Ruth R. Luftman

Ruth R. Luftman née Hamburger of Westborough, Massachusetts, passed away on Wednesday, April 22. She is survived by her son Henry and his wife Patricia, Jacob and his wife Nora, Eric and his wife Elise; grandchildren Nathan and his wife Abby, Natalie, Lee, Gavriel, and Sarit. She was predeceased by her husband of nearly 60 years, Alvin, and granddaughter, Hannah.

Ruth was born in Heidelberg, Germany on January 13, 1930, and grew up as an only child in the nearby town of Malsch. In October 1940, her family was expelled, along with all the Jews of the border provinces of Germany, to Vichy, France, where they were sent to the internment camp of Gurs. Ruth was later released to live in a children’s home in Aspet, France; 100 miles from her parents. Her parents were transported in August 1942 to Auschwitz, where they were murdered, but Ruth survived the war in France. She emigrated to the United States in 1947, sponsored by an aunt and uncle in Boston, and graduated from Jeremiah Burke High School. She married Alvin in June 1951, living in Boston, Natick, and Westborough. She was active in Temple Israel, the Cub Scouts, ORT and other voluntary organizations, and remained active through her 19 years at The Willows in Westborough.

A service was held on Friday, April 24, at Temple Israel of Natick, Massachusetts, followed by interment at Sharon Memorial Park in Sharon, Massachusetts. Shiva was held on Sunday, April 26, at Ruth’s former residence, The Willows, in Westborough, Massachusetts. Shiva will continue at the home of Henry and Pat Luftman, 143 Manning Way, Durham, NC on Tuesday and Wednesday, April 28 and 29, both at 7:00 pm; as well at the home of Jacob and Nora Luftman, 187 Center Hill Road, Plymouth, MA on Monday, April 27 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm; and at the home of Eric Luftman and Elise Kleinwaks, 10732 Pine Haven Terrace, Rockville, MD on Tuesday and Wednesday, April 28 and 29, both starting at 4:00 pm with minyan at 7:30 pm.

Donations in Ruth’s memory can be made to Temple Israel of Natick, the American Red Cross, or to HIAS, an organization that was instrumental in Ruth’s emigration to the United States, and which continues to provide assistance and services to refugees and other migrants worldwide.