Dorothea Nina Ratzman

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Dorothea “Nina” Ratzman at the age of 83 from her battle with cancer. Nina was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, friend, therapist, and an institution to many. Nina is survived by her husband, Michael Hoskam, her children Keith Ratzman, Renee Ratzman, and Lisa Zabian, her niece Candace Docimo, her stepdaughter Michelle Hoskam, her son in law Ali Zabian, her grandchildren Shane Boles, Sina Zabian, Cassidy Ratzman, Khali Zabian, Myah Zabian, Deanna Ratzman, and Ashley Zabian, and many loving friends and family.

Nina was born in Orange, NJ on November 23rd, 1940, and passed away June 17th, 2024, at her home on Long Beach Island surrounded by her loving family. Nina’s late husband Sam Ratzman, brought Nina to his family home on LBI when they first met. Later in life Nina and Sam built their family home on the island where she learned to sail, enjoyed playing tennis, and looked forward to Saturday nights spent dancing with Sam at the Club. Nina cooked amazing meals that brought together family and friends on so many occasions. Nina received her Bachelor’s degree at Drew University and in her 40’s went back to school to receive her Master’s degree in social work from NYU. Nina loved her periodicals and always sought to be informed on many subjects. Nina was a talented pianist even with her terrible stage fright and loved to recreate her twirl routines from her head majorette days. Nina was also known to have made some unforgettable ski runs with perfect form. Nina married her second love Michael Hoskam 23 years ago, and it was in their marriage where she learned the art of entertaining and gained another daughter, Michelle. Nina will be missed by so many for the wisdom you received from those deep conversations she always insisted you engage in. Nina has built a strong and loving family and will live on in each member.

Please join us in honoring Nina for a funeral service on Thursday June 20th, 2024, at 11:00am at Bernheim-Apter-Kreitzman Suburban Funeral Chapel at 68 Old Short Hills Rd. Livingston, NJ 07039 followed by a lunch reception at Nina and Michael’s home at 53 Fairwood Rd. Madison, NJ 07940.

If you are unable to join us on Thursday June 20th, please join us on Friday June 21st at Nina and Michael’s home at 53 Fairwood Rd. Madison, NJ 07940 from 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm to celebrate Nina’s life.

The family will continue to Lee, Massachusetts over the weekend for the burial service. The burial service in Lee, Massachusetts will be Saturday June 22nd at 9:00 am at Fairmount Cemetery at Greylock St & Maple St. in Lee, MA 01238.