Deborah Glass

Deborah graduated from Beachwood High School, class of 1965. She attended the University of Wisconsin for two years before transferring to Western Reserve University, where she earned her degree in Natural Sciences in 1969. She completed her medical technology training at Mt. Sinai Hospital and started her career in medical technology which lasted 50 years. She worked in the microbiology laboratory at Mt. Sinai Hospital until its closure, then at Hillcrest Hospital, and later in Point of Care Testing at the Cleveland Clinic.

A fifth-generation member of Park Synagogue, Deborah was deeply committed to Jewish life. She served two terms on the board of trustees and co-chaired the Membership Committee, helping to make the synagogue a welcoming community. Deborah also chaired the catering committee and served on the ushers committee. In 2004, she was honored with the Centerite of the Year award for her volunteerism to the synagogue.

Deborah met her beloved husband, Joel Glass, at Park Day Camp, where they were both camp counselors. They shared 57 years of marriage and raised three daughters. She was a devoted mother and a proud grandmother to four grandsons and one granddaughter, who were the center of her life.

Deborah carried herself with a sense of formality and valued proper etiquette. She was also cheerful and warm, and made others feel welcome. She found great joy in going to her synagogue and upholding Jewish traditions. She enjoyed spending time with friends, especially entertaining them in her home. She loved a good book. She also loved the beach. Deborah set a beautiful table and was a dedicated scratch cook and baker, preparing thoughtful meals for holidays and gatherings. She was known for her thoughtfulness and attention to detail, writing the perfect thank-you note and always choosing just the right gift—expressions of the manners, care, and consideration that defined her.

Deborah was a devoted and loyal friend. She cherished her friendships - many of whom were lifelong friends from high school, Mayfair Swim Club, Solomon Schechter, Park Synagogue, and the hospitals where she worked.

She is survived by her husband, Joel Glass; daughters, Rachel Glass (Kevin Dern) and their children, Jack and Max Dern; Abigail Silverman (Matthew Silverman) and their children, Raphael and Sasha Silverman; and Naomi Glass (Gary Shershevsky) and their son, Cameron Shershevsky; her sisters, Carol Stein (Paul, z”l) and Sara Stein (Don Robinson), her sister-in-law Ellen Glass (Sheldon Glass z”l), and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, May 14th at Berkowitz-Kumin-Bookatz Memorial Chapel at 10:00 am. Interment to immediately follow at Bet Olam Cemetery.

Shiva will be observed at the home of Abigail and Matt Silverman, 3015 East Belvoir Oval in Shaker Heights, on May 14 from 2 to 4 p.m., May 15 from 1 to 4 p.m., and May 17 from 1 to 4 p.m.

Contributions in Deborah’s memory may be made to the Stein Librarian’s Discretionary Fund at Park Synagogue, 27500 Shaker Blvd., Pepper Pike, OH 44124, or to cancer research via Answers to Cancer SRQ, answertocancersrq.com.