Marla Sue Timmins Harlan (June 12, 1951-Nov. 25, 2025) was born to Arthur and Fran Timmins in Dayton. She graduated from Meadowdale High School in 1969 and continued to Northwestern University and received a degree in communications. After graduation, she worked in public radio (WETV) and for Southern Bell in Atlanta. In her mid-20s, she met her future husband, Dr. Stephen Harlan, on a blind date. As a result, she moved back to Dayton and worked for Ohio Bell before having her two sons, Seth and Chad. Marla raised the boys and managed her husband’s dental practices until she retired. During this time, Marla was on the Associate Board of the Dayton Art Institute, a member of the Junior League of Dayton, president and campaign chair of the Women’s Division of the Jewish Federation, cochair of the capital campaign of the Boonshoft Center for Jewish Culture and Education, and helped initiate and create the Lion of Judah Endowment for the Jewish Federation of Greater Dayton. After retirement, Marla and Steve opened their home to their niece, Nola, who wanted to finish high school in Dayton. Throughout the years, Marla and Steve traveled the world and Marla continued enjoying her friends’ company by playing weekly games of mah-jongg, canasta, and hosting events. Marla was preceded in death by her parents, Arthur and Fran Timmins; her brother, Jeffrey Charles Timmins; and her beloved King Charles Spaniels, Lucy and Spencer. She is survived by her husband, Dr. Stephen Harlan; sons, Seth (Paula) and Chad Harlan; sister, Cheryl Timmins; niece, Nola Timmins; granddaughters, Bari, Aubrey and Poppy Harlan; and a multitude of wonderful friends who cherish her. Interment was at Riverview Cemetery. Donations in her memory may be made to The Alzheimer’s Association, Ohio’s Hospice of Dayton, Dogs Inc., or OneFamily Fund.

Joyce Elaine (Babe) Kardon, born April 16, 1928 in Dayton, passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of her family. She was the cherished daughter of Joseph and Pearl Rosensweet and grew up alongside her beloved older sisters, Bernice and Shirley. She was predeceased by her first husband, Stanford D. Beerman, father of her children Martin, David, and Nancy; by her devoted husband of 51 years, Charles M. Kardon; and by her son, Martin Beerman. She leaves behind a legacy of love and grace carried on by her children — David, Nancy, and Beth; her grandchildren Rebecca, Elyse, Katie, and Carly; and her step-grandchildren Marshall, Brooke, and Trevor. Each was a source of immense pride and joy in her long, full life. A devoted player of tennis and mah-jongg, Joyce approached every game with the same enthusiasm and determination she brought to life. She was also a master of the chocolate chip cookie — her kitchen was often filled with the comforting aroma of fresh-baked treats that became a hallmark of her home. Joyce was beloved by all who knew her. She will be remembered for her loving spirit, her resilience in the face of life’s challenges, her steadfast dependability, and her ever-present happiness. To her family and friends, she was a constant source of friendship, comfort, laughter, and unwavering support. Joyce was especially close to her in-laws, Harry and Sylvia Beerman, particularly after the death of their son, Stanford. At the age of 97, Joyce had outlived most of her peers, but always enjoyed memories of their close friendships. A graduate of Fairview High School, Joyce spent most of her life in her hometown of Dayton, later enjoying her final years in Sarasota, Fla. and North Las Vegas, Nev., where she continued to share her warmth, humor, and generosity with all who knew her. Her memory will continue to be a blessing, and her kindness will live on in the hearts of all who loved her. Interment was at Riverview Cemetery.

Morton Levine, age 97, passed away Dec. 13, 2025. He was born in Scranton, Pa. on March 24, 1928 to David and Kathryn (Borkum) Levine. He graduated from Central High School and then attended University of Scranton for a year. He joined the Navy and attended the Naval Hospital Corps School. On finishing, he was stationed at St. Albans Naval Hospital on Long Island, N.Y. After leaving the Navy, Mort attended The Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine. Upon graduating, he moved to Dayton, where he opened his own practice. He practiced podiatry for 43 years. Mort was president of The Ohio Podiatry Association in 1970. Mort was a lover of sports, both participating and watching on TV. His favorite sport was tennis, which he played until he was 93. He loved traveling and visited many countries. He especially loved going on cruises. Mort is survived by his loving wife, Phyllis Levine; daughter, Wendy Levine; son, Larry Levine; and grandchildren, Andrew, Eric, and Olivia Levine. He is preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Martha (Joe) Klein and Beatrice (Jack) Salsburg; nephews, Jonathan Tucker and Marvin Salsburg; and niece Vicki Salsburg. He will be greatly missed by his family and many friends for his wonderful sense of humor, easy smile, and kind spirit. Memorial contributions may be made to Hadassah Dayton or the charity of your choice. Interment was at Riverview Cemetery.

Roberta Zawatsky, a longtime resident of Dayton, passed away peacefully on Dec. 8, surrounded by her family. She was 84 years old. Roberta was the devoted wife of the late Edward Zawatsky and a loving and dedicated mother to her four children: Rick (Erika), Sheryl (David), Michael (Jodi), and Lynda. She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Bernise Brown. Roberta was a proud and adoring “Meme” to her grandchildren Samantha, Jordyn, Brett, Maxwell (Raine), and Stella. Each of them brought her tremendous joy. She is also survived by her brother, Alfred Brown (Beverly), along with several cherished nieces and nephews. Roberta spent most of her life in Dayton, creating a home filled with warmth, encouragement, and unconditional love. She will be remembered as a caring wife, a supportive and devoted parent, and a grandmother whose kindness and pride in her family never wavered. The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate teams at Cedar Living and Miracle City Hospice for their exceptional care. Interment was at Beth Abraham Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Beth Abraham Synagogue.

To read the complete January 2026 Dayton Jewish Observer, click here.