Ray Botvinick

Ray Katz Botvinick was born in Brooklyn, NY, on August 15,1929. Brooklyn remained Ray’s home until she moved to Raleigh, NC, where she lived from December 2022 until her death on March 3, 2025. In Brooklyn, on November 27, 1948, Ray Katz married Charles Botvinick, the man she would dance with until 2009 and whose memory she cherished thereafter. Together, Charlie and Ray lovingly raised two sons. Having extraordinary secretarial skills, Ray also worked outside the home, most notably in offices at Brooklyn College, where a new Brooklyn College President, Dr. Robert Hess, quickly recognized that Ray had the personality, character, and skills required to be his Executive Secretary. It was a position in which Ray served with distinction; and when she spoke of this work, her satisfaction and excitement were obvious. Nothing, however, was as important to Ray as her family. From those closest to her to distant relatives and in-laws, family was the center of her world; and everyone who knew her felt the constancy of Ray’s love of family. Immediate family members who preceded Ray in death are Morris Katz and Anna Katz, beloved parents, and Milton Katz, beloved brother. She is survived by sons, Ira J. Botvinick (Risa) and Harvey B. Botvinick (Eileen); grandchildren, Melissa Botvinick, Jessica Koletsky (Matt), Marshall Botvinick (Karen Burns), Jason Botvinick (Erica); great-grandchildren, Joshua Koletsky, Hal Botvinick, and Michael Koletsky. She adored and was adored by all of them.

The family wishes to acknowledge the health-care professionals whose attention in recent years helped Ray reach and enjoy her ninety-fifth birthday and to wholeheartedly thank the many loving, seemingly tireless CNAs whose impact on Ray’s quality of life in Raleigh is immeasurable. No words can convey how grateful Ray’s family is for the care provided by Dorcas Kengere, Neema Momanyi, and Rose Shivambo.

On March 5, 2025, after a funeral service at Kehila Chapel in Brooklyn, Ray Botvinick was laid to rest in Beth David Cemetery, Elmont, NY, beside Charles Botvinick, whom she loved - - always.