OBITUARIES MILDRED K. ABRAHAM CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA.—Mildred K. Abraham, 91, of Charlottesville, Va., passed away peacefully on June 17, 2022, in the home that she loved so much at Westminster Canterbury of the Blue Ridge. Born on November 28, 1930, in the city of New York, she was the daughter of Margaret and Monroe Kosches. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Henry, her parents, and her sister, Joan Rodger. Mildred resided for most of her childhood years in Woodmere, Long Island with her parents and her sisters Joan, Susan, and Peggy. It was there that she first gained her love of books and reading. She received her undergraduate degree from Russell Sage College, a master’s degree in English from the University of Pennsylvania and a master’s degree in Library Science from Drexel University. Mildred met her husband of more
than 60 years, Henry J. Abraham, while studying at the University of Pennsylvania and spent their life together sharing their love of travel, books, and spending time with friends and family. Mildred and Henry traveled the world together visiting dozens of countries, but no place was more special to her than her beloved Italy, which she visited more than 30 times in her life. Mildred worked most of her adult life as a librarian, first as the head librarian at the Shipley School in Philadelphia, then at the Blue Ridge School near Charlottesville. She later joined the faculty at Alderman Library at the University of Virginia shortly thereafter and soon became a research librarian at the Special Collections Department, where she had a distinguished career before retiring in 1993. Mildred’s love of books and reading inspired her in 1995 to create the nonprofit organization, Book Baskets, that
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provides new and used books to children who are less able to afford them and have few books of their own. Twenty-five years later, Book Baskets continues to provide the gift of books to children in the Charlottesville and Albemarle area with an average of 20,000 books donated annually. This work led her to receive the honor of being selected in 2014 by the Daily Progress as one of the “Distinguished Dozen” who were recognized for exemplary service to their community. Mildred is survived by her sons, Philip and Peter, their spouses, Janet and Anne; her grandchildren, Ben Abraham, Lauren McKown, Marnie Abraham and Liesel Abraham; and her sisters, Susan and Peggy. Memorial contributions may be made to Book Baskets, 105 Whetstone Place, Charlottesville, VA 22911. A private funeral service was held. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.hillandwood.com.
EVELYN TAVSS ADLER VIRGINIA BEACH—Evelyn Tavss Adler passed away on June 30, 2022 in Virginia Beach. She was predeceased by her husband Marvin Adler, her parents Bessie and Daniel Tavss, her siblings Irving Tavss and Jeane Reznick, brothers-in-law Jerome Gross, Joe Reznick, Ted Adler, and Jerry Adler. She is survived by her children Dorothy Salomonsky (Edwin) and Larry Adler (Ronna); grandchildren Beth Gerstein, Dan Salomonsky (Jill), Nancy Helman (Phil), Robin Kantor (Ross), Josh Adler (Ashley), and Lindsey Aftel (Todd); great grandchildren Mallory Gerstein, Max and Ben Salomonsky, Matthew and Megan Helman, Joey and Brody Kantor, Sonya, Ellie, Abe and Minnie Adler, and Lena and Johnny Aftel; sister Barbara Gross, brother Richard Tavss (Ruth), sisters-inlaw Sandra Tavss and Sally Adler. A graveside funeral was held at Forest Lawn Cemetery with Rabbi Roz Mandelberg officiating. Contributions in her name can be made to Jewish Family Service and Ohef Sholom Temple. Condolences may be made to her family at www.altmeyerfh.com.
NATALIE MANDEL ARON NORFOLK—Natalie Mandel Aron, 90, passed away on June 2, 2022. Born in Brooklyn, New York, she was the daughter of Anna and Isaac Mandel. Natalie moved to Norfolk at age 14 and became a true Southern Belle. Following graduation from Maury High School, she attended the University of Chicago, the Sorbonne and graduated from the University of Richmond. Natalie earned a master’s degree from Hampton University. She retired from Old Dominion University as a French professor. She visited museums all over the world and volunteered as a docent at the Chrysler Museum for many years. We will miss her famous chicken soup and exquisite formal table settings. She was an accomplished pianist who wrote her own music. Natalie always left the house impeccably dressed with matching shoes and handbags. Natalie doted on her grandchildren. Each grandchild was so excited to turn eight and travel with Nanny to Washington, DC. She was extremely proud of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She followed their accomplishments closely and was always happy to introduce them to her friends and colleagues. In addition to her parents, Natalie was predeceased by her husband, Fred Aron, and sister, Marcella Levi. She is survived by her daughters, Connie Meyer and husband Bruce, and Laurie Slone and husband Jordan. Natalie adored her grandchildren: Miri and Jacob Slone; Dee and Aron Slone; Bracha and Jesse Slone and Anna and Eitan Bloom. She was fortunate to be Nanny to 10 great-grandchildren. Aunt Natalie is also survived by a special niece who was more like a daughter, Jill Smith. Please consider donations to Toras Chaim School, 3110 Sterling Point Drive, Portsmouth, Va., 23703. Please visit hdoliver.com to leave a message for the family. WENDY ALLISON COOPER VIRGINIA BEACH—Wendy Allison Cooper, 61, died peacefully on June 15 at her home in Virginia Beach surrounded by loving family after a courageous struggle
