up they all are, isn’t it? 

We hope your mother’s memory will always be a blessing to you and your family. She sounded like an extraordinary woman — no surprise, of course, given her extraordinary daughter, and the love that you spoke of so beautifully today. The “cafe in Paris” table that your Dad set for her — what a partner he must have been! I enjoyed getting to meet him and learn a little more about his life from the film you screened, so it was good to learn more today about you mom. I hadn’t known that each of you and your sisters followed in her footsteps as artists! What a beautiful, lifelong tribute to her that must have felt like.

With much love, and looking forward to the day when we can give you a real hug,
— Jeff & Sharon (Gelles & Gornstein)

I was sorry to learn of your mother’s passing. I know how hard you tried to make these past many weeks as comfortable as possible for her, and I am sure that she appreciated your care and attention. It sounds like your parents led rich, full lives; I hope that the memory of that provides you with comfort.
— Don (Kligerman)

Marci and I are so sad about your Mom. We really loved her so much. She and Sal are both family to us. And of course, Jared and John, whom we love as our own.

The service today was beautiful. May her memory be a blessing to all who knew and loved her.

Sending all my love and deepest sympathy,
— Mitch Heskel

Despite the tech issues on Zoom at the funeral, I heard you and Rochelle and Daniel speak, and you spoke beautifully and movingly about your Mom. I'm glad I was able to be present. And I'm so glad that I knew your Mom over many years and have a sense of her generous spirit, artistry, and love of beauty. May her memory be a blessing. May you have time and space to mourn and to rest.  

Love, Kristin (Lindgren)

Robin, I am so sorry for your loss. Your mom was a special woman and I am glad to have had the chance to meet and work with her. Wishing you peace and the comfort of family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
— Amy (Lesher)

Oh Robin, I am so sorry. I loved your mother. I didn’t even know that she was ailing.

Much love and condolences to everyone. Thinking especially of your father.
— Margie Smith

Dear Rochelle, Robin, and Ellen,

I was so saddened to hear about Aunt Doris. I will always remember her warmth and kindness fondly. I have many memories of Passover seders hosted by your mom and dad. I hope you’re able to find comfort in the memories and with each other.

With sympathy,

Vic

It was with great sorrow that I learned this sad news. It's a page that turns and a lot of memories come back. I had Coco on the phone on Friday. He is very courageous, it is thanks to you who are near him. Serge and I hug you all very hard.

Tenderly
Serge and Jacqueline

Dear Robin, Ellen, Rochelle,

It is with an immense and heart felt sadness that I present my sincerest condolences to you and your families.
 
Unfortunately I did not have the opportunity to know Doris more due to the distance, but I do remember an exceptional person.

I do remember how warmly I have been welcomed when I have visited the East Coast and met your family for the first time 8 years ago.

I do remember she had an ever constant attention to the human being, I believe she had an inner sense of empathy towards others together with great generosity.
 
To me your mother was only kindness, an outstanding personality always radiant, positive and optimistic.
  
Doris’ memory will remain among us forever.

Love, Cyril

Dear Robin,
I just saw on Facebook from Rochelle that your mother passed away yesterday. I know you must feel stunned. Please know I’m thinking of you, your dad, and your sisters with much love.
— Yarrott 

Jenny just let me know about Doris — I’m so very sorry. You know what a close relationship our parents had. 

However also over the years, especially since I moved to Baltimore, your parents were both so supportive of me and my little family. I loved your mom, as I do your Dad. 

Big hugs from afar.
Heidi Good

I am so sorry to hear about aunt Doris. I have many wonderful memories of her. From Passover seders as a kid to more recent years when she had Bill and me over for a lovely dinner. I am thinking of you all and sending my love. 
— Melissa (Kreb)

Dear Sal, Ellen, Robin and Rochelle,

I am so sorry for your loss. It is my loss, also. I considered Doris a dear friend, always willing to share her immense talents both in art and culinary excellence. She had just given me some “fleur de sel” and I will cherish it forever. She was so warm, caring, human and interested in all the people she cared so much for. She left a big hole in our hearts.

Love, Ruth and Barry

Sal, 

We’re so sorry to hear this sad news and our hearts go out to you and the family.  We have you in our prayers and will say special prayers for the repose of Doris’ soul when we attend internet mass this Sunday. Doris was an example to us in terms of the good wife, mother, and person. Her kind gentle nature was exemplary. Through her example, she pointed the way for many of us to do good things. We know you’ll miss her and we also keep you and your girls and grandchildren in our prayers to get through all of this sadness. Do let us know if there will be some form of streaming service. In the meantime, we send our love and sincerest condolences. 

Johnny and Angie

Dear Sal,

My sincere condolences on your loss of Doris.

I first met Doris as a Gartman at camp. Imagine my delight when we reconnected at Philmont so many years later. She was the same delightful person and more so as a wife and gracious hostess. She was generous with her invitations to dinner, both with Bob and later after I was alone. Always the great cook, and made me feel so welcome.

I enjoyed meeting your daughter at her presentation at your home. Doris was so proud!

You were the supportive and loving husband. You complimented her so well.
— Barbara

PS. Our visit to your Paris home is still a highlight!

Dear Robin,

My heart has been with you and your family as you mourn the loss of your most magnificent mom. I was so moved by the shiva last night, I was crying with you and delighting along with so many cherished memories you all shared of your mom.

I know in these moments it’s not possible to imagine life without her. Ellen and I have lost 5 parents and the well of grief, love and gratitude runs deep. I hope you will feel the presence of your beloved mom nearby, her embrace as a a breeze passes over your shoulders, and that all of your memories of her will bring you comfort and blessings always.

Ellen joins me in opening our arms around you, joining in your large family and community embrace. 

I know your mom must have been amazing because she lives in you, Mark, your children and so many others with unconditional love and beauty.

We are sending our deep sympathies to you and your beloveds.

With you with love,
Abby & Ellen

Dear Rochelle

I’m so sorry for your loss. Thank you for your words at the graveside — for speaking from your heart to all of us so directly. I know you meant the world to her — how proud she was of your achievements and I’m sure she felt your love in honoring her at that most difficult time.

I am so grateful to have had her in my life. I always felt her warmth and her strength. I felt her generosity and her sweetness was always present with me. It is that sweet generous being that I hold in my heart. It sometimes hovered behind the hostess or the organizer or you could say the stubbornness, but it was always there and I feel she used the tools she needed to stay steady in that loving heart. No small achievement in this life.

I hope you get some quiet time for yourself to process and tune in to how much she loved you and how much your life brought to hers, and hers to you. I guess we have so much to be grateful for. These gifts are still with us even as the loss breaks our hearts.

Sending love and best wishes to you Steven and the kids.
— Tim

Dear Robin

I’m so sorry for your loss. It is such a big one to go through. I was touched by your words by the graveside and I hope you are finding solace in all the family and friends, the stories and remembrances.

For me Doris had a consistency and generosity towards me for which I am so grateful. Her warmth was always present with me and I felt a steadiness in her, a strength that kept her on an even keel throughout the ups and downs. I know her passing was physically and emotionally hard and must have been really difficult to witness. Perhaps there is relief that that is over.  What a journey we are on!

I hope you are getting some time to process for yourself. I’m sure so much is now focussed on Sal. But maybe as time moves on you will get sometime with your Mom’s sweet being and with how much she loved you. Time for you two together in this new way.

Thinking of you and sending love.
— Tim

Decades ago, when I was young, rootless, and estranged from my own family, in trouble, really, Robin enveloped me with care, and took me into her own family, and invited me to their Passover, where Doris and Sal and the rest of the family accepted me. I was nervous, afraid of making a wrong impression, but Doris, even as she whirled in and out of the kitchen, treated me as though she’d always known me, and of course I belonged there, and the warmth and laughter and tradition at her table warmed me and allowed me to be myself. And over time, seeing how family could be, made me able to imagine different possibilities for myself.

And after Jared was born, your parents gifted me with this amazing wardrobe, and suddenly people viewed me differently at work. I grew up with YOUR family, in a way. 
— Kathy

I didn’t meet your parents often — they were here for a seder or two, and of course the Seltzer wedding and b’nai mitzvah, but they are just amazingly lovely people. It must be an enormous, enormous hole for your family and your dad. Sending big hugs.
— MB

Hi Robin,
I was so moved to hear about your mother’s extraordinary life last night. How wonderful that she raised a family of artists!

Thinking of you and your family and particularly your father.
Blessings to you.
Helene

Such a lovely Shiva. So warm and open with sharing memories of your mom. I learned a lot about her that I did not know, and thus a lot about you. Would love to talk with you about all this when you are ready.

Love to you and Marc during this raw emotionally time.

Robin, my heart goes out to you. Losing a parent is so hard. It was such a privilege be “with” you and Mark, your sisters, dad and kids, and to hear so many loving testaments to the ways your mother inspired, loved, connected, and created a more beautiful world. If you need a walk in the park or a break, don’t hesitate to ask. Sending hugs, comfort.

Dear Sal,

When I woke this morning, I found an email from Robin telling me of Doris’s death. I wanted to write and tell you how very sorry I was to learn of this, although I knew she was very unwell.

This must have been such a hard time for you, leading up to her final departing. I know of no details, whether she was still at home, whether you were able to be with her when she died.

I feel I know you in a particular way, having had the privilege of reading your story. I imagine even though Doris’s death was expected, it will not lessen the heartbreak you must be feeling. You had been together for so long, trying to live alone without sharing each day with her must be unbelievably painful.

When Julie died, I lit a candle and read about the Jewish burial service and thought it beautiful and such a loving and caring way to say goodbye to a loved one. The family is protected by the community. The Church of England way I was brought up in is cold and austere by comparison.

I will light a candle at the time the service begins and think of you all.

Sal, I can only wish you strength and comfort from those who love you and that they will hold you through these very painful days of Doris’s loss.

With love and thoughts, 
Valerie (Taylor)

…It looks like your hands were full fielding the abundant (and well-earned) tributes to you mother.

Just the other day, my sister Lynn raved about Chicken Indienne, a recipe your mother shared with my mother. It was with ginger and golden raisins.

I would love to join you tonight for shiva and hope I can. Either way, I send warm wishes to the whole mishpocha. May G-d grant you and your family strength in this difficult time.
………

Last night was lovely. I especially enjoyed hearing from the family, who I haven’t seen in, what 55ish years? Your mother impacted so many people. It was especially interesting to me how so many recollections echoed my own sentiments and experiences.

— Ann (Pearson Kanner)

Dear Ellen,
Thank you so much for sending the link for me to join the shiva.
I was very moved by all the powerful heartfelt messages from family and friends.
Doris will be so very much missed by all who knew her — I wish I had more powerful words of sympathy to send comfort for  your loss ...
And send  my love and wishes and hopes for healing.
Would love to see you when travel permits again.
Julie

Dear Family:

After Elena and Ilan’s wedding, we can now rest and take time to think about memories with Doris and Sal. I remember when I was sixteen... It was the first time that I was in Philadelphia for 2 weeks alone with Doris and Sal. I was in family nearly like with my parents! I was so well that I didn’t want to come back France!! I wanted to continue my studies for few months and stay at home with Doris and Sal!!! My parents were very upset!!!! We felt good when we were together in Saint Benoit, and we liked to share our cooking recipes. We will miss Doris. Kisses to all of you.
— Corinne

Ellen, I was moved by all of the notes from family and friends. Irv and I will miss her. My deepest regret is that we are all able to recall memories but time and conditions make it so difficult to be together. My memories go back to Rose and Ike and Ed and Helen as friends of my parents, and the Joe and I with your parents and each of you, from Rochelle, Robin (still Debbie to me) and you. All the times we spent with your parents and Victor and Renee and their three children, but time flees and circumstances change. I will never forget how kind and loving they were to me in my loss and then new life and how they accepted Irv. We were both deeply affected by Doris’s passing. I miss you all and send our love. We join you and others in having our memories of a warm gracious woman. My special love to your Dad.

Love, 
Carole Rosenbluth Saft

Dear Rochelle and Steven,

Thank you so much for sending the Zoom link — I am so glad that I was able to join your family and friends for such a lovely and moving ceremony. It was especially great to see young Steven... Gabriel and Daniel... Robin and Mark, and their children, too. I’m hoping we will have a chance to catch up a bit more when things settle down for you . 

Thanks again, and much love.
— Cheryl

Dear Robin,

My heart goes out to you, Ellen and Rochelle. In my experience no one can be prepared for the depths of grief washing over you upon a parent passing, but how much more so in your case, when your Mom filled family and friends with love, empathy, thoughtful acceptance and heck, was just a delight to be around.  

When my Mom knocked on your front door in Elkins Park back in 1967 and was recognized by your Mom, I just thought “Huh.” This 13 year old wasn’t amazed when a 39 year old Mom was immediately recognized by a childhood pal from Strawberry Mansion, not seen since the Moms were age 11. It took me years to wonder about that. But I was grateful for that gift of recognition over the years, as they renewed their friendship and my mother and father enjoyed your parents’ friendship tremendously. Your Mom, like mine, was a special person — having not just integrity, a liberality of spirit, a devotion to family and a love of art and music, but a deep warmth that made her presence a joy.  

I was especially grateful for your parents'  friendship with my mother following my dad’s death. They were so solicitous of my mother — they made her feel like she was still alive, still enjoyed being with friends and they were always willing to drive her to events, or help her. I ‘ll never forget how, just before the days of internet ordering, your Mom and your gallant Dad insisted on buying and dragging over a huge, heavy new mattress pad after she admitted it might be helpful. What 85 & 90 year old does that?

With time it does get better. May she be with you always in your heart. 

Love,  Rita (Singer)

Dear Robin and Mark,

I was so sorry to hear of your Mom/Mom-in-law passing away. I didn't know her well, but I did have several very pleasant conversations with her over the years and she seemed to be a very lovely lady.

You and your family are in my prayers.

Janice Haman

Hello Robin:
We’ve been so lucky to have been present this week: hearing the stories about Doris — and the amazing love she put out in the world was, indeed, a blessing, as her memory will be for those of us who knew her. 

I so appreciated Mark’s comments last night as I had been also thinking about the passing of my mother at that very moment. We are both so fortunate to have had mothers who brought beauty and love into the world, and understood deeply what it meant to create and to grow things in life. This gift is so precious — one that is embodied in our own lives, and in our kids’.

This is such a challenging time. Transitions of any type during this health crisis when we are so much more isolated from each other, are rough. Know that you are being held by so many — and I hope that offers some comfort at the more difficult times.

Sending love,
Deenah

Dear Robin,
Mary and I were very sorry to learn about your mother’s passing. It was good to be with you and your family at tonight’s shiva and hear the comments about her wonderful personality and life of generosity and caring for others.  
May your mother’s memory be for a blessing.
Take care,
Lance (and Mary Laver)

Robin, Lee and I send our deepest condolence to you and your family. Your mother, Doris, sounds like a Giant of a woman! She had a long fruitful life and that must be a comfort to you. My deepest sympathy to Sal, he must be heartbroken over the loss of his beloved life of 70 years. I made a contribution to your mother’s favorite charity, Pagusafrica, in her honor.

Margaret Kerr Karosen & Lee Karosen (John's aunt and uncle)

I read your mother's obituary in The Philadelphia Inquirer. I'm so sorry for your loss. What an amazing woman. I'm not surprised that you're her daughter.
May her memory be for a blessing.
I remember how I felt when I lost my mother, as if I’d woken up in a different universe, under a different sky.
Over time, the comfort has been in our continued relationship, in a different form.
May you be comforted among the mourners of Jerusalem.
My deepest sympathy to you, Mark, Jared, and Lila,

Sincerely,
Janet Fishman

My Dear Robin,
Chiming in with my condolences around the loss of your mother, Doris.

You may recall that I spent some hours with your mother back in 1998 as she prepared me for my wonderful visit to Anguilla, still a highlight of my life.

She was interesting, smart, creative, generous, spirited, young in spirit. I had a very memorable visit with her — 22 years ago!!! She made a big impression on me though the time we spent was very short.

I am recalling her now with a big smile. And sending you warm condolences as you integrate her loss.

Best wishes for your own health and well being as we enter the new year....and for your family.

Love, 
JudyK (Kleppel)

Dear Robin,

I am so sorry — it is a very fundamental pain to lose your mom, no matter how expected — and no matter how great a life she lived. I still miss mom, who died in 2013, all the time. Doris was lovely and so nice and giving — I remember how kind she was to me in those times I spent with your family —- its true that what you remember most about people is how they made you feel — She made me feel accepted and loved as a young and very insecure child-man... be strong — love and well wishes to your dad and the family... 

Jon (Temple)

Hi Robin,
I was so moved to hear about your mother’s extraordinary life last night. How wonderful that she raised a family of artists! Thinking of you and your family and particularly your father. Blessings to you. 
Helene (Halstuch)

Dear Robin,

I was so sorry to hear of your mother's passing. Even though my e-card was sent before I heard the news, and several weeks after I heard she had entered hospice, she--and your family--had been in my prayers for healing every morning. And you will remain in my prayer as you continue on this journey. 

Your mother sounds like a singular person, and  how blessed you were to have both your parents for so long. 

I mentioned that I was remembering the interview I did with her for my piece on "Fairmount Park and the Jews of Philadelphia." Besides giving the piece the title, her reminiscences of a little glen near Smith Playground remained with me. At a mindfulness program, she said, one of the exercises to get to a level of serenity is "to picture the most beautiful, quiet place you can imagine. And that is what always comes back. That little spot in the park."I've thought of that wisdom when I'm trying to settle my mind—and it works. 

My best to your father.
Carol and Ron

Many thanks to Larry Blanck for sending these precious old family photos.