Miriam Schoenberger Puder

Miriam Schoenberger Puder lived a remarkable life defined by love, resilience, curiosity, and grace. She passed away with a sharp mind, surrounded by the love of her family, after nearly a century of living fully.

Miriam was born in Cleveland, Ohio, on October 16, 1928, to Alvin and Elizabeth Schoenberger. As a young child, she and her brothers (Henry 1925-2017) and Robert (1935-) moved to New Rochelle, New York, where she lived until marrying Richard Puder in 1951.

She graduated from Smith College in 1950 with a degree in political science and a minor in dance. Modern dance was one of her great passions, and she was asked to join a professional dance company in New York. Instead, she chose to devote herself to raising her family, a decision she embraced with love and dedication.

Miriam and Richard made their home in West Orange, New Jersey, where they built a wonderful life and raised three children: Katherine, born in 1952; Douglas, born in 1953; and Robin, born in 1957. From 1961 to 1963, she served as president of the West Orange chapter of the League of Women Voters, putting her political science education to work in her community.

Life in West Orange was rich with family, friendships, and activities she loved. She was a member of Mountain Ridge Country Club, where she became an accomplished golfer, lowering her handicap to an impressive nine. She also enjoyed tennis and was an accomplished bridge player, earning more than 250 master points. Through bridge, she and Richard formed lifelong friendships with other couples who remained dear friends for life.

Although she cherished raising her children, Miriam eventually realized she wanted a career. Once her children were in school, she returned to school herself, earning a master's degree in dance therapy, followed by a master's degree in school psychology. She even began doctoral studies in school psychology at Hofstra University, but the demands of the commute proved too great.

Education was deeply valued in the Puder family. Her three children all became doctors: Katherine- in public health and social work, Douglas a pediatrician, and Robin- a doctorate in clinical psychology.

She found her true calling as a school psychologist at Montclair Kimberley Academy, where she served students and families with wisdom and compassion for more than 30 years. In 1971, Miriam and Richard purchased a lake house in Maine. It quickly became her “happy place”—and a cherished gathering place for the entire family. Summers there were filled with joy, laughter, antiques, beautiful decorating touches that reflected her impeccable eye, and the music of the beloved player piano that welcomed family and friends alike.

Miriam was widowed in 2009 after the loss of Richard. She spent her later years living near her son Douglas, where she graciously accepted the support she needed while remaining as warm, engaged, and mentally sharp as ever.

Nothing brought her greater happiness than her family. She adored her grandchildren, Joshua (Megan) and Daniel (Avie) Bertaccini, Janice Puder, and Jennifer Fagan, and delighted in her five great-grandchildren: Isabel, Isaac, Lylah, Emily, and Michael. Watching her family grow across generations was among her life's greatest joys.

People often asked what the secret was to her long life. Part of the answer was delightfully simple: bacon and ice cream. She enjoyed both nearly every day.

But the real answer was resilience.

Miriam endured profound loss with extraordinary strength. She mourned the death of her daughter Robin in 1987, the loss of her beloved husband Richard in 2009, and the heartbreaking passing of her daughter Katherine in March 2026. She also faced breast cancer in 1978 and lived another 48 years as a survivor.

In her later years, she gradually lost the ability to drive, then to walk, never to return to the beloved lake house that had meant so much to her. Through every challenge, she never complained. She accepted life's changes with dignity, knew when she needed help, and accepted that help with grace.

Miriam leaves behind a family that loved her deeply and will miss her always. While we grieve her absence, we celebrate the extraordinary gift of having had her in our lives for so many years. We are grateful that her mind remained clear until the very end and that her final days were peaceful and free from suffering.

Her life reminds us that strength can be quiet, love can be steadfast, and a life well lived is measured not only in years, but in the countless lives touched along the way.

She will forever be remembered with love.

The family will be receiving guests at the Bernheim-Apter-Kreitzman Suburban Funeral Chapel, 68 Old Short Hills Road, Livingston, New Jersey 07039, on July 30, 2026, from 10:15 am to 10:45 am, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 am, with live stream available at https://webcast.funeralvue.com/events/viewer/123845.

Burial will follow at B'nai Jeshurun Cemetery, 1334 Carrington Street, Elizabeth, New Jersey 07208, on July 30, 2026, at 12:30 pm.