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KAZER, Esther Romanoff, one of the first Jewish principals in Miami-Dade County and an advocate of school desegregation in the 1960s, died Thursday, April 18, in Lauderhill. She was 99 years old. She was born September 24, 1913 in Chicago. She graduated from Tuley High School in 1929, received her bachelor's degree from Northwestern University and earned her master's degree in education from the University of Miami. She taught at Miramar Elementary and was the first principal of Everglades Elementary when it opened in 1957. In 1967, she hired the school's first black teacher. "The lady in the office" retired in 1975. She served on the boards of directors of Beth David Congregation and the YM-YWHA, and she was a lifelong Hadassah member. She was a world traveler, patron of the arts, news junkie and most of all, beloved family matriarch. Esther was married to the late Ben P. Kazer for 43 years. She is survived by her children: Judith "Cookie" Kazer Lamet (husband Eric Lamet), Livvy Kazer Lipson (late husband Robert Lipson), and Ralph R. Kazer (wife Shwuyi Leu); her grandchildren: Beth Reinhard (husband Ronnie Greene), Adam Reinhard, Rachel Lipson Gordon (husband Robert Gordon), Aaron Lipson (wife Leslie Kulbersh Lipson), Auben Kazer, Lena Kazer and Max Kazer; and her great-grand-children: Abby and Emma Greene, Eve and Matthew Gordon and Karen and Rory Lipson. She is also survived by her brother-in-law, Norman Rachlin. She was predeceased by her loving sisters, Vivian Schecter (husband Abe Schecter) and Reva Rachlin. The family is most appreciative of the care provided by Joan Pile, Carmen Champagnie and Winsome Miller at Forest Trace. Following a private burial at Mt. Nebo Cemetery in Miami, a memorial service will be held 3 p.m. Sunday, April 21, at Riverside Gordon Memorial Chapel, 5900 S.W. 77th Ave., Miami. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be sent to The Southern Poverty Law Center, www.splcenter.org, 400 Washington Ave., Montgomery, Ala., 36104, or to Hadassah, www.hadassah.org, 50 West 58th St., NY, NY, 10019.
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I grew up in Westchester, attended Everglades Elementary, and remember Mrs. Kazer with fond memories. My condolences to her family.
Nancy Glaser Greenberg
November 26, 2013
Cookie and your siblings: Sweet Memories
Winifred Bell
April 27, 2013
I never had the privilege of knowing Mrs. Kazer. Her daughter Livvy and I were friends at Coral Gables High. My sincerest condolences to the entire family. May her memory be for a blessing.
Karen Lipkind
April 25, 2013
It's so hard to find the right words,
But we hope you'll know somehow,
Our sympathy and very warmest thoughts
Are with the family now. With Many Loving Memories, Estelle and O'Neal McGrew
April 25, 2013
I too remember Mrs Kazer fondly from Everglades Elementary.. What a incredible principal. Rip Mrs Kazer. S
Deann Johnson
April 22, 2013
I was saddened to hear the news of Mrs. Kazer's passing. Coming from a private school environment and transitioning to Everglades Elementary in 2nd grade, I remember how Mrs. Kazer comforted me and made me feel at home along with reasuring my family that I was in good hands. My 3 sisters that followed in my footsteps and I remember our years at Everglades very fondly and Mrs. Kazer will always have a place in our hearts.
Elizabeth Diaz Rizo
April 22, 2013
RIP Mrs. Kazer. You inspired 1000's of children with your kindness and understanding - including me and my brothers. Thank you and God Bless.
Scott Schwartz
April 21, 2013
Im sadden to hear the loss of such a fine an wonderful woman. I remember Mrs Kazer from Everglades she was one of the Best principals in my entire schooling career. I remember the day Ms Sparks an Ms Cockerofft came into class an had several students sing a short tune. I was one of the few that were chosen. I didnt realize at that moment, but, shortly came to feel quite proud as we were chosen to sing a tribute to Ms Kazer @ Coral Park Sr High for her retirement ceremony. I felt so lucky an Proud to be appart of that Gift to her. She will be missed but forever remembered <3
Sandra Resnick
April 21, 2013
Esther was one of a kind--a visionary and ahead of her time. She was a role model for me and many other principals. My condolences to her family.
Florence Kay
April 21, 2013
I remember Esther Kazer our Principal at Everglades1957-63. We were lucky to attend such a fine school and receive an excellent education and preparation for life. A true icon. My your memory be a blessing
Ann-Lynn Denker
April 21, 2013
I grew up in Westchester and attended Everglades Elementary. I remember Mrs. Kazer fondly. She touch many lives. God Bless her and keep her.
Alicia Hamilton
April 21, 2013
My thoughts go out to your family, you will be missed by many of us former students. RIP
Ilene Mednick
April 21, 2013
Rest in peace Mrs Kazer. What a great lady. She kept us safe back in the day at Everglades Elementary.
Laurie Schultz-Scruton
April 21, 2013
Those of us who were lucky enough to have attended Everglades Elementary when Mrs. Kazer was the principal have never forgotten her - she was an inspiration. May her family take comfort in knowing what a difference she made in the lives of so many.
Andrea Zelman
April 21, 2013
I was a student at Everglades elementary 63' to 69'. I remember Mrs. Kazer well and very fondly. Got into a bit of mischief. She was kind to me when the teachers were seeking severe retribution. Sorry to hear of her passing.
David Lazarus
April 20, 2013
What a legacy Mrs. Kazer has left this world. Not only her remarkable family but those she touched as an educator. So many of us that grew up in Westchester (Miami) fondly remember her from Everglades and feel her influence on our lives. As a Principal I am positive she influenced all of those teachers who gave us the excellent education that shaped our futures. I hope she knew how effective her guidance and efforts were. God bless her family during this sad time, and know that we too, share in your loss.
Neil Ramski
April 20, 2013
Esther and my mother first taught together at Coral Way Elementary before I was born... then later worked together for many years at Everglades Elementary. Our families were friends, and I send my love to Cookie, Liv, Ralph and the rest of the extended family. She was such a special person in so many people's lives.
Lee Ann Schlatter
April 20, 2013
My love for learning was in part the result of the leadership and guidance Mrs. Kazer instilled in her faculty and her students at Everglades Elementary. May her family and friends be comforted in the knowledge that she influenced many lives with her kindness and intellect. I have been truly blessed having known her.
Wendy Warfield-Moss
April 20, 2013
From an alumna of Northwestern University, to the family of Esther Romanoff Kazer, I would like to extend my heartfelt condolences for your loss, and as you grieve, may God the hearer of prayer help you to endure this trying time and grant you peace as spoken of at Psalm 65:2
Peggy J. Gaddis
April 20, 2013
I will always remember Mrs. Kazer quite fondly. She was my first grade teacher at Coral Way Elementary when she left to become principal at Everglades Elementary. I later attended fifth and sixth grade at Everglades, where I won the spelling bees. Mrs. Kazer made me feel very special when she announced how proud she was that one of her own students had performed so well. May she rest in peace and her family find comfort in wonderful memories of such a fine lady.
Nicolette Handros
April 20, 2013
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