Betty Gordon

Betty (Tepper) Gordon, 97, of Peabody, formerly of Freedom, NH and the Bronx, NY passed away peacefully on May 3, 2025. Devoted wife of the late Eli Gordon, beloved mother of Judy "Yonina" Gordon and Phyllis Eidelman (Michael). Cherished grandmother of Becky Eidelman (Todd Rosenthal), Alec Eidelman (Sarah Bashein), and Max Eidelman, and great-grandmother to Felix Rosenthal and Golda and Ruby Eidelman. Dear sister of Ethel Goldfinger and the late Harry Tepper.
Betty was born in Harlem, New York, the youngest of three children, in 1928. When she was six, Betty and her family moved up to the Bronx, where she spent her childhood playing stickball in the street with the neighborhood children. During her adolescence, she joined a Zionist organization, Hashomer Hatzair, which became the focus of her life. Betty spent her summers at Hashomer Hatzair's Camp Shomria in the Catskills, becoming a camp leader.
Betty studied agriculture at SUNY Farmingdale in anticipation of moving to a kibbutz in Israel in 1949. Her plans were interrupted when she was in a car accident, and she ultimately decided to stay in the United States. Betty received her Master's in Education from Brooklyn College, specializing in Home Economics. Serendipitously, she met her late husband, Eli, while folk dancing, and discovered they were both a part of Hashomer Hatzair in their youth. Eli and Betty married in 1954 and settled in an apartment in the Bronx.
For over 30 years, Betty taught Home Economics, while also taking on roles as a guidance counselor and a bi-lingual teacher in English and Spanish. A lifelong learner, Betty went back to earn her Master's in Psychology at NYU. She served as a couple's therapist for many years until her retirement. Betty and Eli moved to Freedom, New Hampshire in 1990, where they enjoyed two decades of retirement together.
In this second chapter, Eli and Betty joined a group called "Jews of the Mountains." Betty, always musical, began to call herself the Harmonica Lady. With her harmonica at the ready, she joined any band who was willing to invite her on stage. Wherever Betty went, she made lifelong friends, whom she treasured. Betty will be remembered for her vibrant and gregarious personality. She was a loving and greatly treasured member of her family, welcoming everyone to her home and cherishing time with her grandchildren.
Services at Congregation Shirat Hayam, 55 Atlantic Ave Swampscott on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at 1:00 PM. Interment in Temple Israel Section of Cong. Shirat Hayam Cemetery, Peabody. Condolence calls may be made at the home of Phyllis and Michael Eidelman immediately following interment until 7:00 PM, Thursday from 3:00 – 5:00 and 6:00 – 8:00 PM, and Friday from 2:00-4:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate any expressions of sympathy to be sent to Camp Shomria at https://campshomria.com/pages/giving or Chelsea Jewish Life Care at https://chelseajewish.org/donate/.