Irene Kagan

Irene Kagan

PITTSFIELD Irene Besdin Kagan, 92, died July 3, 2013, in Pittsfield after a long illness. Irene was the third of four children of Ethel and Max Besdin. She was a graduate of Syracuse University (Phi Beta Kappa) and of Columbia University where she earned her Master's degree in social work.

She married Dr. David B. Kagan on Aug. 18, 1946. They settled in Pittsfield where David had started a family medicine practice.

She is survived by her children, Andrew Kagan (Jeanne Miller) of Palatine, Ill., and Joan Kagan Levine, (Dr. Stephen Levine) of Holyoke; six grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Irene was a member of Temple Anshe Amunim.

She worked for many years as a social worker with Berkshire Center for Families and Children and later as a substitute teacher in the Pittsfield school system.

Irene's life was characterized by her generous support of local institutions such as the Junior League, Red Feather, the Medical Auxiliary, Hadassah and Recording for the Blind.

She was heroic, strong, wise, compassionate and gracious. Irene was always a lady, in fact she was the epitome of being a lady. She never uttered a cruel word, was always impeccably dressed and took great pride in her family and home. Our family is most appreciative of the wonderful care provided to Irene by the staff of Berkshire Place as well as by her devoted personal aides: Brenda Pettit, Gina Drake, Kayla Gaetani, Anita Plouffe and Deanna Zurrin.

FUNERAL NOTICE: On Sunday, July 7, at 1 p.m., she will be buried next to her husband, the love of her life, in Beth El Cemetery in Syracuse, N.Y. On Monday, July 8, at 1 p.m., a memorial service for her will be held at Temple Anshe Amunim.

Birnbaum Funeral Service, Inc. has charge of arrangements.

Donations in Irene's memory may be made to Temple Anshe Amunim, 26 Broad St., Pittsfield, MA 01201; Rotary Club of Pittsfield, P.O. Box 78, Pittsfield, MA 01201; Square One, 1 Federal Street, Springfield, MA 01105