Rebecca C. Alssid

Rebecca C. Alssid was born January 30, 1936, in Brooklyn, NY, and passed away on February 17, 2026, in Brookline, MA. She was the beloved daughter of the late Tillie and Julius Cedar.

A graduate of Syracuse University (BA, English), Rebecca was a dedicated educator who taught English and Social Studies in the Brookline Public Schools before embarking on a distinguished, decades-long career at Boston University's Metropolitan College.

Her professional journey was marked by tenacity and vision. Beginning her tenure as a secretary, she rose through the ranks, first founding the Evergreen Program, which opened the university's doors to seniors in the community, before going on to become the Founding Director of Food & Wine Programs. There she founded the nation's first Master of Arts in Gastronomy, the Professional Certificate Program in the Culinary Arts, and the Elizabeth Bishop Wine Resource Center. Working alongside Julia Child, Jacques Pépin, and other luminaries, she established food and wine as respected academic disciplines while growing the pool of talent in the culinary and hospitality industries.

Her contributions were widely recognized. In 2018, Oldways honored her with the K. Dun Gifford Local Hero Award for her lifetime of achievement — acknowledging that she didn't just witness the culinary revolution, she was part of it.

Rebecca had a gift for bringing people together — whether orchestrating a grand party or a small dinner. She had a magnetic presence and a strong personality, and people loved being a part of her circle. Her rich social and cultural life was enjoyed with her many good friends and family, from the Boston Symphony Orchestra to the Red Sox and anything in between.

Rebecca was predeceased by her first husband, Michael W. Alssid; her second husband, Arthur Schleifer; and her brother, Bernard Cedar. She was the devoted mother of Vanessa Alssid (Adam Herzlich) of Brookline and Julian (Robin Alssid) of Barrington, RI; and the cherished grandmother of Michaela Rosen, Michael L. Alssid, Bella Alssid, and Laila Alssid.

Burial will be private, and a celebration of Rebecca's remarkable life and legacy will be planned for a future date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Good Shepherd Community Care