Jeanne M. Hochman passed away peacefully on May 5 in Palo Alto, Calif. at the age of 84. She was born on Feb. 16, 1941 in Cleveland and was predeceased by her husband, James B. Hochman who passed away on Sept. 23, 2021, also in Palo Alto. Both Jeanne and Jim were long-standing residents of Dayton but had moved to California for medical treatment in 2016 and remained there ever since. Jeanne is survived by her children, Marla and Jeffrey Hochman (Petra); her brother, Harvey Krieger (Marsha); and grandchildren Josh, Jack and Abby Hochman. Jeanne and Harvey are the beloved children of Ben and Ann Krieger, also from Lyndhurst (Cleveland). Jeanne and Jim moved back to Jim’s hometown of Dayton in 1965 after both graduated from The Ohio State University in Columbus and quickly became well-respected active citizens of their community. For many years, Jeanne managed Jim’s Downtown Dayton law office, and also earned a Master of Social Work Degree at Wright State University in 1988. She was a psychiatric social worker for many years at Miami Valley Hospital. In addition, Jeanne was immensely involved in the Jewish community in Dayton, and especially Temple Israel, where she dedicated much of her time as a volunteer and board member commencing in the early 1970s through the mid 2000s. She was an active participant on countless committees and worked tirelessly alongside numerous other fantastic colleagues spanning more than 50 years. Amongst an endless list of superlatives, Jeanne will above all be remembered for her incredible selfless and gracious desire to serve others before she served herself. She had a heart the size of an ocean, and an infectious smile to match. Saying no to a request was not part of her vocabulary, and she will be missed tremendously by all who knew her. Interment was at Riverview Cemetery. Please consider a small donation to the Miami Valley Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, alz.org/dayton, or Vista Center for the Blind or Visually Impaired, vistacenter.org.

Clara Hochstein, Sept. 28, 1924 – April 30, 2025, age 100 of Dayton, passed away at Ohio’s Hospice of Dayton. Clara was a stenographer at WPAFB during World War II, sold real estate for several years and then with her husband owned and operated Hochstein Custom Furs in Oakwood. She was a lifelong member of Beth Abraham Synagogue and Hadassah. Clara was preceded in death by her beloved husband, David. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Cheryl and Steven Hecht; son and daughter-in-law, Gary and Jane Hochstein; grandchildren, Shana (Marc) Brafman, Sam (Erika) Hecht, Scott (Laura) Hochstein, Robert (Laura Suzanne) Hochstein, Jodie (Jeffrey) Damrauer; great-grandchildren, Peter Hecht, Maya and Jacob Brafman, Cooper, Aubrey, Felicity, Greer and Levi Hochstein and Gabriel and Shira Damrauer; and many other relatives and friends. Interment was at Beth Abraham Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Beth Abraham Synagogue or Hadassah in Clara’s memory.

Mariah K. Strickland, Aug. 22, 1990-April 30, 2025, 34, of Dayton, passed away at Ohio’s Hospice of Dayton surrounded by her family and lots of love. Born in Rochester, N.Y., Mariah was known for her kindness, her quick wit, and her infectious personality. A musical soul, she loved playing the French horn, watching musicals, and singing loudly in the car or shower. She brought joy to everyone around her and lived her life with laughter and love. She had a unique ability to make every person she met feel seen and loved, and she left a mark on the hearts of many family, friends, students, and others that will last a lifetime. Mariah deeply loved her family and often made trips back to New York to visit her parents, sister, and many cousins. She also cherished her in-laws and enjoyed time with them in Ohio and on family vacations. She was her nieces’ and nephew’s biggest fan, attending as many of their events as possible. Mariah and her husband, Marlyn, shared a deep and honest love – marked by mutual respect, laughter, and true companionship. They loved traveling, sharing delicious food, spending time with friends, and being generally goofy together. They were each other’s favorite person and constant support. Mariah was also a proud mama to dog Duncan and cat Peaches Grande, and she showered them in love and affection every day. She is survived by her husband, Marlyn Strickland; her parents, Margaret Hannon-Holt and Karl Holt; her sister, Julia Hayward and brother-in-law Trevor Hayward; her in-laws, Linda and Marlyn F. Strickland; her sister-in-law Sara Elliott and brother-in-law Josh Elliott; her sister-in-law Jessica Bennington and brother-in-law Clay Bennington; her nieces Caroline and Emma Bennington; and her nephew Zane Bennington. She is also remembered by many loving aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. Donations can be made to the Ridin’ for Riah Pelotonia team in support of cancer research: pelotonia.org/peloton/a0s3t00000AGUR3AAP.

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