Zelma Lavin

To the Lavin family: So sorry to hear of the loss of "Aunt" Zellie. Dick and Zellie were best friends with my parents, Bert and Arlene Lowenthal. Zellie was a sweetheart. Always thought of her as part of my family. May she rest in peace.
Love, Alan Lowenthal

Lavin Family: The Dunn family (Michael, Peggy, and our three children - Zachary, Carly, and Adam) extend our deepest sympathies to you and your extended family. As you know, the Dunns and Lavins had a long and wonderful relationship with each other. And Zel was the person I turned to whenever my mother wasn't available. We have wonderful memories of her spirit, friendship, and generosity. There wasn't one time when we visited from Virginia where your mother didn't stop down and deliver...

Zel was one of the most inspiring people I've known in my lifetime. Not only was she an active member of Sinai Temple up to the day of her passing, she was a leader and a caring member throughout her life. Zel was a patient of mine but way more than that she was a friend. You will be sorely missed. I hope your passing was peaceful and brief. No one deserves to suffer in the end but you more than anyone earned the right to a peaceful ending surrounded by your family. Go in Peace.

A lovely lady. May her memory be eternal.

Dear Bill, Jim and Bob,

Aunt Zel, as we all called her, played a pivotal role in our lives, whether it be a synagogue issue or a neighbor issue or a 'coming of age' situation. She thought of everything, all the time and was a consummate 'giver'. How she managed to give so much to so many and still have time to be a devoted wife and ever present mom is beyond me.

We have fond memories of times spent: the first Super Bowl, Rosh Hashonah luncheons, weddings, stopping by for a visit...

Zel was a great lady. She and her family moved to Longmeadow in 1961, the same year my family did. Her son Jim and I both started Blueberry Hill School in Longmeadow in fall 1961. We quickly became close friends. I therefore knew Zel the entire 57 years she lived in Longmeadow. She was a close friend of my mother, who died a few months ago. I miss both of them.

Zel was a dynamo. She was a beloved matriarch in our community, who was still active, participatory and contributing to her last day. She was articulate, intelligent and giving. She will be missed.