Ruth G. Brenner

Ruth G. (Berman) Brenner, 95, of Brookline, MA, passed away April 12, 2024. Ruth and her late husband, psychologist Dr. Leon O. Brenner, loved attending the Boston Symphony Orchestra, hosting wonderful parties, and holding family gatherings for the holidays. They were lifetime members of Temple Emanuel in Newton. At the age of 55, Ruth became a Bat Mitzvah at Temple Emanuel, a deeply meaningful experience for her. During the pandemic, Ruth maintained community connection through Temple Emanuel’s virtual services. Ruth was grateful for that support and deeply grateful to her devoted family and her many loving friends during her long life.

Ruth was the beloved mother of Jeffrey Brenner and his wife Sara Brenner of Newton and Reading, Elise Brenner and her late husband Michael Kajen of Auburndale, and C.J. Lori Elliott and her husband Lawrence Elliott of Brookline. She was the sister of the late Marcia Wacks of Braintree. Ruth is also survived by grandchildren Emily Brenner, Laura Brenner, Amanda Kajen, and Julia Kajen, niece Deborah Utter, and nephew Steven Wacks and their families.

Ruth was raised in a multi-generational family household, where she learned the importance of caring for others. She applied that caring for others in her work as a clinical social worker and later as a supervisor and teacher. Ruth was a well-respected therapist and social services agency administrator who helped countless people and families through her work for over 50 years, until she retired at age 86.

Ruth earned a BA in Liberal Arts from Calvin Coolidge College and MS in Social Work from Boston University. She worked for many years at the Newton Youth Guidance Clinic. Later she supervised offices of Jewish Family and Children’s Service in Randolph and Brockton for over 20 years. She also taught Social Services at Dean College.

Funeral services and interment will be held on Tuesday April 16 at 1 PM at Olita Relief Cemetery, 776 Baker St., West Roxbury. Shiva will be held at Ruth’s home on Tuesday April 16 from 4-7 and Wednesday April 17 from 4-7.

Contributions in Ruth’s memory may be made to The Brenner Center for Psychological Assessment and Consultation at William James College, One Wells Ave., Newton, MA 02459, www.williamjames.edu/give/donation-form.html; or to Good Shepherd Community Care, 150 Wells Ave., Newton, MA 02459, https://gscommunitycare.org/Donate.