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Jolan Petrover Deitch

Jolan Deitch Obituary

Deitch, Jolan Petrover
Died June 22 at 84. As a young mother in Hungary, she survived the holocaust with her infant daughter and in 1949 began to build a new life in the United States. She was the loving Matriarch of our family including daughter Erika; sons Mark and Michael; grandchildren David, Jeremy, Joshua, Julianne, Jaci, Daniel and Lauren; great-grandchild, Kimberly. All of us will miss her greatly. A funeral service will be held this Sunday at 2:00. Service will be at Mount Sinai Memorial Park, 5950 Forest Lawn Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90068 (323) 469-6000. May she rest in peace in the arms of her mom, dad, sisters, and brothers.

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Published by Los Angeles Times on Jun. 24, 2006.

Memories and Condolences
for Jolan Deitch

Sponsored by Mark.

15 Entries

Mark Deitch

March 15, 2011

Erika

July 16, 2006

My mother lost her entire immediate family in the Holocaust. She lost her parents, her two brothers, two sisters, two nephews, one niece, her only surviving grandparent at the time and, probably worst of all, her young husband – my father. She was just shy of her 23rd birthday and the mother of a one-week-old infant (me) the last time she saw any of them. I was all she had left. And I felt that intensely for most of our years together. It wasn’t until 18 years ago, when I began a personal journey in quest of God and of the meaning for my survival and the purpose for my life, that I began to understand the complex nature of the relationship between me and my mother.

The journey these past 18 years was a classic tale of two steps forward, one step back. Although our relationship had healed tremendously (as the relationship between so many mothers and daughters must heal) – up until just a few weeks ago there was still progress to be made. But when it became apparent that her time with us was slipping away, all those sharply focused memories of what seemed like only endless battles began to burst like fragile soap bubbles. Suddenly, a flood of new memories came pouring in – memories of my mom chairing a girlscout cookie drive, memories of my mom sewing the most gorgeous harem girl costume for me for purim, memories of my mom sewing my dream sweet-16 dress because we couldn’t find exactly what I wanted in a store, memories of my mom standing at the stove whipping up mountains of potato latkes or palachinta (parchment-thin crepes for those of you who don’t speak Hungarian) while I stood at her elbow and scarfed them down almost before she could drop them onto a dish, memories of my mom and me on our many travels together laughing until we almost wet our pants. We shared an intense love of travel and neither one of us had very strong bladder control. Those memories began to pour in and they obliterated all the other memories and washed away all the hurt.

Two weeks ago I wrote a letter to my mother and read it to her. The letter told her that I had suddenly realized that every single person that I loved most dearly and who brought such joy to my life today, was there because of something she had either done or said. My brothers and their wonderful families – I’ll never forget the day she told me (when both of my brothers were still infants) that she wanted more children because, after losing our entire family, she knew she had to make sure I wasn’t left alone when she died. My amazing husband of 42 years, who (when I was 17) was ushered out of my hospital room by my mother and told to come back in a half hour so she could get rid of the “other boy” who had all of my attention and who was NOT her choice for me. My two sons, who have sometimes brought me an overload of love AND pain, who are in my life because my mother assured me that love grows in a mother’s heart and not necessarily her womb. And, the absolute light of my life – my granddaughter Kimberly – who may well be in my life because my mother sat with HER mother, Denise, shortly after Kimberly was born and helped Denise to realize that a single mother could indeed raise a child with the loving help of extended family.

Today I stand here incredibly grateful. My lasting memory, from deep within my heart, is that my mom was a wonderful mother, she left my world a better place and I’ll miss her for the rest of my life.

Jaci Deitch

July 13, 2006

My favorite memories of Grandma are when she would come up to visit us, and we would spend so much time together. I remember walking along the bike path behind our house and going to see this mini-chicken farm. We would feed them little scraps of bread... they were so cute. I also remember her telling me stories when we would cuddle up in bed together. She would tell me stories of her childhood, like how she only had a few toys growing up, and how she loved her brothers and sisters... I loved those stories, and always will. The memories of Grandma will always live in my heart.

Phyllis Axton

July 7, 2006

I only just learned of the passing of Julie. I first met Julie about 15 years ago. I remember visiting her with Erika in Brentwood and she made a lasting impression in my heart. When we talked, she really listened. And, whenever she spoke, I listened. What a life! What a mind! Everytime we saw one another, there was always such a warm genuine welcome from Julie. Her legacy lives on in her wonderful children and grandchildren. May she rest in peace - but not too much peace - too active a mind to do that!

My love to you Julie,

Phyllis Axton

(formerly San Fernando Valley

now Big Bear, CA)

W. Luther Jett

July 2, 2006

Julie (Jolan) was an example for all of us -- She perservered, and survived, against great odds, as a young woman caught up in the Shoah. We are privileged to have had her in our lives. May her memory be for a blessing.

Debbie Deitch

July 1, 2006

A woman for whom family was foremost, Mom was the hingepin around which everyone came together as a cohesive whole. She will be sorely missed. May our remembrance of her and her efforts create in us the ability to also cherish family and work to keep alive our connections no matter how scattered we may become. With love always, Debbie

Daniel Deitch

July 1, 2006

Grandma I know you'll always be watching over me from heaven and I'll always know that you're there for me. I love how you always cared for me and never judged me. I miss you a lot.

Jaci Deitch

June 30, 2006

Grandma, I miss you so much. I love you forever. Love, Your precious granddaughter Jaci

Mary Austin

June 30, 2006

We knew you as Grandma Julie - what a joy you brought into our lives and the lives of our children with your sweet, special spirit. They tell their children of you today as one of their fondest childhood memories. I'm so grateful for the visit we had together when Al passed on and Vicki and I stayed there for a couple of days. It was another time I cherish. I know that you are good now without your earthly body hindering you; you are with all that you love that went before. Remember we love you and that Al is probably looking for you now. Love, Mary Austin & children, grandchildren & great-grandchildren.

Claudia Katz

June 29, 2006

I was so sorry to hear of your loss. I so enjoyed speaking Hungarian with Jolan. It was the only time I could practice the language, since both my parents are no longer alive.

Gerry joins me in sending our love and prayers to you.

Claudia Katz

Margo Gelman

June 28, 2006

I remember your legendary beauty, both inside and out. And, your warmth and generosity whenever I visited your home, which was more often than not. I hope you are at peace now.

Your loving son Mark

June 27, 2006

Your love and devotion to me and my family will remain woven in the fabric of my soul until we meet again in G-d's arms. I miss you so much.

Erika Schwartz

June 27, 2006

Mom, you did an amazing job of creating a new family after our devastating loss in the Holocaust. The circle of love that you left behind will stand for generations as a testimony to your incredible fortitude, courage and love. I will miss you every day of the rest of my life. From your loving daughter, Erika.

Booker Holton

June 25, 2006

We offer our prayers and lasting support to the entire Deitch family. May Jolan's memory be a source of blessings and loving reflections.

michael deitch

June 24, 2006

From your loving and devoted son, Michael. You'll always be in my thoughts and prayers.

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