Ruth Mansberg

Ruth Mansberg, of Chapel Hill, NC, died on November 6, 2000, after a short illness. A writer, editor, poet, activist, and homemaker, she was born on December 22, 1924 in New York City, the daughter of Fanny and Harry Bluestein. She was a graduate of Hunter College in New York. Before moving to Chapel Hill nine years ago, she and her husband, Hyman Mansberg, were longtime residents of Pound Ridge, NY, where she was chair of the local Nuclear Freeze group, a library volunteer, and a freelance editor and writer.
Ms. Mansberg worked for a number of newspapers and trade publications during her lifetime and co-authored two books. In Chapel Hill she was a lively and dedicated member of the Shared Learning program and served a term as president of that group. Her literary insights and eloquence inspired many of her peers in that community of lifelong learners.
Over her lifetime, Ms. Mansberg generously gave of her time to social causes. She was especially dedicated to working toward the eradication of injustice and prevention of war. Toward that end, she was a longtime member of the League of Women Voters, and she served as secretary of the Chapel Hill branch of Women's International League for Peace and Freedom, editing that organization's newsletter for a number of years.
In addition to her accomplishments as a freelanceprofessional and social activist, Ms. Mansberg was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She leaves behind a great many friends in North Carolina and New York, and is survived by her husband of 53 years, Hy Mansberg; her mother, Fanny Bluestein of Durham, NC; two sisters, Pearl Helton of Jensen Beach, FL, and Myra Goodman of Napels, FL; a daughter, Laura Cotterman of Hillsborough, NC; a son, Daniel Mansberg of Cayucos, CA; and two grandchildren, Rachel Cotterman and Orion Mansberg.
A memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to Triangle Hospice, Durham, North Carolina.