RAYA STERN

STERN, Raya Mother, Grandmother, Scientist, Philanthropist Age 87, died Saturday, June 22, 2024, at the Warren Skilled Nursing & Rehab Center. She was the dedicated mother of Dea Haupt. Born in Leipzig, Germany, she was a daughter of the late Dr. Josef S. and Leontina (Weissbrem) Stern. In 1938, her parents sought asylum in the United States after fleeing Germany. They settled down in Clarence, NY and together, they raised Raya to be a brilliant marine physicist, who would go on to be published in countless scientific journals about her lifelong work with underwater acoustics. She attended the University of Michigan, where she received her bachelor's in science and her master's in mathematics. She moved to Washington, D.C., where she truly began her career and in 1963, she relocated to Massachusetts. She had lived in Watertown, MA for almost 60 years. During her time in the Watertown community, she was a trustee for the Watertown Public Library for 32 years. She was also a subscriber for the Boston Ballet and Boston Symphony Orchestra. She was a President and dedicated member of the League of Women Voters of Massachusetts, Watertown Chapter. Raya was a devoted mother of Dea and her husband, Rob of Bristol, RI; as well as a cherished grandmother to four. She was predeceased by her dear brother, J. Michael Stern. In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to the National Cancer Institute, Director, National Cancer Institute, Building 31, Room 11A-16, 9000 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20892 or the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 7023 Merrifield, VA 22116-7023. For service details, Shiva information and online condolences, please visit ShalomMemorialChapel.com

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