Obituaries

ELSIE HIRSCH

VIRGINIA BEACH—Elsie Hirsch, 99, passed away peacefully at home on April 1, 2021, just days shy of her 100th birthday.

She was born in Ulm, Germany on April 6, 1921 to Carl and Hilda Moos.

In 1939, Elsie immigrated to the United States with her parents as a Holocaust refugee. Her brother, Henry Moos, had arrived a year earlier. After a perilous transatlantic voyage, the family settled in Portsmouth, Va. to begin their new lives. Not long after, Elsie met the love of her life, Jerry Hirsch while working in a garment factory. They married in 1944 and built a life together, welcoming two children, Evelyn and Steve, along the way. Oma, as she was affectionately known by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, always lived in the present, preferring not to dwell on past hardships.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Jerry, her brother Henry, and her granddaughter Lisa Clerici. Survivors include her children Evelyn (Jeffrey, of blessed memory) and Steve (Pamela); her grandchildren Carrie Fuchs (Dave), Jessica Fielek and Vanessa Freihofer (Jim), as well as eight great-grandchildren whom she cherished.

She was one of Temple Israel’s earliest members in the 1950’s. She enjoyed being a part of the Temple Israel Sisterhood and Jewish Lodge Brith Sholom.

Elsie was known for many things: her unending love and devotion to her family, her talent as a seamstress, her beautiful German accent, and her potato salad that none of us can seem to recreate. She always had a warm smile and a kind nature that will not be forgotten by anyone who knew her.

The family would be remiss not to mention the attentive and compassionate care that Elsie received at Beth Sholom Village in the last years of her life. Elsie was beloved by staff and residents alike and she will be lovingly remembered.

A graveside service was held at Forest Lawn Cemetery by Rabbi Dr. Michael E. Panitz and Cantor Elihu Flax. The service was live-streamed on the Facebook page of H.D. Oliver Funeral Apts., Inc. Online condolences may be offered to the family at hdoliver.com.

Donations to the Beth Sholom Village.

SEYMOUR BENJAMIN MENDELSSOHN

VIRGINIA BEACH—Seymour B. “Baca” Mendelssohn, 78, of Virginia Beach, and formerly of Scranton, passed away peacefully on April 7, 2021, at Beth Sholom Village. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Maxine Marcus Mendelssohn.

Born in the Bronx, N.Y., he is the son of the late Irving and Frieda Steinwasser Mendelssohn. Seymour attended Scranton Central High School and went on to attend the University of Scranton, where he graduated magna cum laude with his bachelor of science degree and a master’s degree in business administration. Before his retirement, he was first employed by the Government Accounting Office and then moved to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, working as a program analyst.

Seymour was a member of Temple Hesed. Seymour was an Eagle Scout and little league baseball coach. He loved to collect shells in Sanibel Island and won a dance contest during the musical, Grease as he danced with his wife, Maxine. Seymour loved Neil Diamond and was a stamp and coin collector. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend.

Seymour is survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Alan and Gerry Mendelssohn; daughter and son-in-law, Rachel and Eric Anderson; and son and daughter-in-law, Michael and Jennifer Mendelssohn. Seymour is also survived by his four granddaughters, Courtney and Lindsey Anderson and Gracie and Stella Mendelssohn.

A graveside service was held in Temple Hesed Cemetery, Dunmore, by Rabbi Daniel Swartz and Cantor Wendi Fried.

The family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Beth Sholom Village for the excellent care they provided.

Memorial contributions in Seymour’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association.

BENITA “BUNNY” MIRMAN

NORFOLK—Benita “Bunny” Mirman passed away peacefully on April 5, 2021, surrounded by her three children.

Bunny was born on May 23, 1938, to Herman and Pauline Bernstein in Suffolk, Virginia, and moved to Norfolk following her marriage to Stanley (Sonny) Mirman in 1958.

She spent much of her life supporting important causes, including ORT, DePaul Hospital Auxiliary, and local law enforcement agencies.

Bunny is survived by her three children, Jeri Johnson (Chris), Steven Mirman (Angie) and Mia Hanczaryk (Phil); three grandchildren, Harrison Weisberger, Jessica Mirman, and Samantha Hanczaryk; her brother Dr. Jeffrey Bernstein (Janet) of Atlanta, as well as a host of extended family and close friends. Bunny was predeceased by her husband of 41 years, Stanley “Sonny” Mirman.

Bunny was a talented artist who enjoyed sharing her work and will be greatly missed by many who were fortunate enough to call her their friend.

A graveside service was conducted at Forest Lawn Cemetery by Rabbi Rosalin Mandelberg. Memorial donations to the Fraternal Order of Police Associates, 2501 La Mirage Court, Virginia Beach, Va. 23456, or to a favorite charity. Online condolences can be made at hdoliver.com.

JUDGE NORMAN OLITSKY

NORFOLK—Judge Norman Olitsky, 96, passed away peacefully on April 8, 2021, after a courageous and debilitating battle with congestive heart failure.

Born in Norfolk, Virginia, he was the only child of Jack and Celia Olitsky. His childhood years were happy and full, encompassed by a family of loving aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents. Family gatherings meant lots of laughter, good times, and, of course, music. His father’s Philadelphia family provided the same loving experiences, which stayed with Norman throughout his life.

Upon graduation from Maury High School, Norman was soon drafted into the U. S. Army during World War II. In his three years of service at many stateside bases, he sealed his reputation for excellence by playing his saxophone and clarinet in numerous Army bands. He often said it was great to provide some joy and music to the troops. This gift was also recognized in his earlier years in Norfolk, when he was selected as first chair clarinetist in the Norfolk Symphony at a very early age. While still in high school, he also played in the pit in several Norfolk theaters in an effort to supplement family finances during the depression.

After being honorably discharged from the Army, Norman attended the Norfolk Division of William and Mary and ultimately graduated from the University of Miami with a business administration degree. His pursuit of a law degree took a three-year hiatus while he ran his parents’ Portsmouth business for his ailing father. He eventually graduated from the University of Georgia Law School.

In 1956, Norman returned to Portsmouth with his wife Marcia and began his law practice. These proved to be very busy years, building a law practice; starting a family; and having many community commitments too numerous to name, but included civic; the arts, which included the Musicians’ Local 125, political, and of course, the law. Even after retiring from the bench, he enjoyed supporting the wonderful work of LifeNet Health in Virginia Beach by serving on its board.

During Norman’s 35 years of private practice in Portsmouth, Marcia read the law under his supervision; passed the bar; and became the first female attorney in Portsmouth, a tribute to a man who did not have one female in his graduating law class in 1956. By 1975, he helped bring the first female attorney to Portsmouth. They were both trailblazers.

Following his 35 years of private practice, he was appointed to the Portsmouth Circuit Court in 1991, and retired in 1999. He continued to serve as a substitute judge throughout the Commonwealth in addition to mediation with The McCammon Group until 2018. His love of the law was life-long, while

OBITUARIES

his reputation for being prepared, thorough, and fair is his legacy.

Norman is survived by his devoted wife of 33 years, Susan Olitsky. Both were well aware of how blessed they were to share their lives in good health and surrounded by love. Fortunately, there are many wonderful memories from which to draw strength, solace, and warmth in the years ahead. He is also survived by his adoring daughters: Ronni Olitsky (Jeff Young), Rozanne Worrell (Brad), Jacky Olitsky, and Caryn Wall (Gresh); and his three adoring grandchildren: Lily Young, Kenzie Wall, and Gresham Wall. He will also be fondly remembered by sisters in-law Kathy Dutlinger and Linda Crooks, as well as nieces Heather Short (Jas), Lyn Cherry (Taylor), and nephew John Crooks. There are also 11 grand nieces and nephews who so enjoyed Uncle NoNo providing the wonderful music at so many family affairs through the years. He was a man so full of life that the only way to describe him was to say, “He was always young,” young of spirit; young of heart; the curiosity of youth; and the pursuit of life to its fullest.

Due to COVID, the burial was a private family service handled by H. D. Oliver Funeral Apartments. The service was conducted by Rabbi Rosalin Mandelberg, and was available via live stream. A celebration of Norman’s life will be held at a later and safer date. Memorial donations may be made to Virginia Symphony Orchestra, WHRO, or a charity of choice. Online condolences may be sent to the family through hdoliver.com.

GLORIA GROSSMAN PADERSKY

NORFOLK—Gloria Grossman Padersky passed away on April 14, 2021 at the age of 94. She was predeceased by her husband of 74 years, Louis, just three days before. Gloria could not bear to be without him. She was also predeceased by her parents Charles and Lily Grossman.

Left to cherish her memory are her two daughters Michele (Skip) and Lynn (Burt), as well as her brother Howard Grossman (Annette). Gloria’s grandchildren will miss her dearly: Dana (Brian), Marc, Jason, Scott, Leanne (Kevin) and Joni. Gloria enjoyed her grandsons by choice, Josh and Michael. She was also blessed with eight great grandchildren.

Gloria was born in Brooklyn, New York, surrounded by her parents and grandparents. She and Lou met as children and later reunited on a bus. They were married on October 6, 1946 and settled in the New York area for several years. In 1960, they moved the family to Norfolk and quickly settled into the community. She worked in the family business, Arco Hardware and was a member of Temple Israel.

Gloria enjoyed spending time with friends—playing mah jong and canasta. She delighted in the children and grandchildren’s activities. She never met a server or store associate that she truly liked. But there were some lucky ones. One never had to wonder what her opinion was—she was straightforward, no nonsense, but most of all, loving.

We are comforted to know that Gloria and Lou are now reunited with their best friends the Kormans. The foursome also lovingly known as the Ricardos and the Mertzes.

Burial was at Forest Lawn Cemetery with a live stream available. Altmeyer Funeral Homes.

Memorial donations can be made to your charity of choice.

LOUIS PADERSKY

NORFOLK—Louis Padersky passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 11 2021 at the age of 95, surrounded by his loving family.

He was survived by his wife of 74 years, Gloria and two daughters Michele (Skip) and Lynn (Burt). Lou adored his grandchildren who will miss “Papa

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Chris Sisler, Vice President, Member of Ohef Sholom Temple, Board member of the Berger-Goldrich Home at Beth Sholom Village, James E. Altmeyer, Jr., President, James E. Altmeyer, Sr., Owner

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OBITUARIES

continued from page 29 Lou” dearly: Dana (Brian), Marc, Jason, Scott, Leanne (Kevin) and Joni. Lou also enjoyed his grandsons by choice Josh (Tasia) and Michael. Lou was blessed with eight great grandchildren. He was pre-deceased by his parents, Samuel and Molly Padersky, brother Ben “Sonny” Padersky, and sister, Jean Somer.

He was born in Brooklyn, New York and served in the US Army during World War II. Lou moved the family to Norfolk in 1960 and was a long-time member of Temple Israel. He had a deep love of his Jewish faith and especially loved his borscht, matzah ball soup, and challah. Lou basked in the glow of his family’s “Simchas” and had the great honor of reciting the blessings at each celebration. He devoted his heart and soul to his family. After working in the plumbing business for several years, he became the owner of Arco Hardware. If he had his way, he would never have stopped working.

Burial was at Forest Lawn with a live stream available. Altmeyer Funeral Homes. Memorial donations to a charity of the donor’s choice.

MARIANNE STEINER, 101, STYLISH HOLOCAUST SURVIVOR WHO SUPPORTED RESEARCH ON GERMAN JEWRY

(JTA)—As a young Jewish refugee in the late 1930s, Marianne Steiner brought creative flair to her job as a window dresser at Saks Fifth Avenue, the upscale department store in Manhattan.

While her family was well off before fleeing Nazi Germany, their finances in New York were more limited. At the time, Steiner owned only one black dress that she wore to work each day, embellishing it with different collars and cuffs and even fooling her co-workers. When they asked what she wanted for her birthday, to their surprise she said she hoped for a new dress.

The story is among the many she enjoyed sharing with her family, according to her son, Tom.

“She had a lot of style,” he says. “She knew everyone. My friends who were much younger than she was, they loved her. She was the life of the party.”

Steiner was in good health and awaiting her second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine when she contracted the coronavirus. She died in New York City on Feb. 26, 2021. She was 101.

Born in 1919, Steiner had an idyllic childhood growing up in a family of successful livestock traders. As a teenager in the early 1930s, she watched from her window in horror as Nazi soldiers marched in the streets of her hometown.

In 1933, her parents sent her to a Catholic school in Belgium, hoping to protect her from the looming danger. She later transferred to a school in England to study art. Her parents managed to escape and reunited with Steiner in England before traveling on to New York, settling on Manhattan’s Upper West Side.

In 1942, she married Paul Steiner, an Austrian refugee who had rented a room from her parents. A writer, Paul Steiner founded Chanticleer Press and became an influential publisher who created the Audubon Society Field Guides. He died in 1996.

The couple was passionate about the arts and became collectors of notable works of early Greek art. They were also longtime supporters of the Leo Baeck Institute, a research library that holds family papers, including archival material going back to prewar Germany. Steiner continued her involvement with the organization after her husband’s death.

“They were involved so no one would forget what happened in the Holocaust,” Tom Steiner says.

Along with her son, Steiner is survived by three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.