Vivian Isenberg Grossman

VIVIAN ISENBERG GROSSMAN, beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, died on Friday, June 14, 2002. Vivian was born on September 26, 1904, in Pabrade, Lithuania, which was then a day's horseback ride from the capital city of Vilna, Lithuania. "Grandma Vivian" immigrated to the United States on February 15, 1912. She arrived at Ellis Island with her mother Rose, and four brothers and one sister. The family was reunited wither their father, Isaac Isenberg, who had come to America in 1904. The family lived in lower Manhattan for several years before moving to Rahway, New Jersey, where her father was rabbi to a small community of 60 souls. Vivian attended grade school and high school in Rahway. She excelled in school, even winning a gold medal for her debating skills in high school. Vivian began her college career at teacher's college in New Jersey and then completed her studies at Columbia University in New York City. After graduation, she taught elementary school students at public schools in the Bronx. Vivian met her beloved husband, Dr. Ferenc Grossman in 1926. At the time, Ferenc was completing his medical internship in Chester, Pennsylvania. The two were introduced by Vivian's brother Herman, who was the rabbi in Chester. They married in 1929 and they lived in the Bronx where Ferenc opened up a general practice of medicine. Ferenc started his medical practice during the Great Depression. He cared for the sick, whether they could pay or not and he took care of several generations of families. Vivian and Ferenc had only one child, Dr. Robert George Grossman who became a doctor after being inspired by his father.Vivian retired from teaching in 1960, after years of teaching children in the public school system and training teachers at Queen's College. Vivian loved going to concerts and the theater in New York City, she loved to travel and she adored to listen to music and read books. She also enjoyed all things French, from traveling there to speaking the French language. However, Vivian's greatest pride of her long life was that of her son Robert and his wife, Dr. Ellin Grossman. She was also proud of her grandchildren, Dr. Amy Coburn and husband Dr. Michael Coburn; Kate Gottsegen and Jennifer Albert. Vivian also deeply loved her six great-grandchildren: Jeffrey and Laura Coburn; Joel and Claire Gottsegen; and Connor and Paige Albert. "Grandma Vivian" will be missed by all who knew her and loved her. A special thanks from the Grossman family goes to longtime friend Carmen Murillo as well as to the nurses and staff at Seven Acres Senior Care Facility. Graveside services will be held on Monday, June 17, 2002 at Emanu El Memorial Park with Rabbi Roy Walter officiating. For those desiring, contributions may be given to Congregation Emanu El or the Epilepsy Foundation of Southeast Texas.