Vera M. Deckelbaum

DECKELBAUM

VERA M. DECKELBAUM (Age 88)

On Monday, February 6, 2023, VERA M. DECKELBAUM of Bethesda, MD. Devoted wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, sister, aunt and wonderful friend to so many, passed away peacefully at her home with family by her side. Vera was predeceased by her adoring husband of 63 years, Ralph H. Deckelbaum z"l. She was the loving mother of Suzanne Feinstein (Michael) and Lori Hoyland (Dean). She was the cherished grandmother and future grandmother to Jeremy Cytryn (fiancé Talya Seidman), Zachary Cytryn (fiancé Arielle Herzberg), Marissa Cytryn and Meryl Feinstein (Adam Steene). She was the eldest sibling of Aida Davis, the late Manny Mankowski and the late Mary Hewitt. She will be missed by her family and many dear friends, both near and far.

Vera was born in Jerusalem and emigrated to the United States in 1947. She lived in New Jersey and then in the Seattle, Washington, area, where she graduated from the University of Washington with a pharmacy degree. She became a naturalized citizen in 1954 and moved to Washington, DC, in 1957 to work as a pharmacist and where she met her future husband and love of her life, Ralph, on a blind date.

Vera and Ralph traveled the world with friends and family and visited dozens of countries. Vera always said she "never met a stranger", since anyone she met was instantly her friend! She was always an elegant and gracious host at holiday gatherings and celebrations, opening her home to her old and new friends and family from around the world.

Vera devoted countless hours to volunteering with Israel Bonds, America-Israel Cultural Foundation, Jewish Community Center of Greater Washington, Friends of Tel Aviv University, Hebrew Home of Greater Washington, Hadassah, Service Guild, Washington, DC, Cultural Alliance and the Red Cross.

Vera was recognized for her volunteer leadership and philanthropic support. She received the Louis D. Brandeis Award from the Zionist Organization of America for her dedication to Israel and preserving and strengthening the community. She and Ralph received the Hebrew Home's Aunt Minnie Goldsmith Award for outstanding volunteer service to the community and the Jewish Social Service Agency President's Award.

The family expresses gratitude for the wonderful care by JSSA Hospice and her compassionate and devoted caregiver, Karen Garcia.

Donations in her memory can be made to JSSA or to the Vera and Ralph Deckelbaum Music Endowment Fund at the Bender JCC of Greater Washington.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, February 7, 2023, 10 a.m. at Beth Sholom Congregation and Talmud Torah, 11825 Seven Locks Rd., Potomac, MD. Interment following at King David Memorial Gardens, Falls Church, VA. Arrangements entrusted to TORCHINSKY HEBREW FUNERAL HOME, 202-541-1001.