Reva Sima Klein

Born on August 3, 1932, to Dorothy and Alex Rusnak, Reva grew up in Youngstown, Ohio. Her father owned a grocery store, and from a young age Reva, along with her siblings Marty and Sid, learned the value of hard work and service by helping deliver groceries throughout their community—an early reflection of the lifelong generosity that would define her character. Her connections to the Youngstown area live on through her nieces and nephews and their families.

Reva dedicated her professional life to caring for others as a Surgical Registered Nurse, a role she embraced with skill, compassion, and unwavering commitment. Beyond her career, she was deeply involved in building Jewish community, helping to establish the original Jewish Community Center in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and later in Butler, Pennsylvania. She was instrumental in welcoming new Jewish families to the Albuquerque area, creating a place of warmth, belonging, and connection.

She was the devoted wife of Navy officer and physician Dr. Irving Klein, with whom she shared 50 years of marriage rooted in love, partnership, and mutual respect. Together, they built a beautiful family. Reva was the proud and loving mother of six beautiful children: Shmuel, William, Aaron, Andrea, Traci, and Dena (z”l).

Her legacy lives on through her 17 grandchildren and 49 great-grandchildren, many of whom she helped raise and whom still sing her songs. To them, she was the very best Bubbe—always cheerful, endlessly encouraging, fiercely loyal and forever supportive. Her home, her heart and her kitchen were always open.

Reva was known for her beauty and poise, the true definition of a lady. She was sharp-minded, quick-witted, and possessed a sense of humor that could knock you off your feet. Her warmth, laughter, and strength left an indelible mark on everyone who knew her.

She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

We invite you to honor her memory with a mitzvah of your choice.

Graveside service will be held at Ohev Tzedek-Shaarei Torah, located at 3972 Tippecanoe Road, Canfield, Ohio, 44511, on December 29, 2025, from 1:30 pm

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Hellman Memorial Chapels, 15 State Street, Spring Valley, NY 10977 (845) 356-8600 Jewish Funeral Directors