Regine Ginsberg

Regine Silven Ginsberg, also lovingly referred to as Mom, Meme, Grandmere, Aunt Reggie. Her heart and home were always open for her children, grandchildren, family and friends from the world, who were drawn by the glow of her love and boundless hospitality. Her home was a reflection of herself -- full of beauty, warmth, style and graciousness. Her granddaughter Megan wrote: "No place in the world makes me feel warmer, safer or more loved. It has a true feeling of home – an extension of the love she gave to us.” Her gift was to make all who came there feel welcome and wanted.

Throughout her life, Regine had the resilience to evolve and adapt. A shy teenager, she fled Europe in 1942 with her parents and learned English on the fly in high school in McKeesport, Pennsylvania. She met and married the love of her life for 63 years, Reuben Ginsberg, and became a full-time mother for her four children. She launched a second career as an art dealer – and found a life-long passion for art. Later, she created a public voice as an advocate for the dignity of the elderly and was recently honored for her innovative leadership of the Friends of Golden Acres.

When Reuben died, it seemed for a time that her light had dimmed. The most onerous thing in life can be the task of carrying on, but she rediscovered her “joie de vivre” in the sunshine of Orvieto, Italy and wrote that: “Life is a series of moments and I have succeeded in living and enjoying each of them.”

The word that best summarizes her life is love. She gave it freely, wanting only happiness for those she loved. And, she was loved by everyone whose path she brightened.

After a full and fulfilling life, Regine Ginsberg left this world on June 9, 2013, at the age of 87. Her children will love and respect her memory for all of their days: Michael Ginsberg and his wife, Lorri Michel; Debra and her husband, Jaap van Opstal; Jackie and her husband, Eric Anderson; and daughter Lisa Silver and Martin Silver (deceased). Regine Ginsberg also leaves behind many loving grandchildren and great grandchildren: Jeremy Ginsberg and his wife Kristin; Josh Ginsberg and his wife Naphtali; Justin Ginsberg; Alexandra Neff and her husband, David; Jessica Knight and her husband, Evan; Edward van Opstal and his fiancé Laura McCoy; James van Opstal; Brandon Anderson; Megan and Mia Silver and great grandchildren Anna and Connor Neff.

Her memorial service will be held on Sunday, June 23, 2013 at Temple Emanu-El at 1:00. Rabbi Debra Robbins will officiate. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to honor her memory to: Temple Emanu-El Clergy Good Works Fund www.tedallas.org.

8500 Hillcrest Road Dallas, Texas 75225-4204 or to the Hockaday School with a designation for the new fine arts program.