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Belle Grodinsky Obituary
She was born in Bangor, Maine, the youngest daughter of Abraham and Esther Katz, and was married for 49 years to the late Harold Grodinsky.
She lived in Bangor and Augusta, Maine, for many years surrounded by friends and family and in her later years moved to Connecticut to be closer to her family. Belle did it her way. Her independence was evident in many ways: taking pride in her appearance; discussing her perspective on current events; entertaining her friends and family; shopping; keeping in touch with her daughters on her new cell phone; and starting yoga classes at The Retreat. Belle will always live in the hearts of family and many friends for her joy, inspiration and positive attitude. The family would like to thank the wonderful and caring staff and residents at The Retreat in Hartford.
She is survived by her loving children, Barbara Steinfeld and her husband, Mark, of West Hartford, and Avra Novarr and her husband, Dan, of Bloomfield; five cherished grandchildren, Shana Decsi and her husband, Henry, David and Aaron Steinfeld, Matt and Jason Novarr; and two beloved great-grandchildren, Alexandra and Julia Decsi.
Belle was predeceased by five brothers and sisters.
Funeral services will take place at noon Thursday, Oct. 8, at the Jewish Funeral Chapel, 118 Center St., Bangor. Interment will be at Beth Israel Cemetery, Bangor. A reception to celebrate her long and loving life will be held at the Chamoff home, 88 Leighton St., Bangor, following the interment.
In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Temple Beth El, P.O. Box 871, Augusta, ME 04332.
A memorial observance will be held Sunday night at the home of Avra and Dan Novarr.
A service of Brookings-Smith, Bangor. Condolences to the family may be expressed at www.BrookingsSmith.com. 6948490
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Belle Grodinsky
Donna & Dennis Hubbs
October 13, 2009
Dear Barbara & Avra:
We were so sad to learn of your mother's passing. We never met her, but from reading the other entries, she must have been a very special lady. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your families as you cope with her loss. Fondly,
October 12, 2009
Dear Barbara and Avra,
I was so sad to hear the news of your mother's passing. Some of my happiest childhood memories involve the times I spent in your home on Essex Street, especially in your kitchen. Even as a small child I realized that your mother was a fabulous cook - one of Bangor's best!
May your happy memories of your beloved mother comfort you.
Debbie Berson Rosenthal
Cynthia Martin
October 10, 2009
Avra and family,
Josh, Heather and I were so sorry to hear of your mom's passing. I have known her through you, Avra, for so many, many years. I marvel at how independent and enlightened she remained even though she was 93 years old. She lived a tremendous life and you should be so proud of the care and love you provided for her until her passing. I know this is a difficult time for you, but know that she will remain in your hearts and heads for eternity. May God blees you all and give you peace. You are in my thoughts and prayers. With much love, your dear friend, Cynthia
October 9, 2009
Avie and Family,
Your mom was such an inspiration on so many levels. She was always interested in life and people , particularly her family, current and international events, socializing with her many many friends and family members. She was a wonderful hostess. She had an incurable thirst for knowledge, a huge and sensitive heart and a lust for life which should serve as an example for all of us. How she will be missed! May her light and love of life live on in all who were lucky to have known her. My thoughts are with you. Love, Shan
Jenny Uglem
October 8, 2009
Dave, and family-
I am so sorry to hear about your grandmother's passing. Rose has told me about her, and reading these notes...she sounds nothing short of amazing. You will be in our family's thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Rose Uglem
October 8, 2009
Steinfeld's, Novarr's & Deci's - I'm so sorry for the loss of your mother, grandmother, and GG. I'm so happy to have had the opportunity to meet Belle. She was such a wonderful person and had so much joy in her life. I enjoyed hearing her stories. I loved it when she would talk about living in Maine :). She was loved by many and will be missed greatly.
Susan Dumont-Bengston
October 8, 2009
Dear Avra and Family:
I am so saddened to learn of your mother's passing. It is so difficult to lose the matriarch of the family. I'll never forget sending time in Belle's kitchen in Augusta -- admiring her name, first of all, and her enthusiasm explaining the various holiday foods to me and allowing me to sample my very first noodle pudding. She was a bright light in your friends' lives!
Please know you have my sincere deepest sympathy.
Love,
Susan Dumont-Bengston
Marcia Lieberman
October 7, 2009
Dear Barbie and Avra,
David joins me in telling you how sorry we are about your mother's passing.
I can't begin to tell you how much Bella meant to me as I was growing up!
She always loved having me visit, and she definitely made the best soup! I told my mother that and urged her to get the recipe!
She would let me climb those steep stairs to the top floor and play up there!
I was SO excited when you two arrived because I had no siblings until later on!Your mom always let me hold you and play with you. One day, I got to stay with you while she walked back and forth to Allen's Pharmacy to bring home medicine for one of you. That was my first babysitting experience!
We'll be there tomorrow, and we hope that good memories of her will sustain you now and in days to come.
Hollis Hartman
October 7, 2009
Avra, I am so sorry to hear of your mother's passing. It was an honor to meet her and to help her find her new home at The Retreat. Please pass my heartfelt condolences to your family.
Joan Howard
October 7, 2009
Dear Avra and Family,
I am so sorry you have lost your lovely mom. She made such an impression on my young self--her image in my mind could not be more vivid if I had seen her yesterday. I’ll be in Boston tomorrow but will think of you bringing your mother back home. I hope you have a beautiful day.
With love,
Joan
October 7, 2009
Dear Barbara and Avra,
On behalf of the Thelma and Barney Lipman Family, please accept our sincere condolences on the passing of your mother, Belle.
Harold and Belle were great friends of our parents. Our mother, Thelma, was particularly fond of Belle and they enjoyed a long and enduring friendship.
The Grodinsky Family was an especially welcomed addition to the Augusta Jewish community. And though Augusta is no longer hometown for either of our families, we share a common legacy.
At this time, we remember Belle in our prayers, holding her memory dear in our hearts.
Belle was granted great length of days. She saw her daughters build families of their own.
My brothers, Sam and Alan, and my sister, Sharon, know this will be a comfort to you both in this time of sorrow.
Sincerely,
Harvey Lipman
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