Miriam Mazur

Miriam Mazur, a beacon of resilience, passed away on August 2, 2024, near her home in Sherman Oaks, California. Born on March 3, 1930, in what was then Czechoslovakia, Miriam's life was a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the enduring power of love.

Miriam Neuman's early years were marked by the rise of anti-Semitism in Eastern Europe. Her family faced immense hardship. Tragically, both her parents and four brothers perished in various circumstances of Nazi horrors. Despite these atrocities, Miriam's spirit remained unbroken. The youngest of four daughters, she was fiercely protected by her sisters as they endured the brutalities at Auschwitz-Birkenau. She recalled the meager scraps of food on which they survived and felt gratitude for every small blessing that came their way.

After the war, Miriam and her sisters settled in a refugee camp in Cremona, Italy, near Milan. In 1947, their visas finally in hand, they embarked on a journey to America, seeking a new beginning in New York. It was in Brooklyn where Miriam met the love of her life, William "Willie" Mazur. Willie, a blue-eyed charming, and vivacious man, shared Miriam's zest for life and passion for good food. They married in 1950 and began a beautiful life together, welcoming three children: Marvin, Jerry, and Bonnie.

The Mazur family moved to Southern Florida in the early seventies and eventually followed their children to Southern California in 1980. In Encino, they opened The Oak Tree Deli, where Miriam's culinary talents flourished. She crafted dishes with the same care and love she remembered from her mother and sisters, earning a devoted following. Among her admirers was the legendary rocker Tom Petty, a fan of her famed Stuffed Cabbage.

Miriam's dedication to her family was unwavering. She cared for Willie through his prolonged illness until his passing in 2008. Despite her own health challenges, including a brain tumor requiring surgery, Miriam remained a source of strength and warmth for her family. She spent her final years surrounded by the love of her daughter Bonnie and her husband Benjamin, Miriam’s son Jerry and his partner Lida, her late son Marvin (who died from complications of MS two years ago), and grandchildren Addison, Alyssa, Samantha, Sean, and Drew. Also, Miriam’s beloved great-grand-dog Stella.

Miriam is survived by her big sister Helen Saphirstein, who is 98 years old and lives in New York. Her other sisters, Regina Tessler and Lilly Mueller, both passed away in recent years.

Miriam's life was a symphony of perseverance, love, and unyielding hope. Everyone ¬ including relatives, friends, dedicated caregivers, neighbors, and all who met her adored Miriam and her beautiful smile.

Her legacy will live on in the hearts of all who were touched by her kindness, strength, and generosity.

A funeral service for Miriam will be held Thursday, August 8, 2024 at11:00 AM at Groman Eden Mortuary, 11500 Sepulveda Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 91345, immediately followed by a graveside service. Rabbi Faith Tessler to officiate.