Obituary for Bertha Schwarz (Teitelbaum)
We are heartbroken to announce the passing today, April 2, 2022, of our beloved mother, grandmother, sister, friend, and wonderful human being Bertha Schwarz (Bracha bat Dora).
Bertha (Berthe)Teitelbaum was born in Antwerp Belgium in 1933 and after surviving the Holocaust she and her mother and 2 sisters immigrated to Palestine to help build the new State of Israel. After serving in the Israel Defense Forces and marrying, Bertha then immigrated to the United States where she started her own family in Brookline and then Newton, MA. Bertha believed that the Holocaust should never be forgotten so she regularly spoke through the Baltimore Holocaust Speakers Bureau at many local schools about her experience as a child survivor. She felt it was critical for us all to be students of history so the horrors she experienced as a child would never be repeated.
Bertha also volunteered at the Claims Conference (that helped to distribute government money to survivors in need) and the American Red Cross Tracing Service where she began researching her family history. That led to roots trips to Europe with her two sisters to retrace their steps as children, and then to Poland for conferences on wartime hidden children. Bertha recently published her memoir, an account of her life on three continents.
Bertha enjoyed the arts, music, theater, travel, and, ever curious about others, she loved to learn about different cultures. Her warmth and dedication to family and friends were always felt by all who knew her. She was very generous with her time and resources with people and causes close to her heart. The Tanglewood Music Center in the Berkshire Mountains is a unique music and nature summer retreat that Bertha enjoyed with family and friends for many summers. Israel always held a special place in Bertha’s heart, and she took many trips there to be with family. There she will be laid to rest.
Bertha is survived by her son, Daniel Asher Schwarz of Philadelphia, daughter-in-law Susan, grandsons Eric Andrew and Zachary Karl; her daughter Mira Elisabeth Appleby of Baltimore, son-in-law Daniel, grandchildren Samuel Joshua and Dena Rebecca; and daughter Ronit Edda Gorelik, son-in-law Kenneth of Modiin, Israel, grandchildren Avigail Dorit and Joseph Yechiel; her sister Bella Mandelbrod of Ramat Hasharon, Israel and many nieces and nephews in Israel.
Memorial Service will be held on Monday, April 4, at 12:30 pm at Levinson’s Funeral Home 8900 Reisterstown Road, Baltimore, MD, 21208, with Rabbi Nina Beth Cardin officiating. Burial will follow at the Yarkon Cemetery in Israel. Shiva will be held at the home of Ronit Gorelik in Modiin Israel.
Bertha strongly supported organizations working in these areas: immigrant assistance, Holocaust education, and the environment.
Memorial donations in Bertha’s honor may be made to: ESRA Israel (immigrant support in Israel), Holocaust Awareness Museum and Education Center (HAMEC), or The World Resources Institute (climate change), Direct donation links are available on this page, under 'Donations.'
Bertha (Berthe)Teitelbaum was born in Antwerp Belgium in 1933 and after surviving the Holocaust she and her mother and 2 sisters immigrated to Palestine to help build the new State of Israel. After serving in the Israel Defense Forces and marrying, Bertha then immigrated to the United States where she started her own family in Brookline and then Newton, MA. Bertha believed that the Holocaust should never be forgotten so she regularly spoke through the Baltimore Holocaust Speakers Bureau at many local schools about her experience as a child survivor. She felt it was critical for us all to be students of history so the horrors she experienced as a child would never be repeated.
Bertha also volunteered at the Claims Conference (that helped to distribute government money to survivors in need) and the American Red Cross Tracing Service where she began researching her family history. That led to roots trips to Europe with her two sisters to retrace their steps as children, and then to Poland for conferences on wartime hidden children. Bertha recently published her memoir, an account of her life on three continents.
Bertha enjoyed the arts, music, theater, travel, and, ever curious about others, she loved to learn about different cultures. Her warmth and dedication to family and friends were always felt by all who knew her. She was very generous with her time and resources with people and causes close to her heart. The Tanglewood Music Center in the Berkshire Mountains is a unique music and nature summer retreat that Bertha enjoyed with family and friends for many summers. Israel always held a special place in Bertha’s heart, and she took many trips there to be with family. There she will be laid to rest.
Bertha is survived by her son, Daniel Asher Schwarz of Philadelphia, daughter-in-law Susan, grandsons Eric Andrew and Zachary Karl; her daughter Mira Elisabeth Appleby of Baltimore, son-in-law Daniel, grandchildren Samuel Joshua and Dena Rebecca; and daughter Ronit Edda Gorelik, son-in-law Kenneth of Modiin, Israel, grandchildren Avigail Dorit and Joseph Yechiel; her sister Bella Mandelbrod of Ramat Hasharon, Israel and many nieces and nephews in Israel.
Memorial Service will be held on Monday, April 4, at 12:30 pm at Levinson’s Funeral Home 8900 Reisterstown Road, Baltimore, MD, 21208, with Rabbi Nina Beth Cardin officiating. Burial will follow at the Yarkon Cemetery in Israel. Shiva will be held at the home of Ronit Gorelik in Modiin Israel.
Bertha strongly supported organizations working in these areas: immigrant assistance, Holocaust education, and the environment.
Memorial donations in Bertha’s honor may be made to: ESRA Israel (immigrant support in Israel), Holocaust Awareness Museum and Education Center (HAMEC), or The World Resources Institute (climate change), Direct donation links are available on this page, under 'Donations.'