Miriam F. Hirsch

Miriam Freeman Hirsch of Ashland, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on July 11, 2026, at the age of 99.

Born on June 5, 1927, in New York City, Miriam was the daughter of Gus and Gussie Freeman. She was predeceased by her parents, her sister Pauline Tolmach (Freeman), and her beloved husband, Lester Hirsch.

Miriam is survived by her daughter Diane and her husband Scott, her son George and his wife Sharon, her grandchildren Isaac and his wife Margo, Alessandra and her husband Evan, Emily and her husband Kevin, and Aaron and his fiancée Melanie; and her cherished great-grandchildren, Audrey, Gabriel, Charles, Zoe, Rory, Aiden, and Olivia.

Miriam lived a life defined by intellect, determination, and deep commitment to others. After earning her undergraduate degree from Brooklyn College, she received a Masters degree in Social Work from Columbia University School of Social Work, and later earned her Doctor of Education from the University of Massachusetts. She devoted much of her professional life to teaching and improving the lives of those in her community, serving as a Professor of Sociology at Springfield College. In 1980, she published Women and Violence, reflecting her lifelong interest in social justice and the human experience. She also started a battered women’s shelter and a hotline to help people having a mental health crisis.

Miriam and Lester spent many years in the Springfield area before they later made their home in Ashland. Together, they traveled extensively. Miriam's curiosity about the world never faded. She continued traveling well into her 80s and especially enjoyed sharing those experiences with her grandchildren. She was an avid reader, loved a good card game, enjoyed knitting, painting, and jewelry making, and found joy in baking for family and friends. Her blueberry buckle and French bread became family favorites and were requested often.

Those who knew Miriam remember her as intelligent, independent, opinionated, extraverted, and deeply engaged with the world around her. She valued education, thoughtful conversation, and strong family connections. She took great pride in her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and remained interested in their lives and accomplishments throughout her nearly century-long life.

Miriam's family will remember her for her strength, her wit, her curiosity, and the many traditions and memories she created. Her presence will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Anti Defamation League at support.adl.org , American Civil Liberties Union at www.aclu.org , or a charity of your choice.