jews in the d Never Too Late Frances Holtzman celebrates 100 years with Jewish tradition. JUDY GREENWALD CONTRIBUTING WRITER T again the next semester and got an A.” he saying “It’s never too late” is one not lost on After graduation, Holtzman got a job with Ford Frances Holtzman. The Farmington Hills res- Automotive. She then worked as a medical technician. ident, who’ll celebrate her 100th birthday Dec. She loved her work, but, in 1943, she met and married 27, is taking this phrase along with her love of Judaism Frank Holtzman and quit to raise to heart by becoming a bat mitzvah at her three children: Colman, her sis- Adat Shalom on Dec. 29. ter Marsha Adelson and her brother Born Frances Clinton in Ann Arbor Bruce Holtzman. Her family now to Jack Clinton and Fanny Goldman, includes six grandchildren and 14 she grew up in a Reform household great-grandchildren. with one younger brother. According Colman noted family and the to her daughter Jan Colman, she had importance of educating the genera- a wonderful childhood and strove to tions are among her mother’s stron- make her parents proud. One way Holtzman accomplished Frances Holtzman with gest interests. Her mother helped all daughter Jan Colman her grandchildren through college and this was by valuing education, has even assisted her great-grandchil- something she passed along to her family. Colman said when it was time for her mother dren with Jewish school tuition. But that’s only one of her mother’s passions, said to go to college, she wanted to go to the University Colman, who adds her mom is a U-M football fan (still of Michigan. Because of the Depression, her parents bleeds blue and maize, Colman jokes) and doesn’t miss could only afford to send her to Wayne State, which a game. She’s been an avid dancer all her life, and plays she readily accepted. the piano and ukulele, and accompanied her family on “My mom majored in chemistry and math,” an organ while they all sang. “None of us could carry a Colman said, “and she loved chemistry! Once she tune,” Colman remembered, “but we had great fun! took a class and got a D. She felt it was because she “She also loves monkeys,” Colman said with a smile. didn’t have a good instructor. She took the class “She has everything from monkey paintings and Lladro monkeys to stuffed monkeys!” One of Holtzman’s greatest joys was being on the water, and boating provided many happy summer moments. Her love and support for Israel, Jewish organiza- tions and Judaism is something she’s passed on to her family as well. “My mom grew up in a Reform family and was confirmed at Temple Beth El,” Colman said. “My dad came from a more observant family, and they became founding members of Adat Shalom. She and I still belong there. “My mom instilled a Jewish identity in all her chil- dren by celebrating all the holidays, lighting candles and inviting everyone to Shabbat and holiday dinners. “One day, she was talking to my son and expressed the desire to become a bat mitzvah. She said she always wanted to do it, to feel complete as a Jew. My son called his friend Dan, Rabbi Rachel Shere’s husband, and the rabbi has been wonderfully helpful. We’ll celebrate her upcoming bat mitzvah at a Havdalah service. She’s been practicing so diligently and is excited to be called for her aliyah in front of family and friends.” And what does her family find most inspiring about her century of life? “She’s always very encouraging to us,” Colman con- cluded proudly. “But the best thing is no matter what, she always has a positive attitude. If things aren’t going well, she’s always there, pointing out what’s going right. My mom doesn’t hesitate to offer encouragement. That’s so important, to us and to her!” ■ Now In Open n M i d t o w i t D e t ro Advance Plumbing & Heating Supply Company, established in 1920, is proud to announce the opening of its newest showroom. The new showroom is located in the heart of the cultural district, Midtown Detroit. The new 5,000 Sq. ft. showroom features the first ever Decorative Plumbing & Lighting Showroom in the City of Detroit. With the City’s comeback in full swing and Detroit being named the “First American City of Design,” Advance saw a wonderful opportunity to showcase the latest & greatest plumbing & lighting fixtures that the industry has to offer. Our state-of-the-art showroom showcases the industry’s leading manufacturers and features working showers, tubs, toilets, faucets, steam units and lighting. Advance is the area’s oldest and most respected plumbing distributor. 3740 Cass Avenue Detroit, MI 313.831.7770 Come Visit Our Outstanding Showrooms 1977 E. West Maple Rd. Walled Lake, MI 248.669.7474 www.advanceplumbing.com 20 December 27 • 2018 jn