Frieda Borkan Gottesman Blum died peacefully on Dec. 14 at Ohio’s Hospice of Dayton, at age 94. She was born in Newark, N.J. on Jan. 30, 1930, and was the daughter of Maurice “Murray”and Helen Borkan. She was preceded in death by all five siblings, husbands Bernard Gottesman and Arnold Blum, and son-in law Richard Clowson. Frieda is survived by her children: Dr. Martin (Jenny) Gottesman, Rita Gottesman and Linda Gottesman; grandchildren Bethany (Michael) Bowen (nee Gottesman), Andrew (Jacqueline) Gottesman and Brian (Nia) Gottesman; and great-grandchildren Amelia Bowen, Zachary Bowen and Lennon Gottesman. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews. A graduate of Fairview High School in Dayton, in her younger days, she was active in B’nai B’rith Women and B’nai B’rith Bowling, having served as president of both organizations. Frieda was a rabid mah jongg player and even in advanced age quickly memorized the hands on each annual card. Knitting was also a passion and she was very skilled at the craft. She made a baby blanket for each great-grandchild and the one for Amelia ended up 7 feet long, a bit much for a baby. When asked what happened, she just stated that she got carried away and couldn’t stop. Despite her age and use of a walker for distances, she regularly spent quality time with Linda playing the slots at the local casino. She lived independently until her recent hospitalizations and was driving until the summer of 2024. Interment was at Beth Abraham Cemetery. The family requests donations to the charity of your choice in her name.

Vivienne Meisel Himmell, born June 1, 1930 in Philadelphia, died peacefully at home in Voorhees, N.J. on Dec. 1 at age 94. Active, vibrant and gregarious, she worked throughout her life to help people and to make the world a better place for those with disabilities. She received her master’s degree from Wright State University and worked as a social worker throughout her career in Ohio for the Montgomery County Board of Developmental Disabilities. In the 1970s, she was instrumental in shutting down the institutions that provided terrible living conditions, relocating the residents into schools, resident homes, and workshop programs. She was an active member of the League of Women Voters for more than 65 years, serving a term as regional director in Dayton. Ms. Himmell was preceded in death by daughter Michelle in 2017 and husband Roger in 2021 and is survived by daughters Amy Himmell Lynch and Catherine Aharon (Michael), and grandchildren Max, Emily, Ian and Aidan. She will be missed by the many who knew and loved her. Donations can be made to autismnj.org in her name.

On Dec. 2, Zohar “Zo” Saed Levi passed away peacefully after a courageous battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his loved ones, who will continue to honor his legacy by living their lives to the fullest just as he wished for them. Zo was born in Baghdad, Iraq, and raised in Tel Aviv, Israel, where he served as a half-track operator in the Israeli army and fought in the Six-Day War. In 1968, he met Paula Neeman on a kibbutz in Israel, and they moved to the United States in 1971. Zohar and Paula were a true American success story. For many years, Zo worked tirelessly as a diesel mechanic before opening his own shop and car dealership in 1985. With great kindness and generosity, he also helped his siblings get established in the U.S. after emigrating from Israel. Zohar leaves behind an amazing legacy of selfless love for others, putting their needs above his own. He spent much of his life sacrificing for those he loved. He devoted his time and energy to being the best provider and protector for his family. His children will always remember his loving presence in their lives. He also loved being a grandfather, and he lit up around his grandchildren, for whom he would do anything. All those who knew Zo considered him a wonderful friend with whom they shared many great times. Above all else in this life, Zo wanted to help people in any way he could. His kindness and generosity extended beyond his own family and friends to the community around him. He had a great knowledge and ability to fix anything, and it was his passion to share this gift with others. Until the very end, his thoughts were of what he could do for others. During his final weeks, he could still be found working at his shop whenever he was able and spending time with his beloved family. Zo was preceded in death by his parents, Ovadia and Nazima Levi; his son Ryan (2007); and his best friend, Paula (2016). He is survived by his son and daughter, Shawn (Andrea) Levi and Rachael (Ryan) Sutter; grandchildren, Jordan, Miles, and Elan Levi, and Landon and Audrey Sutter. He is also survived by his sister, Aviva Kothman; brothers, Yehezkel “Zeke” and Weitzman Levi; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. Interment was at Beth Jacob Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made in Zo’s memory to Guiding Grayson through his fight against CLN3 Batten Disease, guidinggrayson.com.

To read the complete January 2025 Dayton Jewish Observer, click here.