Judith Kay Perlman passed away peacefully after her long journey with dementia, on Sept. 6. She was known for her love of Judaism, music, and family. She was a beloved sister, aunt, and cousin to her family and many friends. Judith was born Feb. 15, 1948 in Kansas City, Mo. and attended Southwest High School where she found her musical love of the clarinet. She carried this talent through for 35 years with the Kansas City American Legion Band, playing and traveling with them throughout the United States and foreign countries as well. Judy worked as an administrative assistant and music therapist. Judith’s spiritual home was at Temple Bnai Jehudah, where she was one of the “front row ladies” for many years. She was proud to be a b’nai mitzvah, and especially to blow the shofar at several High Holiday services. Judith loved her family and spent time and vacations traveling to Denver, California, and Dayton to be with those not in Kansas City. She is survived by her sister, Marcia Cox of Dayton; her brother, Robert (Wolf) Perlman of Salida, Co.; nephews Dan Cox and Eric Reda of Chicago, Joseph, Jennie, and Jacob Cox of Baltimore; cousins Jon and Alan Rothstein, Ron Davis, and Diane Ravis. Judith was cared for in her final years by the very caring staff of Village Shalom Memory Care and by Monarch Hospice. The family requests donations be made to Temple B’nai Jehudah, Village Shalom Memory Care, Temple Israel in Dayton, or the Jewish Federation of Greater Dayton. Interment was at Rose Hill Cemetery, Kansas City, Mo.

Linda L. Shapiro, 81 of Clayton, passed away on Sept. 3. She was the daughter of Paul and Meta Boral of Miami. She is survived by her husband, Joel Shapiro, her mate of 60 years; her daughters, Erika Spencer, of Ellicott City, Md. and Marcie Shapiro of San Diego; and grandchildren Caleb Spencer and Hailey Spencer. Contributions may be made to Aullwood Audubon of Dayton, Temple Israel, and Beth Abraham Synagogue.

Born in Cincinnati in 1931, Sandra Berman Zipperstein was the youngest child of Abe and Martha Berman. She was predeceased by her parents, brothers (Bertram and Lawrence), and husband (Irvin). After graduating from Walnut Hills High School, she enrolled at the University of Cincinnati. However, her time there was interrupted when she married Irv in 1950. Shortly thereafter, they moved to Dayton to start a family, where she raised three children (Debi, Jon, and Margie). Sandy was active in the Jewish community, holding numerous leadership roles, including president of the sisterhood at Beth Abraham Synagogue and president of Hillel Academy Jewish day school. A lifelong member of Hadassah and passionate supporter of Israel, she visited the country many times over many decades to visit her daughter, grandchildren, and other extended family members. In her early 50s, Sandy returned to school, earning a Bachelor of Science in Education in 1984 and a Master of Science in Education in 1986, both from the University of Dayton. She then spent several decades working with the geriatric community, leading exercise programs and extracurricular activities for senior citizens at the Shiloh House in Dayton. Growing up, Sandy had a large extended family with many strong role models, but none influenced her more than her mother, an excellent cook who created a warm household that Sandy sought to emulate. Sandy is survived by her three children: Debi (Shmuel) Lahav, Jon (Ellen) Zipperstein, and Margie (Bob) Stayton, nine grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Sandy will be remembered for her vibrant personality, her gift for making every meal simultaneously delicious and meaningful, and her deep connection to music. Her sunny disposition was infectious from the time she was young until her last days. The best way to honor and remember Sandy is by singing along to one of her favorite tunes: Hello, Dolly from the musical, Hold Tight, Hold Tight by The Andrew Sisters, Come Fly With Me by Frank Sinatra, The Hut Sut Song by Sammy Kaye, Go Down, Moses by Nat King Cole. Sandy loved her family and was deeply loved by them. She will be missed dearly. Interment was at Adath Israel Cemetery, Cincinnati. Memorial contributions to Hadassah would be greatly appreciated.

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