Rebecca Skolnik

Rebecca Maça Skolnik, aged 91, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 16th, in New Rochelle, New York, following a brief illness. Just five days short of her 92nd birthday, Becky lived a long, adventurous life that spanned continents, countries, cities, and many loving generations of her family.

Born to Esther Bar David and Reuben Maça, in Izmir, Turkey, on July 21st, 1934, Becky spent her early adulthood working as a translator for NATO before arriving in the United States as part of the first class of the Wien International Scholars Program at Brandeis University. She met her would-be husband Edward Skolnik at a student mixer in Boston, and the two were married in 1960. Together they raised three children, Leslie Anne, Deborah Jeanne, and Emily Suzanne of blessed memory. A 57-year resident of Scarsdale, New York, Rebecca moved with her family to the Edgemont neighborhood in 1969, and she spent over 30 years as an Executive Administrator in the Scarsdale Public School System, before retiring at the tender age of 86 years old. Into her nineties, she had circles of friends and family in both New York and Turkey, staying in regular contact even with those she had not seen in decades.

Passionately dedicated to her family, Becky never lived more than thirty minutes from her daughters and grandchildren. She was predeceased by her parents; sisters Linda and Fortune; husband Edward, and daughter Emily. She is survived by her brother Izak of Istanbul; daughter Leslie Anne Brill and granddaughter Violet Brill of Mamaroneck; and daughter Deborah Skolnik, son-in-law TP Enders, and granddaughters Clara and Genie Enders of Scarsdale.

We will remember Becky through all that brought her joy in life: her phenomenal Turkish cooking, loyal Jeopardy! viewership every single night, excitement over a crisp new issue of The New Yorker magazine, summers in Montauk, and so, so much more. Her life serves as a vibrant testament to the bliss found in trying new things, surrounding your community with love, and never forgetting your roots. We extend our sincere thanks to the team at Bayberry Care Center for taking such excellent care of Rebecca in her final months.

While never expected, in lieu of flowers, those who wish may make a charitable donation in honor of Rebecca to the following organizations:

Israel Cancer Research Fund, formerly led by Becky’s oncologist, online at tinyurl.com/beckyicrf or by mail:

Israel Cancer Research Fund

52 Vanderbilt Ave, Suite 1410

New York, NY 10017

International House, Becky’s first home in New York which continues welcoming international students today. Online at tinyurl.com/beckyih or by mail:

International House

Attn: Institutional Advancement

500 Riverside Drive

New York, NY 10027