Bernice Esther Sachs

1931 - 2021

Sachs, Bernice Esther ALBANY Bernice Esther Sachs, age 89, passed away of natural causes on January 6, 2021, after a brief period of illness. Bernice was born in the Bronx in 1931 and later moved to Jamaica, Queens. She attended Jamaica High School and Ohio University (O.U.), from which she dropped out and embarked on an odyssey of self-discovery, working several unusual jobs around the country through a Quaker organization. She returned to O.U., earning her B.A. in teaching in 1959, and became an elementary school teacher for several years. In 1970, Bernice earned her master's degree in child guidance from the City University of New York and became an elementary school guidance counselor. She derived tremendous satisfaction during her career counseling students at elementary schools in Queens until her retirement in 1991. Bernice remained in Queens until moving closer to her family in Albany in 2015. Bernice was known for her goofy, clever, and sometimes bawdy sense of humor. She loved laughter, classical music, art museums, movies, dining out (especially lunches with her granddaughter), travel and coffee ice cream. She cherished her connections with those she cared about, especially drawn to those in need of emotional support. She was a fiercely independent single woman, taking great pride in her ability to navigate the complexities and pitfalls of life, and in living life her way. She was an outstanding mother. Bernice is survived by her son, Simeon Goldman; daughter-in-law, Leslie Bristol; granddaughter, Elisabeth Goldman; beloved cousin, Sheila Bernstein and several nieces, nephews, friends and other family that she adored. She was predeceased by her parents, Joseph and Celia Haber; sister, Rebecca Levine (Walter); and brother, Seymour Haber (Carol). Her family is eternally grateful for the warmth, love and care she received from Kimberly McNamee, Marisa Rotolo and other wonderful staff at The Massry, where she had lived for the past three years. Due to COVID-19, there will be no funeral at this time, and a memorial service will be scheduled at a later date. Donations may be made to the Refugee and Immigrant Support Services of Emmaus (RISSE), the Empire State Youth Orchestra or a charity of your choice. Online condolences may be left at www.meyersfuneralhome.com.