Ruth Turner

TURNER--Ruth. Lover of baseball, opera, theater, the dance, books, words, NYC life, family, and friends, Ruth Turner, 92, passed away from complications of cancer in her home on December 23, leaving bereft her beloved daughters Elizabeth Botwin, Kate Dvorkin, and Julia Mastnak (Constance Dvorkin was predeceased); grandsons Elliot, Nathan, Elijan, Dorje, and Martin; great-grandson Simon; and sons-in-law Michael, Charles, and Tomaz. Born in 1926 in Jerusalem (then Palestine) to Jehiel Elyachar and Jean Rosenblatt Elyachar, Ruth came to the U.S. with her family in 1930. Born into the Sephardic aristocracy of Palestine and the Jewish community of Philadelphia, Ruth was fiercely loyal to her family and roots, even as she forged her own way. Educated at Smith College (BA with honors in political science) and Yale University (MA in political science), Ruth worked as a copygirl in United Press International's sports department during WWII and taught at Hunter, Lehman, and Smith Colleges, and at Yale University. She brought up her four daughters with her husband Spencer Dvorkin in Edgemont, Westchester County, and joined Consumer Reports Books as editor, then becoming director of electronic publishing, director of new product development, and director of Consumer Reports Books. Ruth's later marriage to Larry Lieberfeld brought her more family: Ann Masur, Daniel Lieberfeld, and their families. She served in many roles with the Cosmopolitan Club, the board of her coop, and the Smith College Alumnae Association. Her abiding love and loyalty, along with her sharp mind, inspired many. Ruth will be deeply missed and mourned by family near and far, as well as by countless friends. Details about a January 27 memorial can be found on CaringBridge.org. Donations in lieu of flowers can be sent to the Ada Comstock program, Smith College, at www.smith.edu/giving