Hava Dunn

Dear Ben and Stephanie,
I haven't seen you all for many years, but was very shocked and saddened by Hava's passing. Your mother was (and is) a great person, and was always really kind to me. She will be sorely missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Ann Witt

Dear Family of Hava,
I was just looking up my uncle's obituary and came across this on the way to it. I had Hava for 7th grade homeroom and humanities at Talcott in Elmwood, in 1971.
Best to you, sorry to hear of her passing.

To Hava's family,
I was shocked and very sad to hear that Hava died. I have not spoken to her in about 20 years but I remember her as one of the most important teachers I've ever had. At a time when I was not particularly interested in school, she got through to me. She was responsible for the only homework assignments I ever enjoyed working on. And to this day when I hear certain show tunes, I remember her lyrics in place of the original ones. "5 foot 3, Queen Vashti, Oh what a...

Benn:
We were deeply saddened to hear of the death of your beloved mom. May you always treasure the fun times that you & your family spent together. Although we never forget, time is a great healer and does help to ease your terrible loss. With sincere sympathy. Miss you.
Love, Ruthie, Eric & Steven

To Hava's family and especially Susan, I was so sad when my mother, Ethel Sondik, now 90 years old, told me of Hava's death. I grew up in West Hartford and was a friend of Susan. I remember spending time at Susan's house and Hava was the big sister, always there, always smart and always fun. I want you to know that my thoughts are with you.

Barbara Sondik Perlmutter

Dear Ben and Stephanie,

Our condolences go out to you and your families on the untimely passing of your mother. She gave so much of herself to Schechter as a skilled teacher and greatly influenced each of our children. Her raw intelligence cut through the received wisdom and enabled her to innovate. She realized that social studies would mean something to her students if she focused on the justice system, something in the news and in daily conversations. She was full of insight and...

Dear Ben Stephanie (and Susan),
I was your mom's best friend in elementary school. I last saw her when you were babies. i am so sad for your loss. i know you gave her great joy. Love, Rosalie Spring Savitt Asher

I was so sorry to hear of Hava's passing. My sister Rosalie Spring Savitt and I grew up with Hava and Susan in West Hartford. Our friendships are a happy memory and reading the tributes to Hava make me know that she leaves legacy as a teacher, a mentor and I am sure she was also a loving mom.

Dear Benn and Stephanie:
I am so sorry to hear of your mom's passing. My heart goes out to you and your families. Now with a family of my own and daily called upon to teach in ways large and small, I often find myself channeling Hava. Whether inventing new lyrics, explaining Latin derivatives, or pressing for more detailed descriptions, I am perpetually reminded of her creative spirit, her push for excellence, and the way she exhorted all of her students to "be specific!" She has given...