Naomi Fainsinger

September 7, 1928 – May 3, 2025

Naomi Elkin Fainsinger, a force of compassion, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of justice, wit, and a pantry that never lacked dark chocolate or Johnnie Walker Red.

Born in Johannesburg, South Africa, on September 7, 1928, to Bernard and Valia Elkin, and raised with her sisters, Zena, Muriel, and Patricia, Naomi was a bright spirit from the start. She and her sister Patricia were sent to the refined halls of Roedean boarding school at ages 11 and 10—an experience that gave Naomi a cultured education and a determined independence.

Despite the prim polish of her schooling, Naomi’s heart beat loudly for justice. She volunteered with a women’s health clinic at the South African Institute of Race Relations, taught the Fanagalo language used by South African miners to facilitate cross-cultural communication, and proudly stood with the Black Sash movement against apartheid—long before it was safe or popular to do so.

In 1950, she married Maurice Fainsinger, her steadfast partner in life for 53 years. They raised three daughters—Susan (Henri) Mitler of Rockville, Maryland; Carly (David) Levinson of Newburyport, Massachusetts; and Annie Fainsinger (Bill Mayer) of Portage, Michigan. She gifted her girls with a good sense of humor and determination/stubbornness.

After the 1960 Sharpeville massacre, Naomi decided South Africa was no place to raise young daughters. With characteristic resolve, she moved the family to Newton, where she would continue to pursue the causes that mattered—and eventually become a beloved social worker. She later transitioned to private practice and continued serving her clients until the age of 85.

Naomi’s passions were many: her family; classical music, for which she helped host monthly soirees; her vacation cottage and happy place on Lake Winnipesaukee; and a voracious reading habit. When she was widowed, she often told her family she didn’t need much—“just find me a rich, handsome man.” Now, after a life well-lived, she is finally getting her wish, resting next to her late husband.

In addition to her daughters, Naomi is survived by her grandchildren—Taryn Levinson, Daniel Mitler, Josh Mayer (Addie Dickens), and Adam Mayer—and a loving community of nieces, nephews, friends, and admirers who were lucky enough to be in her orbit.

She taught us to speak up, laugh often, love fiercely, and never skimp on good chocolate and Scotch—a combination she swore kept her thriving well into her nineties. Memorial contributions may be made to Rosie’s Place.