December 25
SOLENDER, Peter
July 27, 1940 – December 25, 2025
Husband of the late Susan Rivo Solender; father of Lisa (Jack) Flick and Max (Gretchen) Solender; brother of Stephen (Elsa) Solender, Ellen (Harvey) Hirsch and the late Susan Solender Bailis, brother-in-law of Larry Bailis; grandfather of Jennifer and Rachel Flick, Eric and Sarah Solender. A Funeral Service will be held Monday 1 PM at
MESNEKOFF FUNERAL HOME, 8630 Transit Rd., E. Amherst 14051. Shiva will be held Monday & Tuesday 6-8 PM at Peter’s residence: 48 Foxpoint West, Williamsville 14221. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Michael J. Fox Parkinson’s Foundation or Rett Syndrome Research Trust. View live stream and share condolences
at mesnekoff.com.
September 21
HOUSER, Karen
Wife of the late David Houser; loving mother of Jacqueline Houser; daughter of the late Edward and Harriet Karls; sister of Joyce Wasula and James (Margy) Karls; grandmother of Sebastian Houser; aunt of Neil (Cara) and Kate Karls, Wendy Wasula and Krista Houser. A Memorial Service will be held Wednesday, October 8th at 11 AM at Congregation Shir Shalom, 4660 Sheridan Dr., Williamsville 14221. View live stream at shirshalombuffalo.org. Memorials may be made to Hospice Foundation of WNY. Arrangements by MESNEKOFF FUNERAL HOME. Share condolences at mesnekoff.com
September 2
OSTROFF, William
October 13, 1951 – September 2, 2025
Beloved husband of Susan (Bass) Ostroff; loving father of Joseph (Rachel) Ostroff;
brother of Mark (Kathy) Ostroff and Melanie (Silvio) Cohen; brother-in-law of
Jeffrey, Steven and the late Robert Bass. A Private Burial was held by the
immediate family. Memorials may be made to White Whiskers Senior Dog
Sanctuary or Hospice Foundation of WNY. Arrangements by MESNEKOFF
August 28
LEVY, Lenore
September 23,1937-August 28, 2025
Beloved wife of the late Morton Levy; loving mother of Robert Levy, David (Eva) Levy and Jane (William) Goodman; daughter of the late Howard and Elsie Mitofsky; sister of the late Warren Mitofsky; devoted Bacha of Meredith, Victoria, Ben, Ethan, Benjamin, Naomi, Joel and Eli. A Funeral Service will be held Sunday 10 AM at Congregation Shir Shalom, 4660 Sheridan Dr., Williamsville 14221. Shiva will be held Sunday from 1:00 to 4:00 pm and 7:00 to 9:00 pm with the Minyan Service at 7:30 pm following the interment at Lenore’s residence: 12 Hampton Hill Dr., Williamsville 14221. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Lenore Levy Scholarship at Buffalo State University through alumni.buffalostate.edu/givenow. Arrangements by MESNEKOFF FUNERAL HOME. Share condolences at mesnekoff.com
August 20
FERBER, Gabriel J
1948-2025
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, brother, and grandfather, Gabriel J. Ferber Esq., in Buffalo, NY. Born in Stuttgart, Germany in 1948 to Holocaust survivors Jack and Marisha Ferber, Gabriel immigrated to the United States with his family in 1951, settling in Binghamton, NY. His younger brother, Robin J. Ferber, was born shortly after, in 1951.From a young age, Gabriel distinguished himself with intelligence, discipline, and compassion. A merit scholar, Boy Scout, and high school swim team member. Voted “Best Natured Boy” his senior year of high school. He continued his education at the University at Buffalo Law School, where he also rowed competitively. He would later go on to serve as a builder, supporter, and longtime President of the West Side Rowing Club—an organization close to his heart. A gifted civil litigation attorney, he was partner with the firm Nesper, Ferber and DiGiacomo. Gabriel was known not only for his sharp legal mind but also for his eloquence and strength as both a writer and orator. He never missed an opportunity to speak up, especially when it mattered most. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Gabriel’s life was deeply rooted in family, community and Jewish faith. He served as a synagogue president and was a proud advocate for Holocaust remembrance through his involvement with Holocaust Resource Center. He also began the Jewish War Veterans Shabbat Luncheon, honoring Jewish servicemen and women.
He was a lifelong Buffalo Bills fan, holding season tickets since 1984, and had a passion for Civil War history, Mustangs and Jeopardy (an unsung champion).Gabriel is survived by his devoted wife of 52 years, Andrea “Candy” Marlow Schwartz Ferber, his loving children Daniel (Tina) Ferber, Gregory Ferber, and Sara (Jonah) Kliewer, and his cherished granddaughters, Isabella Ferber and Maple Kliewer. He is also survived by his brother, Robin (Andrea) J. Ferber and much extended family. He will be remembered for his generosity, his leadership, his deep pride in his heritage, and his dry humor. He was often heard quoting, “You can’t always get what you want,” and, with gratitude for life’s blessings, “Baruch Hashem.” A memorial service will be held at Amherst Memorial Chapel on Friday August 22, 2025, at 12:00 pm. Shiva will be observed following the service from 2 pm until 6 pm and again from 2 pm to 6 pm on Sunday (8/24) and Monday (8/25) at 91 Crosby Blvd. Amherst, NY 14226. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Gabriel’s honor to Congregation Shir Shalom or Jewish War Veterans. And for those who knew him best, yes—it was true: he did claim to have invented Post-its and to have been the Ambassador to France—briefly.
May his memory be a blessing.
August 1
BARDACH (nee Leavitt), Judith L
Dec. 4, 1934 – Aug. 1, 2025
Beloved wife of the late Robert Bardach, z”l; dear mother of Sheila (late Sheldon, z”l) Benatovich, Leah (Mitchell) Morcelle, and Stanley David Bardach; sister of the late Joyce Rosen, z”l, and Dolly Berkowitz; grandmother of Samuel and Brian Benatovich, Madeline, Mason and Trevor Morcelle and two great-grandchildren. A Funeral Service will be held Monday, 1 PM at MESNEKOFF FUNERAL HOME, INC., 8630 Transit Rd., E. Amherst, 14051. In lieu of flowers, Memorials may be made to Planned Parenthood or Congregation Shir Shalom. Shiva will be Monday, 5-7 PM at Sheila’s residence, 116 Greenaway Rd. Amherst 14226. Share condolences at mesnekoff.com.
June 6
GERSTMAN Lillian I, passed away at age 93 in San Diego, California. A memorial
service will be held at Congregation Shir Shalom at 2:00 P.M. on Thursday, July 10, 2025. She was the loving wife of Irving L. Innerfield, who died in 1965, and of Hubert A. Gerstman who died in 1996. She was a graduate of Cornell University. Prior to her retirement, she served as a respected psychology professor at Erie Community College, North Campus. She is survived by her daughters Helen Michal Shafir of San Diego and Jen E. Innerfield of West Seneca, by her sister Joan Kranz, as well as by her stepchildren, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Donations in her memory may be made to: American Friends of Magen David Adom, Erie County Libraries or Hadassah.
June 6
LEMANSKI, Dr. Alan April 7, 1965 – July 6, 2025Husband of Michael Rosenberg; father of Alec (Amanda) Lemanski; son of the late Aloyes and Geraldine Lemanski; brother of Jacqueline (Ken Denman) Rosky, Timothy Lemanski and the late Chuck Lemanski; papa of Hayden “Meeka” and Wyatt “Cheek”; also survived by many nieces and nephews. A Visitation will be held Thursday 4-7 PM at MESNEKOFF FUNERAL HOME, 8630 Transit Rd., E. Amherst 14051. A Memorial Service will be held Friday 10 AM at Congregation Shir Shalom, 4660 Sheridan Dr., Williamsville 14221. View a live stream of the service at shirshalombuffalo.org. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Congregation Shir Shalom. Share condolences at mesnekoff.com
June 17
FALK, Donald
January 15, 1932- June 17, 2025
On June 17, 2025, of Clarence Center, NY. Beloved husband of 69 years of love & devotion to Lillian Falk. Proud father to Annette (Thomas) Chirico, and Burton Falk. Cherished grandfather to Michael (Elizabeth) and Heather (Robert) Chirico. Great-grandfather to Abby, Emma, Anna, Riley, and Meghan- who loved him dearly and brought endless love and happiness. Funeral services will be held on Friday June 20, 2025 at 1 PM from AMHERST MEMORIAL CHAPEL LLC. 281 DODGE RD. No prior visitations. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to a veteran’s organization or local literacy initiative of your choice.
Family guestbook available at www.amherstmemorialchaple.com
May 7
EHRENHALT, Yoav
December 22, 1978 – May 7, 2025
Son of Dan Ehrenhalt and the late Laurie (nee Klein) Wolowitz; brother of Daphna (Chris Jackson) Ehrenhalt and Dzung Luong; cousin of Jay (Rebecca) Mesnekoff; great nephew of Melvin (Beverly) Mesnekoff and godson of Beverly Mesnekoff. also survived by many loving aunts, uncles, cousins, friends and 2 nieces. A Funeral Service will be held Monday 11 AM at MESNEKOFF FUNERAL HOME, 8630 Transit Rd., E. Amherst 14051. There will be a private Shiva. View live stream and share condolences at mesnekoff.com
April 25
ZELIKMAN, Max
September 24, 1946 – April 25, 2025
Beloved husband of the late Diana Olear z”l. Devoted father of Liana Olear. Loving son of the late Moisey & Busya Zelikman z”l. Brother of Sofiya Bromberg, Musician & teacher to all of Buffalo. Funeral services will be held at AMHERST MEMORIAL CHAPEL, LLC. 281 Dodge Rd. Sunday at 2 PM. In lieu of flowers those wishing may make donations in Max’s memory to a charity of their choice. Family guestbook available at www.amherstmemorialchapel.com.
April 5
RUBINSTEIN, Eva
Eva was 66 years old. She was predeceased by her daughter, Ariel Goldstein. Survived by her husband, Brian Goldstein, son Adam Goldstein and son-in-law Francis Benz.
The burial was private and there will be no shiva.
April 4
KAUFMAN, Elias
January 25, 1939- April 4, 2025
Husband of Madeleine Kaufman, PhD., father of Dr. Rachel (Lawrence Gosse) Kaufman, Benjamin Kaufman and the late Bena Kaufman; brother of Laura Kaufman, PhD.; grandfather of Clara and Micah. A Private Graveside Service will be held by the family. Memorials may be made to Buffalo Jewish Federation, Hospice Foundation of WNY or a charity of one’s choice. Arrangements by MESNEKOFF FUNERAL HOME. Share condolences at mesnekoff.com
March 14
POLONSKI, Michelle
September 8,1954- March 14, 2025
Michelle M. Polonski (nee Savit), 70, passed away on March 14, 2025 while vacationing in her favorite destination, Aruba.
Born on September 8, 1954, in Rome, New York, Michelle was the daughter of Muriel and the late Herbert Savit. She graduated from Depew High School in the Class of 1972 and later went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice from SUNY Buffalo.
Michelle was a woman of deep devotion and integrity, known for her candid nature and unwavering love for those around her. She dedicated much of her time to volunteering, particularly at the SPCA, where she found great joy in helping animals in need. Her love for animals extended into her home, where she cherished the companionship of her beloved pet cats.
An avid reader and worldwide traveler, Michelle embraced life with curiosity and passion. She was deeply engaged in causes that impacted marginalized communities. She was a dedicated supporter of the Buffalo Bills and UB Bulls and could often be found cheering them on at games. She also enjoyed playing pickleball and spending time with her nieces and nephews, who brought immense joy to her life.
Michelle is survived by her loving husband, Stanley F. Polonski; her mother, Muriel Savit; her niece/ adopted sister/ best friend Jillian (Bryan) Rafferty, nieces and nephews, Kari Wallover, Kristin (John) Gilmour, Madison Pawela, Will Pawela, John Dubiel, Anna Dubiel, Amanda Dubiel; her great-nieces Alexa Rafferty and Samantha Rafferty; as well as her sister-in-law Cheryl (Robert) Wirth, Michele (Gary) Dubiel and Mary (Mark) Pawela. She was predeceased by her father Herbert Savit and sister Patricia Barone.
A memorial service will be held on April 6, 2025, at 2:00 pm at Congregation Shir Shalom, Amherst, New York.
Donations in Michelle’s memory can be made to Erie County SPCA or to Michelle’s Ride for Roswell Page
March 10
SLOAN, Max, Husband of Elizabeth Sloan; father of Jessica (Adam) Cunningham and Joshua Sloan; brother of Rose (Paul) Dabrowski; grandfather of Sol Ber, Hannah and Pennina; also survived by many loving family and friends. A Graveside Service was held at Ahavas Sholem Cemetery in Cheektowaga. Memorials may be made to The Saranac Shul or Congregation Shir Shalom. Arrangements by MESNEKOFF FUNERAL HOME. Share condolences at mesnekoff.com
March 1
FRANCHELL, Linda, October 2, 1948 – March 1, 2025, Wife of Jesse Grossman; mother of Rayna (Ethan Levine) Grossman and Moryssa (Jonathan) Raney; sister of Michael Franchell and the late Francis David Franchell; Grandma Linny to Ellie, Feivel, Jack and Riva. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to emilyslist.org. Share condolences at mesnekoff.com
February 24
IGGERS, Wilma Abeles, an accomplished scholar of German literature and an ardent advocate for civil rights, passed away peacefully on February 24, 2025 at the age of 103.
Wilma was born March 23, 1921 in the village of Miřkov, Czechoslovakia. The first of two children born to Karl and Elsa Abeles, Wilma’s childhood instilled in her a love of the Bohemian countryside. She passed hours in the large garden abutting her family home, the details of which she could vividly call to memory until her last days.
From the outset, Wilma emulated both her father Karl (a larger-than-life man who she adored deeply and who quickly won the affections of all those with whom he crossed paths) and her mother Elsa (an ambitious and exacting woman who impressed on Wilma and her sister Marianne the importance of education).
Wilma and her family fled the threat of the Nazis in 1938, immigrating from Czechoslovakia to Canada as part of a group of 39 Czech-Jewish extended family members led by her father. Together, the group settled in the Brantford area of Ontario, where they continued the tradition of farming that had been central to their lives in Czechoslovakia.
Wilma’s academic journey began at McMaster University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree. Her studies continued at the University of Chicago, where she earned a PhD. This was also where she met Georg Iggers. They married in 1948, and for the decades that followed, Wilma built a life and career with and alongside Georg, each becoming a distinguished professor in their respective fields of study. Wilma was particularly known for her expertise in the history and culture of Jews in Central Europe.
Wilma and Georg had three sons together: Jeremy, Dan, and Karl Jonathan. Struck by the parallels between anti-Black racism in America and the persecution they faced as Jews in their homelands, they devoted themselves to challenging the systemic racism that plagued the United States. Their early careers in academia and activism brought them to live and raise their family in multiple places in the American south, including Little Rock, Arkansas and New Orleans, Louisiana where they taught at historically Black colleges and universities and were active in the civil rights movement. Their careers in the 1950s and 60s also brought them to Chicago, France and Germany, before eventually settling in Buffalo, New York.
Wilma was gifted at building connections. She was genuinely curious about the minutiae of daily life for the people around her, and this curiosity fueled her to forge deep connections with others. Until her final days, she had regular calls and visits from family, friends, and former students with whom she had built lasting and meaningful friendships. She maintained email and letter correspondences with friends around the world in English, German and Czech, only slowing down in her final weeks. In addition to her friendships, Wilma found joy in various hobbies, including reading, knitting, and in younger days, foraging for mushrooms (in Czech: na houby).
Wilma’s gift for building connections also permeated her scholarship. One of her most important works, The Jews of Bohemia and Moravia, shed light on the Jewish experience in Central Europe and showcased her ability to bridge cultural and historical divides. Wilma’s scholarship earned her the admiration of both academic peers and public figures alike. In recognition of her work, Wilma was awarded an honorary citizenship in her hometown of Horšovský Týn, and in 2004, the Czech Foreign Ministry presented her with the “Gratias Agit” award, a high honor given to foreign nationals who contribute to the promotion of Czech culture abroad.
Throughout her life, Wilma Iggers remained an unwavering advocate for human rights, equality, and the pursuit of knowledge. Her life was a testament to the power of education, activism, and the importance of standing up for justice. She will be remembered as a pioneering figure who shaped both the academic world and the struggle for civil rights in America.
Wilma will live on in the hearts of her remaining family, including sons Jeremy (Carol), Daniel (Janet), and Karl Jonathan; grandchildren Sarah (Phil), Kelly (Eric), Adam (Stephanie), and Micha; and great-grandchildren Kyra, Ivy, Mabel, Theodore and Scarlett; as well as in the hearts of many other beloved relatives and friends. Gratitude goes out to committed friends Denise McCoy and Bill VanStone, who were great supporters through her final days.
A Memorial Service will be held Tuesday 12 noon at MESNEKOFF FUNERAL HOME, 8630 Transit Rd., E. Amherst, NY 14051. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Philander Smith University or a charity of one’s choice. Share condolences and view livestream at mesnekoff.com
January 10
WEINSTEIN, Elaine, Jan 2, 1939 – Jan 10, 2025, Beloved wife of the late Marshall Weinstein; loving mother of Scott (Nichole) and Peter (Lori) Weinstein; sister of the late Barbara Bush; dear Nama of Sara (Mel), Marley, Jordan, Jacob, Nate, Ayden, Gavin, and Payton; great Nama of Isaac and Maya; fond aunt and great aunt of many nieces and nephews. A Funeral Service will be held Tuesday, at 11 AM at Congregation Shir Shalom,
4660 Sheridan Dr., 14221. Livestream at shirshalom- buffalo.org. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Congregation Shir Shalom or
Hospice Foundation of WNY. Shiva will be Tuesday