Buff Brazy Given

1925 - 2023

Buff Brazy Given passed away peacefully at her home in Los Angeles on July 9, 2023 after a brief illness.
Buff was born in Chicago, Illinois on September 5, 1925. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bert Given, parents Dorothy and Nicholas Brazy, and her brothers Robert and Jacquez Brazy.
Buff loved life and life loved her back! She and her then-husband, Dr. Milton Gotlib raised their three children in Los Angeles. Energetically involved in the pursuit of new challenges, Buff worked for the American Jewish Committee, earned a Master's Degree in Architecture from UCLA, and ran her own design firm.
In their later-in-life marriage, Buff and Bert shared their keen interest in art, music, travel, and civic affairs with a mutually devoted group of close friends. They dedicated themselves to advancing the positive role Judaism could play to improve international human rights.
Into her 80's and 90's, Buff continued to set ambitious goals for herself. She authored a memoir, two novels, co-authored a bi-lingual cookbook, and collaborated on the audio book of one of her novels.
Buff shared her joie de vivre with her children, Steven (Donna) Gotlib, Jillian Gotlib, and Robin Brazy, six grandchildren, and two great grandchildren. Buff embraced Bert's family as her own, Judy (Michael) Israel, Bob (Suzi) Given, and John Given (Daphne Dennis), six grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.
Olinda Morales held a special place in Buff's life as friend and loving companion. Olinda's daughters, Jennifer and Gloria Acosta, and sister, Ruth, were also devoted to Buff.
Funeral services were held on July 23, 2023 at Hillside Memorial Park. Donations in Buff's memory may be made to The American Jewish Committee, Hebrew Union College, and Food Forward.