Zelda Gourse

GOURSE, ZELDA (FISHER), widow of the late Harry Andrew Gourse, was born in Providence, a daughter of the late Harry and Ida (Zurier) Fisher. She lived in Fall River, MA from 1938 until 1982 and has been a resident of Providence since then.

A graduate of Pembroke College in Brown University in 1936, she was president of the Student Government Association. In 1966 she earned a Master's Degree in Library Science from the University of Rhode Island, and was the coordinator of Library Services at Bristol Community College in Fall River, retiring in 1978. She was a past president of Fall River's Pembroke College Club and was a member of Brown's first General Development Committee. She and her late husband, together with the class of '36, established a scholarship at Brown in memory of their younger daughter, Sydney Jane.

Mrs. Gourse was a member of A.A.U.W. She was a Life Member of the Sisterhood of Temple Beth El in Fall River, Hadassah, Brandeis Women's Committee, the Fall River Jewish Home for the Aged, and Beth Israel Hospital of Boston, all of which organizations she served in many capacities. She was a member of Temple Beth El of Fall River, Temple Beth El of Providence, and a Life Member of the R.I. Jewish Historical Association.

She was the mother of the late Sydney Jane Gourse and Leslie Gourse, and sister of the late Natalie Percelay and Sidney Fisher. She is survived by her 1st cousin, Melvin Zurier of Providence and many other caring relatives including those of her late husband.

A graveside service will be held on Sunday, August 31st, at 10:00 AM in Temple Beth El Cemetery, 4561 North Main St., Fall River. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the charity of your choice. Shiva will be private. Arrangements by Sugarman-Sinai Memorial Chapel.