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Stanetsky Memorial Chapel - Brookline

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RENA FINDER Obituary

FINDER, Rena Ferber Holocaust Survivor, Educator and Author Rena Ferber Finder died peacefully on December 23, 2023. She was the beloved wife of the late Marcel Finder for 65 years. She is survived by her loving children: Marilyn and Sol Sandperl of Stoughton, Debbi and Arnold Katz of Framingham, and Bert and Terri Rappaport of NY. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Anita Rappaport. She also leaves her cherished grandchildren: Zack and Adam Bowers, Amy Rappaport, Jason and David Katz, Joe Sandperl and seven treasured great-grandchildren. Rena, a Schindler's List survivor, was a dynamic speaker for Facing History & Ourselves, an organization whose goal is to engage with and educate students about racism, anti-Semitism, and human rights violations. She believed one person can make a difference and encouraged young people to become "upstanders, not bystanders." Her book is used as a teaching guide in middle schools throughout the country. Her Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, December 27, 2023 at 11 AM at Temple Beth Sholom, 50 Pamela Rd, Framingham. Interment will follow in Sharon Memorial Park, 40 Dedham St., Sharon. Shiva private for family and friends at the home of Debbi and Arnold Katz, Wednesday, Dec. 27 from 4-6 PM and Thursday, Dec. 28 from 1-3 PM. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made, in her memory, to Facing History & Ourselves (www.facinghistory.org) or Brothers for Life (www.brothersforlife.com). Stanetsky Memorial Chapels www.stanetskybrookline.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Boston Globe from Dec. 24 to Dec. 25, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for RENA FINDER

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4 Entries

Janet Nahass

August 2, 2025

She was a dear friend and I loved her

Esther & Charlie Finder

December 26, 2023

Though we were not able to confirm any specific family connection, Rena welcomed us as if we were family and I have always appreciated that. She was a very special person and knowing her was an honor.

Lori DiGisi

December 25, 2023

Rena was a courageous defender of standing up for what is right. She spoke to countless middle school students of her experience surviving the Holocaust and of the importance of standing up for others. She shared her personal story to inspire others. Working tirelessly for Facing History and Ourselves, Rena proved that one person can make a difference. Her beautiful message of caring for one another will live on in the hearts of all the teachers and students she touched.

Sal Lopes

December 24, 2023

Rena was a primary resource person in my Holocaust and Genocides course at
Lexington High School; Lexington, MA. from 1994-2002. As a survivor of the Holocaust, Rena shared her story with students and the film: "Schindler's List."

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Memorial Events
for RENA FINDER

Dec

27

Funeral service

11:00 a.m.

Temple Beth Sholom

50 Pamela Rd, Framingham, MA

Funeral services provided by:

Stanetsky Memorial Chapel - Brookline

1668 Beacon Street, Brookline, MA 02445

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