Obits

OF BLESSED MEMORY

RON KAMPEAS JTA

Madeleine Albright was the quintessential late 20th-century Jewish diplomat, haunted by the Holocaust and determined to use what tools her adopted country had to crush inhumanity when it arose.

Except she didn’t know she was Jewish until she was in her 50s, or so she claimed, a revelation that led some Jews to embrace her and others to question whether, like so many others, she had been driven by persecution into denial.

Albright, 84, died March 23, 2022, of cancer, 25 years after making history by becoming the first woman to serve as U.S. secretary of state.

“The world has lost a champion for democracy,” said Tamara Cofman Wittes, who was mentored by Albright when they both served on the National Democratic Institute, and who has been nominated for a senior State Department position under President Joe Biden. “America has lost one of its greatest (as she always said, grateful) patriots. Women have lost a trailblazer and role model.”

Albright was adept at outmaneuvering statesmen — always men — who thought they knew much better than she did. She also delighted in subsequent years in the fact that two close friends, Hillary Clinton and Condoleezza Rice, followed her into the secretary of state role, to which she had been nominated by Clinton’s husband, President Bill Clinton.

Albright hated macho posturing. If she had a credo, she stated it at the U.N. Security Council in 1996, after the Cuban air force shot down two small civilian craft attempting to flee the country, killing four people aboard. “Frankly, this is not cojones,” she said. “This is cowardice.”

But though she cherished the feminism she embraced in her 40s when her husband, a newspaper fortune heir who made her wealthy, abruptly left her for another woman, her drive was informed less by her status as a woman than as a two-time refugee: in 1939, fleeing her birthplace, Prague, as a toddler, and then in 1948, when she was 11, fleeing the city once again as Communist troops moved in.

That sensibility informed her tough-minded diplomacy. Clinton’s second term marked a shift in his diplomatic footing from the Vietnam war opponent wary of American involvement overseas to a robust interventionist whose policies and credible threat of military force helped end carnage in Bosnia, Kosovo and Iraq, and expanded the NATO footprint right up to Russia’s doorstep.

Key to that transition, which still reverberates in the crippling American sanctions on Russia for its war against Ukraine, was switching secretaries of state from the reserved and camera-shy Warren Christopher to the gabby, soundbite-friendly Albright.

Albright, an early backer of Bill Clinton when he was a relatively unknown Arkansas governor, was his first U.N. ambassador, repayment in part for the money she helped raise for his campaign. She chafed at her relative lack of influence in the administration, however; Clinton’s lack of action in Rwanda infuriated her.

Years later, she still fumed, telling an interviewer who challenged her on her efforts at the United Nations to preclude an international effort to stop the genocide that she was “glad you asked that.”

“President Clinton has said repeatedly that failure to act in Rwanda was the biggest policy mistake of his presidency,” Albright told the Washington Post in 2014. “It’s my biggest regret from that time.”

As she matured into her role as U.N. ambassador, she could no longer contain herself. The images of Serbs forcing Bosnian Muslims onto rail cars reminded her of the Holocaust, in which many members of her extended family were murdered. She lobbied for airstrikes against Serbian targets, once telling Colin Powell, then the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, “What’s the point of having this superb military you’re always talking about if we can’t use it?” Powell, famous for his Vietnam-era-founded reluctance for military intervention, said the question nearly caused him an “aneurysm.”

As secretary of state, she could, and did, address the frustrations she had endured as U.N. ambassador. She was behind Clinton’s decision to confront the Serbian military in 1999 as it bore down on Kosovo. Yugoslav strongman Slobodan Milosevic once told her, “Madam Secretary, you are not well informed.” Albright, whose father Josef Korbel, had served as a diplomat in Belgrade, countered, “Don’t tell me I’m uninformed — I lived here.”

She also muscled Boris Yeltsin’s Russia into not blocking the entry into the NATO alliance of Poland, Hungary and the Czech Republic.

The ethos that brought Albright to diplomacy was one that spurred so many other American Jews to enter public service, a dedication borne of the horrors of the midcentury to seek a benevolent American hegemony in its latter half and into the 21st century.

“I am an optimist who worries a lot,” is how she characterized her outlook when she spoke in Cambridge, Massachusetts in 2012 on a book tour.

OF BLESSED MEMORY

died March 24, 2022. She is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law, Cindy and Fred Leff, and Brenda and Jim Herman; son and daughter-in-law, Dr. Douglas and Judy Colman; grandchildren, Brian and Aimee Leff, Randy and Carrie Leff, Jordan and Caroline Leff, Michael Colman, Sara and Adam Herbert, Dana and Michael Gutman, Alex Herman, Joey and Corey Levin, and Robbie Herman and Julia Pockros; great-grandchildren, Reagan Leff, Whitney Leff, Reese Leff, Elliot Leff, Jamey Leff, Emily Herbert, Lily Herbert, Sasha Gutman, Ella Gutman, and Lou Levin; brother, Hubert Katz; loving nieces and nephews, Lora Katz, and David and Jessica Katz; the adoring Glass family in Toronto, Ontario.

Mrs. Colman was the beloved wife of the late William “Bill” Colman; the devoted daughter of the late Eva and the late Joseph Katz.

Interment was at Clover Hill Park Cemetery. Contributions may be made to Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 2265 Livernois, Suite 410, Troy, MI 48083, detroit@cff.org; or Smile Train, 41 Madison Ave., 28th Floor, New York, NY 10010, smiletrain.org. Arrangements by Ira Kaufman Chapel.

GOLDIN, 76, of Dorr, Mich., died March 7, 2022.

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OF BLESSED MEMORY

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active in DeMolay. He attended Monteith College, part of WSU. He was a Measures and Weights Inspector for the Michigan Department of Agriculture.

Larry maintained a lifelong love of classical music, listening to and reading scores, especially of Wagner. He was an avid reader. Larry was predeceased by his parents, Jack Goldin and Shirley Goldin, and by his sister, Bobbie Gavorin.

He is survived by his sister, Pennie Michelin; and his nephew, Joshua Michelin. He is also survived by his ex-wife, Linda Goldin; and maternal aunts, Pearl Dubin, Yona Rudyan and Ilene Rubin. Cremation will take place and no services are planned. Arrangements are by Dykstra Funeral HomesDowntown Chapel. To sign an online registry or leave a memory, visit dykstrafuneralhome.com.

GREENBLATT, 84, of Ferndale, died March 17, 2022. She is survived by her sons and daughterin-law, Harry Greenblatt, Phillip and Susan Greenblatt; daughter, Julia Greenblatt; grandchildren, Andrew Greenblatt and Elyse O’Barr, Olivia Greenblatt, Sarah-Peninnah Bitton, Jonah Greenblatt, Joshua Greenblatt. Helen was passionate about animals and is also survived by her furbaby, Chazak.

Mrs. Greenblatt was the beloved wife for 56 years of the late Samuel Greenblatt; loving mother of the late Paula Greenblatt; cherished sister of the late Phillip “Coco” Pollack; dear mother-in-law of the late Mary Claire.

Contributions may be made to FURKIDS, 5235 Union Hill Road, Cumming, GA 30040; or Michigan Humane Society, 30300 Telegraph Road, Suite 220, Bingham Farms, MI 48025. A graveside service was held at Hebrew Memorial Park. Arrangements by Hebrew Memorial Chapel.

LOIS KATZ, 88, of Bloomfield Hills, died March 20, 2022. She is survived by her daughters and son-in-law, Allison and Jeffrey Berlin, and Alicia Katz; grandchildren, Ari Berlin, Olivia Berlin, Cory Lucas and Jackie Nixon; sister, Barbara Asnien; loving nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Mrs. Katz was the cherished mother of the late Mia Denise Katz.

Interment was at Beth El Memorial Park. Contributions may be made to Jewish National Fund, 42 E. 69th St., New York, NY 10021, jnf.org; ORT America Michigan Region, 6735 Telegraph Road, Suite 375, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48301, ortamerica. org; or to a charity of one’s choice. Arrangements by Ira Kaufman Chapel.

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Frank Peter Kaszynski, 80, of Detroit, was born on March 23, 1942. He passed away peacefully and was surrounded by his loving family and dearest friends on March 17, 2022.

Frank was Head of the X-ray Technology Department at Alexander Blaine Memorial Hospital. After retirement, he pursued his love for architecture, design, history and antiquities. His passions led him to create Edmund Frank & Associates, which was established 46 years ago with his beloved partner of 30 years Edmund Traver. Together their business flourished in the Detroit Metro area.

Frank was a member of the Historic Boston-Edison Association and frequently hosted events, Christmas tours and parties at his beautiful home on West Boston Boulevard. He took pride in hosting cast parties and small private concerts for the Michigan Opera Theater.

From the time Frank was born, he was loved by his family and friends for his humor, wit and passion for life and learning. He would want his friends and customers to know how much they were loved and cherished by him.

Frank was predeceased by his parents, Frank and Cecelia Kaszynski; brother, Michael Kaszynski, and partner, Edmund Traver. He is survived by his sister, Marcy Gumbel (Greg); nieces, Michelle (Joe) and Riley; sister in-law, Gina Kaszynski; nephews, Michael Jr. (Stephanie) and Andrew; nieces, Jennifer Andersen (Roy) and Ashley; goddaughters, Liane (Karas) Benventi and Diana Casetti; stepson, Shawn Traver (Liz); his grandchildren, Shane and Sarah.

In lieu of a traditional memorial service, Frank requested a private celebration of life and would be appreciative of being honored in your hearts and in your memories whenever you think of him. Whether you knew Frank for a few minutes or several years, he left an impression and/or a lifelong friendship.

OF BLESSED MEMORY

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LEADERMAN, 82, of Oak Park, died March 21, 2022. He is survived by his daughter, Rachel Leaderman of Waterford; sister, Rochelle Koppele; many dear nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

Mr. Leaderman was the beloved husband of the late Carol Leaderman.

Contributions may be made to Macomb Oakland Regional Center, morcinc. org; or Michigan Humane Society, 30300 Telegraph Road, #220, Bingham Farms, MI 48025. A funeral service was held at Hebrew Memorial Chapel. Interment took place at Hebrew Memorial Park. Arrangements by Hebrew Memorial. Chapel.

LESSE, 95, of Farmington Hills, died March 2, 2022. She is survived by her husband, Harold Lesse; son and daughter-in-law, Steven and Katherine Lesse of Ann Arbor; daughters and sons-in-law, Karen Lesse Chinich of Hillsborough, N.J., Gina and Christopher Pyzik; grandchildren, Sera and Neil Vajda, Ambe Lesse and Daniel Solomon, Julian Lesse, Madelline and Andrew Carano, Emma and Taylor Wood, Ian Chinich, Derek and Melissa Chinich, Nathanial Pyzik, Noah Pyzik; great-grandchildren, Evelyn Vajda, Jude Vajda, Nevaeh Carano, Elle Carano, Kristin Carano, Kira Chinich; by many loving cousins, other relatives and friends.

Mrs. Lesse was the loving daughter of the late David and the late Zella Werber; dear sister and sister-in-law of the late Annalee and the late Martin Bierman.

Contributions may be made to a breast cancer charity. A graveside service was held at Beth Tikvah Cemetery. Arrangements by Hebrew Memorial Chapel.

NIMCHONOK, 83, of West Bloomfield, died March 23, 2022. He is survived by his son, Robert Charns; daughter, Nancy Farris; grandchildren, Allie and Ryan Farris; sister-in-law, Kitty Charns; many loving cousins, nephews, friends; his loving dog, Lizzie.

Mr. Nimchonok was the beloved husband of the late Barbara Nimchonok; the dear brother-in-law of the late Phillip Charns.

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

DR. LINDA BETH ROSS, 72, died March 4, 2022. After a long illness, she died peacefully at home late one night as Joel held her hand.

Linda loved life and lived it to the fullest, always eager to learn, quick to catch on and utterly fearless. Born July 13, 1949, and raised in Detroit, she quickly showed her abil-

ity to excel at everything she undertook.

An outstanding scholar, she also shone in creative pursuits, attending Interlochen National Music Camp and Cass Tech High School, where she won notice as a pianist, harpist and ballet dancer. Equally outstanding in athletics, she starred in high diving, ice skating and even baseball for an intramural men’s college team.

In 1973, she attended the University of Michigan, moving on to its medical school, where she achieved a residency in dermatology, the first woman to do so in 35 years. She became a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and paved the way for other women.

While in training, she met and married fellow student, Joel Ross. The two physicians moved to San Diego. There, Linda maintained a large practice with many devoted, grateful clients.

A series of chronic illnesses forced early retirement, but she continued to pore over the latest medical journals to keep up with advancements in her field. Despite recurring illness and pain, she was always warm, loving and charitable to a fault. She never failed to display humility, grace, kindness and consideration to others. She was loved, admired and respected by all who knew her.

During her 50+ years of marriage to Joel, she saw her son Andrew become a dermatologist and marry Tiffany Green, whom Linda loved like a daughter. During her final years, her greatest joys were her two grandsons, Jordan and Kobe.

She is interred at El Camino Memorial Park in San Diego, Calif. SUSAN RYCUS, 75, of Howell, died March 15, 2022. She is survived by her daughter, Shari Klein; many other loving family members and friends.

Susan was the daughter of the late Ida and the late Lou Rycus; sister of the late Bob Rycus and the late Brenda Rycus.

Interment took place at Beth El Memorial Park Cemetery in Livonia. Contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association. Arrangements by Dorfman Chapel.

CELIA SIGMAN, 96, of Skokie, Ill., died March 22, 2022. She is survived by her sons and c. 1944 daughters-in-law, Dr. Garry and Helen Sigman, Barry and Katherine Sigman; daughter, Carol Shuster; grandchildren, Dr. Richard (Emily) Shuster, Dr. Adam (Dr. Anna) Shuster, Andrew Sigman, Lee (Jenna) Sigman, Dr. Michael (Dr. Joselyn) Sigman, and Joshua (Mariella) Sigman; great-grandchildren, Ryan, Ari, Jacob, Maya, Zachary and Cooper; many other loving family members and friends.

Mrs. Sigman was the beloved wife of the late Julius Sigman; the mother-in-law of the late Dr. Allen Shuster.

Interment took place at Clover Hill Park Cemetery in Livonia. Contributions may be made to Detroit Public Televison-DPTV or the Red Cross. Arrangements by Dorfman Chapel.

Nancy Ellen Siegel, 72, (née Mitchnick), beloved wife, mother, sister, aunt, niece, cousin and friend, passed March 19, 2022.

A Detroit native, she graduated with distinction from Mumford High School and Wayne State University’s Monteith College and commenced a lifelong career of service to others. Her ability to gain people’s trust and understand their needs and dreams propelled her through positions in the arbitration, medical administration and real estate professions.

Nancy and her husband, Alan, met in 1973 at a party that their respective friends had encouraged them to attend. Alan remarked, “I fell in love with her at first sight; with her beauty and keen mind, I felt I was the luckiest guy in the world.” They married soon after and were blessed with the birth of their son Joshua in 1979. Nancy and Alan rejoiced in raising Joshua and their 48-year long marriage.

In addition to centering her life on Alan and Joshua, Nancy also loved celebrating holidays with extended family, attending the theater and traveling. She possessed a strong Jewish identity and was a dedicated member of Temple Kol Ami, serving in its sisterhood and membership and fundraising committees. Throughout her life, Nancy was also an advocate for social justice, notably

pursuing action to advance workers’ rights, racial equity and LGBTQ+ rights. Her son Josh recalled that, “My mom taught me from an early age that all people are worthy of dignity and respect.” Faced with medical issues in midlife, Nancy persevered and continued family activities and community involvement. “We cherished these extra years with Nancy, with the joys, the tears, and the adventures,” said her Nancy Siegel sister Karen. Nancy will be deeply missed by all who knew her and were touched by her kindness, warmth, generosity of spirit and sense of humor. Nancy is survived by husband, Alan Siegel; son, Joshua Siegel (partner Paul); sister, Karen Strichartz; niece, Jessica Strichartz; nephew, Aaron Strichartz (partner, Sarah) aunts, cousins and many friends. Nancy’s family would like to offer special thanks to Nancy’s caregivers and the hospice staff at Chester Street Residence, who provided her with exceptional care and comfort. Nancy was preceded in death by her parents, Abraham and Sylvia (née Pasmanter) Mitchnick. Interment was at Adat Shalom Memorial Park. Contributions may be made to the Blood Cancer Foundation of Michigan or Leader Dogs for the Blind. Arrangements by Dorfman Chapel.