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A Commitment
To Education

RONELLE GRIER
Special to the Jewish News

T

tention," according to Henry
Gornowich. For me, that was a lovely
treasure — that love conquered all of
those human emotions."
Mrs. Bernstein Gornowich devel-
oped a close and loving relationship
with her husband's family, visiting often
and celebrating holidays with them.
"Something in the circle has been
broken," said Henry "They're all going
to miss how loving she was.
"I feel her loss very
deeply," said Lillian
Bernstein, an aunt who lives
in Detroit. "She was a fine,
talented person who was
totally devoted to her teach-
ing. At her funeral, one of
her former students said she
was the best teacher he'd ever

o Barbara Bernstein
Gornowich, teaching was
not just her chosen profes-
sion, it was her life's calling.
For more than 30 years, she taught
Spanish, French and English as a
Second Language in colleges and uni-
versities throughout the
country, including a stint as
an exchange teacher in
Puerto Rico.
A native Detroiter, she
died of cancer on November
26, 2001 at the age of 61.
Mrs. Bernstein
Gornowich was the daugh-
ter of the late Henry and
Thelma Bernstein. She
Because her husband's
attended Wayne State
Barbara Gornowich
career
as an industrial train-
University, earning both
er took him to many cities,
bachelor and master of arts
Mrs. Bernstein Gornowich had the
degrees in Spanish. She also attended
opportunity to teach all over the
Columbia University in New York and
country, including posts in Florida,
the University of Mexico.
Wisconsin, Illinois, and Texas. Her
In addition to her talents as a
final position was in Williamsburg,
teacher, Mrs. Bernstein Gornowich was
Va., where, in 1993, she became the
an accomplished cellist, playing with
first full-time foreign language
the Wayne State University Symphony
instructor at Rappahannock
and in conjunction with the Detroit
Community College. She was a men-
Symphony. When it came time to
tor to many students and a valued
decide whether to devote her career to
colleague and friend to her fellow fac-
music or education, she chose teaching,
ulty members.
knowing it would -allow her to embrace
Mrs. Bernstein Gornowich is also
the Spanish culture she had come to
survived by her brothers, Arthur
love, while also giving her the chance
Bernstein of Grants Pass, Ore., and
to touch many lives.
Paul Bernstein of Detroit; aunts
Her first teaching job was in
Blanche Brown of New York City,
Buffalo. This led to the meeting
Shirley Fischhoff of Farmington Hills,
between Barbara and her husband,
Lillian Bernstein of Detroit, Alice
Henry George Gornowich, also a
Bernstein of Southfield, Lillian Grey of
native Detroiter.
West
Bloomfield, and many nieces,
The couple's first encounter could
cousins
and friends.
have been taken from the big screen.
Memorial services were conducted
After visiting their respective families
on Nov. 29 by Rabbi Sylvia Scholnick
in Detroit, Henry and Barbara found
of Temple Beth El in Williamsburg.
themselves seated next to each other
"Barbara was a shining light to
on the return flight to Buffalo. Foggy
everyone who knew her," said Rabbi
conditions in New York delayed their
Scholnick. "One look at her radiant
landing, giving the two seatmates
smile and you knew that."
plenty of time to get acquainted.
Contributions may be made to a
Shortly thereafter, on August 2, 1970,
charity of one's choice or to Temple
the couple exchanged their wedding
Beth El, c/o Rabbi Sylvia Scholnick,
vows.
P.O. Box 1536, Williamsburg, VA,
The marriage lasted 31 years, during
23187.
which time "we never raised our voices,
argued, or walked away from a con-

"

1/4
2002

94

ALLEN BRAVER, 95, of West
Bloomfield, died Dec. 30. He deliv-
ered Meals on Wheels well into his
80s and made plexiglass and cutouts
of animals and
family and
friends.
He is survived
by his beloved
wife of 61 years,
Sadie Braver;
daughter and son-
in-law, Edie and
Alan Goldman of
Farmington Hills; Allen Braver
sons and daugh-
ters-in-law, Sanford (Jodi Bernstein)
Braver of Tempe, Ariz., Arnold and
Andrea D'Amore-Braver of Troy,
Ken Brader of San Clemente, Calif.;
grandchildren, Lauire (Tim)
Goldman, Jeffrey Goldman, Steven
(Cindy) Goldman, Marc Goldman,
Todd (Deanna Barch) Braver, Devra
(Greg) Roberson, Matt Braver,
Carolyn Braver, Alex and Andrew
D'Amore-Braver, Jeff (Judy)
Quittman, Karen Johnson, Kenny
(Denice) Brader, Dana (Michael)
Linkletter; eight loving great-grand-
children; son-in-law, Leonard
Quittman. He was the dear father of
the late Nancy Quittman; brother of
the late Clare Heller and Betty
Kahn.
Interment at Oakview Cemetery.
Contributions may be made to
Hospice of Michigan, 16250
Northland Dr., Southfield, MI
48075 or to a charity of one's
choice. Arrangements by the
Dorfman Chapel.

ILENE LOIS DAVIS, 61, of Oak
Park, died Dec. 25.
She is survived by her son and
daughter-in-law, Michael and Eileen
Davis of Highland Park, Ill.; daugh-
ter and son-in-law, Michele and
James Loree of Haslett, Mich.;
brother and sister-in-law, Robert
and Arlene Kosak of Detroit; grand-
daughter, Rachael. She was the
beloved wife of the late Ralph
Davis.
Interment was at the B'nai Israel
Cemetery. Contributions can be
made to the Ingham Hospice, c/o
the Ingham Regional Medical
Center, 401 W. GreenlaWn Ave.,
Lansing, Mt 48910-9969.
Arrangements by the Dorfman
Chapel.

DOROTHY FARKAS, 82, of Royal
Oak, died Dec. 30.

She is survived by her daughter,
Carolyn Farkas of Royal Oak; son
and daughter-in-law, Kenneth and
Madge Farkas of Mesa, Ariz.; broth-
er, Ben Roth of Farmington Hills;
sister and brother-in-law, Hilda and
Harold Fortgang of Farmington
Hills; grandchildren, Denise, David,
Joy and Roger; six dear great-grand-
children. She was the beloved wife
of the late Alexander Farkas.
Graveside services were held at
Oakview Cemetery. Contributions
may be made to a charity of one's
choice. Arrangements by the
Dorfman Chapel.

GERALDINE FRIEDMAN, 71, of
Taylor, died Dec. 24.
She is survived by her son and
daughter -in-law, Dr. Harold and
Karen Friedman of Farmington
Hills; granddaughter, Rachel Dianna
Friedman; brother and sister-in-law,
Dr. Jeffrey Bruce and Debra Frank
of Pennsylvania; sisters-in-law and
brother-in-law, Serene Friedman,
Ruth Goldey and Harry Kob. She
was the beloved wife of the late
David Friedman; dear sister of the
late Shirlee Kob.
Contributions may be made to
the American Diabetes Association.
Arrangements by Ira Kaufman
Chapel.

MOLLY GILBERT, 85, of West
Bloomfield, died Dec. 29.
She is survived by her husband,
Moe Gilbert; sons and daughter-in-
law, Michael and Carol Gilbert of
West Bloomfield, Edward Gilbert of
Walled Lake; daughters and sons-in-
law, Janet and Arthur Lazik of
Northridge, Calif., Shelly and
Matthew Ditzhazy of Palmdale,
Calif.; sister, Eva Cafiero of
Brooklyn, N.Y.; grandchildren,
Katherine Gilbert, Robert Gilbert,
Shoshana Lazik, Ryan Lazik,
Michelle Ditzhazy, Daniel Ditzhazy,
Jennifer Ditzhazy.
Contributions may be made to
Parkinson's Foundation, 30161
Southfield Road, Suite 119,
Southfield, MI 48076 or Women's
American ORT, 3275 Northwestern
Highway, Farmington Hills, MI
48334. Interment at Clover Hill
Park Cemetery in Birmingham.
Arrangements by Hebrew Memorial
Chapel.

ROSELLA GITTLEMAN, 87, of
West Bloomfield, died Dec. 27.
She is survived by her sons and