Lotte Buff

Born in Ichenhausen, Germany, Lotte emigrated to the US in 1940 with her parents, Heinrich and Hildegard (Bendit) and sister Susan. In New York, Lotte was introduced to Fred (Fritz) Buff by Fred’s sister, Anne. Their romance flourished and they were married in 1945 shortly before Fred shipped out to the Pacific with the US Navy. Their eldest, Gary, was born in 1948 and the couple moved from Washington Heights (New York City) to Paramus, NJ, in 1950. Daughter, Janice, followed in 1952 and son, Alan, in 1957.

Together with Fred, she was a charter member of the Jewish Community Center of Paramus where she later served as President of the Association of Parents and Teachers, Gift Shop Manager, Sisterhood President and daily minyon caller for many years. Lotte was a knitter extraordinaire, an enthusiast of NY Times crossword puzzles and an avid tennis player, swimmer and walker well into her late 80’s. She volunteered at local schools, delivered Meals on Wheels for decades and volunteered at Bergen Pines Hospital for 40 years. Fred and Lotte traveled the world and loved Broadway theater and NY/NJ symphony orchestras. Lotte cherished time spent with family and her proudest moments included the Bar Mitzvah celebrations of her 7 grandsons.

She was predeceased by Fred, her husband of 72 years, and was cherished by her children Gary (Leni), Janice Balin (Robert) and Alan (Pat), and was Oma to her seven grandsons Jason (Erica) Balin, David (Kristen) Buff, Danny (Kate Callahan) Balin, Michael (Farrah) Buff, Andy (Tiffany) Balin, Joel Buff and Noah (Catherine) Buff and 10 great-grandchildren.

The funeral will be held on January 21, 2025, at 11:00 AM at the Jewish Community Center of Paramus/Congregation Beth Tikvah followed by interment at Beth El cemetery. Shiva will be observed in Maryland and Rhode Island.

Donations in Lotte’s memory can be made to the Jewish Community Center of Paramus, the Charles E Smith Life Communities or a charity of your choice.