Rae Abrons

Rae G. Abrons NORFOLK - Rae Goldberg Abrons, 102, passed away at the Beth Sholom Home of Eastern Virginia on April 13, 2010. She was preceded in death by beloved husband, John; parents, David and Esther Goldberg; brothers, Samuel and Ephraim; and sister, Mary (Levy). Born in Bialystok, Poland, Rae, with her mother and siblings, landed in Ellis Island in 1923 following their father to Rochester, N.Y. While working in Portsmouth in 1940s, Rae met her future husband. They were married in Norfolk and immediately Rae had to sacrifice as John was drafted into the Army on their wedding day. As immigrants, Rae and her husband worked long hours to make a living in the United States and send their children to college. She worked side by side with John first at his grocery store and then at his bar and grill until his untimely death in 1967. She and her husband were dedicated to their three sons and sacrificed much so that their sons could all go to college. She was able to see her sons go on to become engineer, attorney and doctor respectively, which she delighted in telling to friends and strangers alike. In later years, she was doubly blessed to be able to share in the successes of her grandchildren as well, who have distinguished themselves in many ways. She was a longtime member of Hadassah and Congregation Beth El Synagogue. She volunteered at the Beth Sholom Home for many years prior to becoming a resident. After moving to Beth Sholom, she was encouraged to show her artistic abilities and began to paint. She received an award from the state of Virginia for one of her paintings. She is survived by her children, Elliot (Jeanne), Arnold, Bert (Chris) Abrons; grandchildren, Debra, Lisa, Ron (Jeanine), Jonathan, Joshua, David (Jessica), Sara, Rachel Abrons, Nina (Chad) Melita; and great-grandchildren, Grant Melita and John Smith Abrons. The family wishes to thank nephew, Dr. Martin Goldberg; niece, Karen Goldberg; niece, Esther Goldberg Tripp; and cousin, Paula Levy for their loving support for Rae. We also want to thank the staff at Beth Sholom Home for the wonderful love and care they gave Rae during her years there. It will never be forgotten. A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, April 16, in Forest Lawn Cemetery by Rabbi Arthur Ruberg and Cantor Gordon Piltch. H.D. Oliver Funeral Apts., Norfolk Chapel, is handling arrangements. Memorials preferred to Hadassah, Beth Sholom Home of Eastern Virginia, 6401 Auburn Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23464 or the donor's favorite charity. Online condolences may be made through www.hdoliver. com.