Obituaries

OF BLESSED MEMORY

Generous, Kind, Whip-Smart, Beautiful and Funny

DANNY SCHWARTZ STAFF WRITER

Judy Fertel Layne, 58, of West Bloomfield, died Nov. 7, 2021, surrounded by family.

Her beloved husband of more than 26 years, Michael Layne, says, “Judy lived with ALS for nearly eight years with love, empathy for others, purpose and dignity.”

Born Jan. 14, 1963, Layne was the beloved daughter of Max and Elaine Fertel. She was the baby sister to Sandi, Howard and David and loved them dearly. She grew up in Oak Park and attended Oak Park High School.

Judy cherished her time at the University of Michigan, where she graduated with a degree in psychology. She earned her J.D. from Wayne State University and then found tremendous meaning in the practice of law.

Judy took great satisfaction in her work at the Troy- based law firm of Dickinson Wright where she served as a partner for more than 25 years, specializing in tax and estate law. Judy, being both whip-smart and deeply empathetic, formed lasting and valued relationships with colleagues and clients. She was grateful for the culture at Dickinson Wright, which facilitated her work, even in illness.

She was a loving mother to Joshua and took pleasure in their conversations about his daily life and their shared focus on social responsibility. She had tremendous pride in Joshua, his accomplishments, and the mensch he’s become. She greatly admired Joshua’s wife, Yui, for her strength, intelligence, and the love she shared with Josh and their baby daughter, Beni. One of Judy’s final joys in life was holding and being a softa (grandmother) to Beni.

Throughout Josh’s school years, it was important to Judy and Michael that Josh and his many friends saw their home as a place where they could always enjoy good food and laughter.

Judy enjoyed a good (off-color) joke and recollections of her brothers’ escapades while growing up on Oak Park Boulevard. She was known to laugh in hysterics — even when telling her own jokes and stories. Judy enjoyed long-lasting and deep bonds with her friends from childhood and college years, as well as colleagues from work. All were present during the challenging progression of ALS.

“She cared much more about the well-being of others than herself,” Michael says. “A big, giving heart. Generous and kind, wickedly smart, and beautiful. And so funny.”

Prior to her ALS diagnosis, Layne was very athletic. When not working, she could be found at the gym or running miles on end. She was a veracious reader and enjoyed intellectual discourse over wine and dinner. Together, Judy and Michael traveled extensively, both in the United States and internationally.

Judy Layne was a fighter for social justice. She was an early, vocal and visible proponent of LGBTQ+ rights and legislation. While dependent on a power chair, she insisted upon participating in Black Lives Matter marches. She cared deeply about equal rights for minorities and the well-being of the underprivileged. She was a proponent for women’s rights.

Active in the community, Judy served on the boards of Gleaners Food Bank, Juvenile Diabetes Association and the Chamber Music Society of Detroit.

“In terms of ALS, Judy was the female Lou Gehrig, who said he was the luckiest man in the world,” says Michael. “Judy never said, ‘Why me?’ She would state that she led a fortunate and full life – referring to her beloved niece, Rachel, who died at age 14 from dysautonomia and to children worldwide who are unloved and hungry.”

There were many wonderful caregivers who helped make Judy’s life manageable in the later stages of ALS. “Judy had such a big heart that she cared for her caregivers, offering them both personal and business advice and support,” says Michael.

“She managed the progression of ALS with dignity, purpose, grace and compassion,” Michael says. “While she was going through this horrendous disease, her empathy for others never ceased.”

Michael, who loved Judy deeply, sums up her legacy: “Strength, generosity, intelligence, beauty, and deep empathy for all sentient beings.”

Judy Fertel Layne was the beloved wife of Michael Layne; dear mother of Joshua (Yui) Layne; loving grandmother of Beni Layne; adoring daughter of Max and Elaine Fertel; sister of Sandi (Dr. Keith) Reich, Dr. Howard (Natalie) Fertel and Dr. David (Jill) Fertel. She’s survived by her father-in-law, Phillip Layne (the late Norma Layne); and sisters-in-law, Renee (Dr. Joel) Stillman, Heidi (Jeffrey) Baill and Mindy (Dr. Joel) Young.

Judy is also survived by many adoring nieces, nephews and grandnieces and grandnephews. She leaves behind a world of loving family, friends and colleagues who all miss her deeply.

Interment was at Oakview Cemetery.

Judy Fertel Layne

OBITUARIES

OF BLESSED MEMORY

BETTY

BRESOFF, 89, of Florida and Michigan, died Dec. 18, 2021. A graduate of Central High School, Mrs. Bresoff was active with Hadassah and had lived in Florida for approximately 30 years.

She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Cindy and Bill Turkish of Bloomfield Hills; grandchildren, Jessica Turkish and Jason Turkish; sisters-in-law and brother-in-law, Sally Becker, Harriett Freedman, and Barbara and Erwin Gutenberg; many treasured nieces, nephews, other relatives and many good friends in Florida and Michigan.

Mrs. Bresoff was the beloved wife for 56 years of the late Marvin Bresoff; devoted mother of the late Deborah Hope BresoffLeach; cherished sister and sister-in-law of the late Julius Becker, the late Sylvia and the late Philip Schonberger, and the late Morton Freedman.

Interment was at Hebrew Memorial Park Cemetery. Contributions may be made to a charity of one’s choice. Arrangements by Hebrew Memorial Chapel.

MILTON

CONWAY, 87, of Bloomfield Hills, died Dec. 20, 2021. He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Elisa and Stuart Stoller; son and daughterin-law, Andrew and Dr. Barbara Conway; grandchildren, Taryn and Michael

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OBITUARIES

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continued from page 65 Cannarsa, Ryan and Jennifer Stoller, Matthew and Ryan Conway, and Alexander Conway and Hugo Garcia; great-grandchildren, Sloane Cannarsa, Enzo Cannarsa, Harrison Stoller, Evie Stoller, Charlie Stoller and Lennox Conway; brother and sisterin-law, Sherwin and Elaine Conway.

Mr. Conway was the beloved husband of the late Elaine Hechtman Conway.

Interment was at Clover Hill Park Cemetery. Contributions may be made to Hospice of Michigan, 43097 Woodward Ave., Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302, hom.org/donations. Arrangements by Ira Kaufman Chapel.

SHELDON R.

DAVIS, 86, of Southfield, died Dec. 17, 2021. He was born May 14, 1935, in Detroit to Robert and Edith Davis. His family was his number one priority. He was a great role model and supporter, never missing a sporting event for any of his children or grandchildren. He was also an avid fisherman and sports enthusiast. Sheldon taught all his children the values of a strong work ethic; he worked up until his last day.

Mr. Davis is survived by his wife of 65 years Anne Davis; children, Alan and Pam Davis, Neil and Jeri Davis, Lisa Davis, and Jeff Davis and Susie Gottlieb; grandchildren, Matt and Molly Davis, Nathan and Delany Davis, Jason and Emily Davis, Eric Davis, Stephanie and Michael Poe, Chad Davis, Trevor Davis, Rachel Ferguson, Josh Davis and Sophie Davis; great-grandchildren, AJ, Brooke, Riley, Finnegan, Scarlett, Penny, Lennon, and Banks.

Interment was at Machpelah Cemetery. Contributions may be made to a charity of one’s choice. Arrangements by Ira Kaufman Chapel.

NORMA

ELCONIN, 85, of New Jersey, died Dec. 20, 2021. She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She treasured and devoted her life to her family.

Norma attended Patterson High School in Windsor, Ontario, and then Harry E. Guppy School of Commerce in Windsor, where she earned a degree in secretarial services. She worked as a secretary for an insurance company in the Penobscot building in Detroit, where she met her husband of 42 years, Richard Elconin, who preceded her in death in 2010.

Mrs. Elconin is survived by her daughters and son-inlaw, Elise and Steven Olgin, Alexandra and Andrew Lane, Danielle and Sabrina, Dayna and Garet Zatz, Emily Elconin; son and daughterin-law, Joel and Lisa Elconin; brother and sister-in-law, Marc and Debbie Levin Fogel; sister and brother-inlaw, Sarah Fogel and John Proano; brother, Neil Fogel.

Interment took place at Beth El Memorial Park Cemetery in Livonia.

Contributions may be made to the Dementia Society of America or the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation of America. Arrangements by Dorfman Chapel.

c. 1994

SUSAN

HERKOWITZ, 93, of Birmingham, died Dec. 20, 2021. She is survived by her grandchildren, Seth and Laura Herkowitz, and Rachael Herkowitz and Michael O’Toole; great-grandchildren, Samarah Harlow Herkowitz, Schoen Harrison Herkowitz, and Jack Harry O’Toole.

Mrs. Herkowitz was the beloved wife of the late Irving Herkowitz; the cherished mother of the late Harry and the late Janis Herkowitz.

Interment was at Clover Hill Park Cemetery. Contributions may be made to Harry N. Herkowitz Endowed Chair in Orthopaedics, c/o Beaumont Health Foundation, 26901 Beaumont Blvd. 5D, Southfield, MI 48033, beaumont.org/giving; or Holocaust Memorial Center, 28123 Orchard Lake Road, Farmington Hills, MI 48334, holocaustcenter.org. Arrangements by Ira Kaufman Chapel.

KALMAN “JAY”

IGOL, 75, of Farmington Hills, died Dec. 16, 2021. He is survived by his beloved wife, Frieda Igol; daughter and son-in-law, Nikki Igol and Nelson Harst; many loving cousins, nieces, nephews, other family members and friends.

Interment took place at Hebrew Memorial Park Cemetery in Clinton Township. Contributions may be made to the Diabetes Association or to a charity of one’s choice. Arrangements by Dorfman Chapel.

MADELINE DIANE JACOBS

(née Nisenbaum), 82, of Ñovi, passed away on Dec. 13, 2021.

She was born in Detroit on March 17, 1939. She was a graduate of Central High School and Wayne State University.

Madeline was an artist, elementary school teacher and, later, a management recruiter who started her own business.

She leaves behind her loving husband, James Jacobs; her son and daughter-in-law, Terrence and Tina Shulman; her son, Jordan Shulman; his son, Devan Shulman; her stepson, Martin Jacobs; her stepdaughter, Barbara Spellman; Barbara’s four children, Phoenix Spencer, Sierra Hagerman, Jalen Spellman and Sabrina Spellman; sisters, Nikki Van Dine and Michele Stevenson; many dear nieces and nephews

Mrs. Jacobs was the sister of the late Ruth Leventyn, the late Jack Nisenbaum, the late Sally Eder.

A memorial service will be held at the Congregation for Humanistic Judaism of Metro Detroit (formerly Birmingham Temple) in Farmington Hills on Thursday, Jan. 6, 2021, at 11 a.m. with a luncheon to follow on site. Attendees are required to show proof of Covid vaccination and to wear face masks.

continued on page 68

We understand that grief is a part of love. Let us assist your family during this difficult period.

OBITUARIES

OF BLESSED MEMORY

continued from page 67

Contributions may be made in Madeline Jacobs’ name to the Congregation for Humanistic Judaism of Metro Detroit and/or the National or Michigan Alzheimer’s Association.

GERALD LAX,

84, of Hamtramck, died Dec. 14, 2021. He is survived by dear friends and relatives.

Mr. Lax was the dear brother of the late Pamela Lax; beloved son of the late Andrew and the late Esther Lax.

Contributions may be made to a charity of one’s choice. A graveside service was held at Hebrew Memorial Park Cemetery. Arrangements by Hebrew Memorial Chapel.

SHELDON

LUBLIN, 86, of West Bloomfield, died Dec. 19, 2021. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Phyllis Lublin; daughters and sonsin-law, Elizabeth and Jeff Ribera, and Marcie and Carl Howard; son and daughterin-law, Kevin and Christina Lublin; grandson, Jordan Howard; brother and sisterin-law, Daniel and Helene Lublin; many loving nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

Mr. Lublin was the dear brother of the late Dorothy and the late Abe Gichtin.

Interment was at Clover Hill Park Cemetery. Contributions may be made to a charity of one’s choice. Arrangements by Ira Kaufman Chapel.

SUZANNE ARLENE

MANSFIELD, 84, of Commerce Township, died Dec. 14, 2021.

She was the devoted daughter of the late Max and the late Mary Mansfield; the cherished sister of the late Marjorie Greenberg.

Interment was at Beth El Memorial Park. Contributions may be made to a charity of one’s choice. Arrangements by Ira Kaufman Chapel.

CARLA L. MOSS,

82, of West Bloomfield, died Dec. 16, 2021. A voracious reader, she loved the library, so much so, that she began volunteering at the Southfield library during the early 1970s while busily raising her three children. It didn’t take long for Carla to turn her passion for books into a career; she moved up the ranks quickly from volunteer to part-time clerk and eventually head of circulation.

After a long illness, Carla died peacefully at home, her loving husband of 62 years, Howard, and her caregivers, were by her side. Carla’s daughter Lisa Cohen said her mother’s biggest professional accomplishment was comput-

erizing the checkout system at the library during the 1980s. Perhaps even more meaningful, she also passed her love of reading onto her children and grandchildren.

“She read novels everything and just about anything that came into the library,” Lisa said. “One of the perks of the job was she got to read all the new books before they made their way to the shelves. She liked to know what the latest releases were and felt it was important to be able to share her knowledge about the books with library patrons.”

She loved seeing her children’s friends when they hung out at the library, daughter Rhonda Moss said.

“My friends would go the library to study and end up talking to my mom the whole time they were there,” Rhonda said. “They loved her.”

Moss grew up in Detroit and graduated from Mumford High School. In addition to reading, she liked to go for long walks and played mahjong and canasta.

Mrs. Moss is survived by her husband; two daughters, Lisa and Rhonda; her son and daughter-in-law, Eric Moss and Brenda Rosenthal; grandchildren, Danny and Max Cohen, and Josh and Noah; sister-in-law, Zeda Nathan; son-in-law, David Cohen; her long-time caregiver, Daisy Lawson; and caregiving team, Cecile, Daisy, Alma and Veronica.

She was the daughter of the late Leslie and Minnie Joseph; sister of the late Judith Shorr. Interment was held at Adat Shalom Memorial Park Cemetery in Livonia. Contributions may be made to a charity of one’s choice. Arrangements by Dorfman Chapel

DONALD

NITZKIN, 88, of Boca Raton, Fla., died Dec. 22, 2021. He is survived by his wife, Florence Nitzkin; daughter and son-in-law, Shelley and Marc Shindler; sons and daughters-in-law, Jay and Andi Nitzkin, and Gary and Julie Nitzkin; grandchildren, Jennie and Adam Gnesin, Julie and Mark Cohen, Adam and Jessica Shindler, Jacob Nitzkin, Ari Nitzkin, Rachel and Jon Silverberg, and Jonah Nitzkin; great-grandchildren, Ellery, Parker, Dean, Anna, Grace and Nealie; brother, Joel Nitzkin; brothers-in-law and sisterin-law, Morty Tobin, Al Tobin, and Marshall and Rhoda Tobin.

Mr. Nitzkin was the devoted son of the late Meyer and the late Martha Tobin; and the dear brother-in-law of the late Phyllis Nitzkin, the late Diane Tobin, the late Virginia Tobin, and the late Harold and the late Ruthy Tobin.

Interment was at Machpelah Cemetery. Contributions may be made to a Jewish charity. Arrangements by Ira Kaufman Chapel.

HARVEY THOMAS

STALBURG, 81, of Southfield, died Dec. 18, 2021.

He is survived by his daughters and their spouses, Barbi Stalburg and Ben Kasoff of Beverly Hills, Dr. Caren M. Stalburg and Quinta Vreede of Ann Arbor; sister, Sheryl Uday; grandchildren, Brooke Bell, Drew Bell; loving partner, Elaine Baker; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Harold and Carolyn Kane, Dr. William and Marilyn Kohen, Paula Marquart; nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many good friends.

Mr. Stalburg was the beloved husband of the late Diana J. Stalburg; cherished brother of the late Stanley Stalburg; dear brother-in-law of the late Robert Marquart.

Contributions may be made to American Heart Association, Memorial & Tribute Lockbox, 3816 Paysphere Circle, Chicago, IL. 60674; or to a charity of one’s choice. A graveside service was held at Adat Shalom Memorial Park in Livonia. Arrangements by Hebrew Memorial Chapel.

COLEMAN

VERONA, 88, of Farmington Hills, died Dec. 15, 2021. A natural giver and people connector, Coleman loved life and sharing his passions with people. He was present and genuine, always interested in learning about others and imparting his wisdom or finding a way to help better their lives. He received great joy seeing others achieve their dreams and was always front and center, cheerleading all the way.

Laughter and fun were a huge part of Coleman’s life. He was always sharing stories and telling jokes. Coleman never met a stranger; and one thing for sure, if he knew you, he was always in your corner.

As a lifelong horseback rider, Coleman spearheaded his first official City Slicker trip out West. This trip became an annual adventure spanning 15 years often to different destinations. He would round up 20 city slickers from near and far, ages 17 to 90, including many fathers and sons.

He loved his family and was loved in return. He will be missed by surviving family members, including his beloved wife; Judy Trivax Verona; cherished son, Paul Verona (Julie); daughter, Rhonda Verona; adored grandchildren, Bradley, Brandon and Jessica Verona; sister-in-law, Paula Polan (the late John Polan); adored nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews; wonderful lifelong friends.

Mr. Verona was the cherished son of the late Florence Verona and the late Abe Verona; son-in-law of the late Ruth Trivax Waxer; brother of the late Eleanor Heyman (the late Dr. Louis Heyman).

To honor his memory, please donate to a charity of your choice. Arrangements by Ira Kaufman Chapel.

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