Bethe Jordana Lipper

Bethe Jordana Gochberg Lipper "Larger than life!" Bethe Jordana Gochberg Lipper, 59, passed away suddenly on Thursday, February 21, 2013. She was born on January 4, 1954, in Far Rockaway, New York. Following graduation in 1970 from Far Rockaway High School, she moved to Richmond, Virginia, to attend Virginia Commonwealth University, attained a Bachelor's degree in biochemistry, and worked at the Medical College of Virginia. Bethe furthered her education, received a Master's degree in Business from the London School of Economics and a Master's degree in Education from the Curry School at University of Virginia. Bethe married Dr. Maurice Lipper in 1982 and enjoyed thirty years of marriage in Charlottesville, Virginia. Survivors include her loving husband, Dr. Maurice Lipper; brother, Alan Gochberg of San Francisco; sons, Norman and Philip Lipper of Charlottesville; daughters, Kim, Tu, and Van Le of Austin, Texas; and their families, including fifteen grandchildren. Bethe prided herself as being a master teacher, shrewd business woman, and an individual not afraid to show her independence and intelligence. She has travelled the world and accumulated many friends from all cultures. To know her was to know a passionate, worldly, and altruistic person. Bethe began teaching at William Monroe High school in the fall of 2004; the hallmark of Bethe's service to her students was a care and concern for each individual, including those with disabilities. Her expertise in working with the most challenging populations, was exhibited in the outcome of either improving the reading level of her 9th graders and/or helping juniors and seniors pass their end of year reading and writing assessments. Her ability to share literature, love of learning and diverse culture broadened and enriched those students she taught. One student commented, "Just do what Mrs. Lipper says, and you'll be alright" when referring to the SOL testing. With a growing maturity, many students that struggled with the demanding content of her 9th grade reading class came to value her contribution to their education as they were later successful in their high school careers. Many left WMHS acknowledging that "learning to read" allowed them to be successful in high school. On many occasions a graduating senior would comment she was the "best teacher" they had in high school. Arrangements included a prayer memorial and burial service at 11 a.m. on Sunday, February 24, 2013, at Congregation Beth Israel Cemetery, 736 1st S. E. Charlottesville, Virginia. Memorial services will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Chabad House of University of Virginia, or the William Monroe High School Library c/o of WMHS, 254 Monroe Drive, Stanardsville, VA 22973.