Mara Rothstein Kupperman

Mara Rothstein Kupperman passed away on August 17, 2025 at the age of 73. A cherished wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt, Mara believed with all her heart that family was life’s greatest treasure.

Born in Jersey City, New Jersey, and raised in Teaneck, she graduated from Fairleigh Dickinson University. In 1978, a close friend introduced her to New Orleans, a city she immediately embraced as her home. Later that year, she met the love of her life, Stephen, at a New Orleans Jazz basketball game. They married in 1980 and shared nearly 45 years together, raising three sons.

Mara worked at Saks Fifth Avenue, where her kindness, radiant positivity, and love of people made her a natural. She also served on the Board of the Jewish Community Center and helped found the New Orleans Kids Fair, which for several years welcomed thousands of children to the Superdome.

She valued her many friendships and found joy in conversation, laughter, fashion, and music. In the tradition of her parents and grandparents, Mara loved her family and spending time with those closest to her. She never missed a chance to be present for her children, grandchildren, and extended family -- whether at a sporting event, ballet recital, or gathering -- and was always excited to see her friends, no matter the kind of day she’d had.

Mara is survived by her husband Stephen; her sons, Zachary (Emily), Shane (Allison), and Jake (Jenny); her brother, Steven Rothstein (Elsie); seven beloved grandchildren, Matthew, Ellie, Lolo, Arie, Austin, Max, and Leo; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by her parents, Leonard and Sylvia Rothstein.

She will be remembered for her unconditional love, her boundless warmth, her thoughtfulness, and the joy she brought to others. She recognized that deep relationships were the key to a meaningful life.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Jonathan Mizrahi and his team for their care and guidance.

Services will be held on August 19th at Touro Synagogue at 10am, with visitation beginning at 9am.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Jewish Community Center or Touro Synagogue.