Theodora Gershuny's Obituary
GERSHUNY--Theodora. Theodora ("Teddi," nee Bernstein) passed away peacefully at her home in Boca Raton on September 6, 2024, just shy of her 100th birthday. Her childhood in Rye, NY largely centered around her family's store, which sold newspapers, sporting goods, toys, books, and all manner of things that inspired in Teddi and her brother Stanley lifelong tendencies toward playfulness, curiosity, and learning. With her husband of 71 years, Maurice ("Maury," predeceased), she traveled the world extensively -- particularly Asia, where Maury sourced materials for his houseware business. They were active members of Temple Israel in their hometown, New Rochelle. Teddi loved to take advantage of Manhattan's cultural offerings, including theater, museums, and the symphony. Having studied sociology at NYU, Teddi was devoted to causes of social justice. She worked as a social worker, attended civil rights marches and demonstrations against the Vietnam War, and raised her voice in the contentious school desegregation debate in New Rochelle. In her later years in Florida, she continued to be a voracious reader, an avid golfer and swimmer, and an enthusiastic raconteur -- particularly of stories from old Rye. She is survived by her daughters Susan (Kirk) Meyer, Valerie (Mark) Robbins, and Lisa (Steve) Karp; grandchildren Melody (John), Zachary (Alejandra), Ross, Myles, Marissa, and Andrea; and great-grand-children Abe, Nora, and Gael -- all of whom were primary focuses and sources of joy. Donations can be made in her honor to Planned Parenthood or DOROT (dorotusa.org).
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