Deborah R Weiss

Deborah Ruth Weiss (nee Lipkowitz) died on March 14th, 2026/25th Adar 5786. She would be 85 on March 26th. She graduated from Shaker Heights High School, held both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education from Case Western Reserve, and a degree in school psychology from Kent State.

She is survived by her husband, Dr. Phillip Weiss, sister Rena Widzer (Gary, z”l), children Daniel Weiss (Rivky) and Leah Weiss Caruso (Joshua), niece Hannah Widzer Mendelsohn (Cliff), nephew David Widzer (Karen Loewy), 7 grandchildren: Maia, Chanina, Yonah, and Rosie Weiss, and Harper, Asher, and Shayna Caruso, and 4 great-niblings, Simon & Leo Mendelsohn, and Judah and Elisheva Loewy Widzer.

Debbie grew up at Park Synagogue. As adults she and Phil joined Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple, were active members and raised their children there. She and Phil proudly became members of Congregation Mishkan Or when Fairmount Temple and The Temple Tifereth Israel merged in July of 2024. She was a role model in her commitment to and participation in Jewish and synagogue life. She made sure her family attended services on a regular basis and became bat mitzvah as an adult in 1994.

Debbie and Phil had many friends, Leah and Dan fondly remember growing up with them and their children, and spending many summer weekends together at Mayfair Swim Club (z”l). She was a fantastic Savta who enjoyed throwing a big BBQ for her grandchildren when they were all together, and cooking for and hosting all the holidays (her brisket is legendary).

Debbie’s great love was classical music, and especially the Cleveland Orchestra. She was a devoted member of the Cleveland Orchestra Chorus for over three decades, performing locally and touring abroad. When the orchestra and chorus performed in Carnegie Hall periodically during the winter holidays, Phil, Leah, and Dan have many lovely memories touring New York City with Phil while Debbie rehearsed, and are privileged to have heard Debbie sing in many concerts by this world-class orchestra and chorus in such a prominent venue, in addition to the many concerts over the years at our own Severance Hall. She also sang in Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple’s choir and NCJW’s Entertainmobile for many years.

Her other passion was education, and she spent close to 30 years working for the Cleveland Public School District as an elementary school psychologist, helping countless students through education, Project ACT, and various kinds of chesed throughout her career. She was much loved by teachers, staff, and students.

Contributions in Debbie’s memory can be made to Congregation Mishkan Or.

May her memory be a blessing.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, March 18th at 1pm at Berkowitz-Kumin-Bookatz Memorial Chapel 1985 S. Taylor Rd., Cleveland Hts. Interment Mayfield Cemetery. To view the service, please scroll down to the Services Section and click on “JOIN LIVESTREAM”.

Family will receive friends and the community at Congregation Mishkan OR, 26000 Shaker Blvd., Beachwood IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING INTERMENT WEDNESDAY UNTIL 5PM & 7-9PM.