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Eulogy for Katherine Fleishner (delivered by Rabbi Leonard Rosenthal, Sept. 6, 1992)

Among Katherine Fleischner's many talents, she was a prodigious writer. Even in later years, when her eyesight was poor and she had to use a magnifying class to read, she always managed to write notes and letters.

On April 10, 1991 she wrote me a beautiful note shortly after her second husband, Ira Burn's, death. In her letter she told me of her love for Ira. Although their relationship, as are most relationships between husband and wife, was not perfect Katherine wrote, ``even during the last three years - even with critical illness - there was love and a bond. No person could separate us until he left me.''

She than continued with the following thought which perhaps more than any other crystallizes not only her attitude towards life but the values with which she tried to live her life,

``I was only 50 when Dr. [this is always how she referred to her first beloved husband, Dr. Charles Fleischner] left me. I had the world before me. But now, at 83, I ask for good health and peace, and to attempt to make each day I am blessed with a gift to again help others who need me.''

Katherine died an untimely death on Thursday evening at the age of 84. One usually does not refer to the loss of a person of such advanced years as being ``untimely,'' but in Katherine's case it fits. Although she had difficulty seeing, she was otherwise in excellent health and in full possession of all of her faculties. In fact, one of the reasons she decided to move back from a retirement hotel into her own home was because she felt so good and was managing so well on her own. All of us are saddened that her life was cut so abruptly short by an unfortunate and unforeseeable accident.

 
Although I met Katherine when she was 80, she never seemed old to me. She was as sharp as a tack, and could not only recount the history of her life in San Diego with ease, but also world events and the modern political situation as well. Especially when it came to Israel, Katherine was up to date not only on the Jewish State's many needs, but also on the most recent prospects for peace, a peace which she despaired of seeing in her own lifetime.

Throughout her life Katherine's mind was sharp and acute. She always read the stock-market, and until recently kept the books herself on her business and financial ventures. Even when she could no longer do this herself and she worked hand in hand with others to keep the paperwork straight - there was never any doubt who was in charge.

She was a talented and astute businesswoman, who long ago when Dr. was a navy surgeon, acquired one of San Diego's first motel's in Old Town. She managed and took care of this property and other investments, and became financially comfortable and independent. She was an extremely independent and capable woman.

But when in came to spending that which she had acquired, Katherine had very modest and simple personal tastes. As her nephew and niece Bernard and Martha Pollack told me, she ...lived very simply.

What did she do, then, with all she acquired? She gave it away, taking care of family and giving it to needy causes. She will do this in death, as she did so in life, for her will provides extremely generous bequests to many needy and deserving organizations and causes. She was extremely caring and philanthropic, and had a special spot in her heart for Israel, the Jewish community, those in need and especially for the education of young children.

When she was awarded the prestigious Ima award by the San Diego Chapter of Hadassah in 1987, among her other comments she said,

``Children are the backbone of every country, especially young Israel, who has gathered, accepted and cared for children from the four corners of the world, regardless of their race, color, creed or disability....We must realize by helping the Youth of Israel we are securing and preserving the lives of our own children in the United States to walk with dignity as Jews.''

 What were some of Katherine's special charities? One of her most important was Tifereth Israel Synagogue, where she maintained a membership since August, 1949. In fact, we still have her original membership application in our file which was signed by Dr. Charles A. Fleischner, M.D. You can see how long ago that was by looking at the yearly membership dues at that time: $50.00 a year!

She was a ongoing contributor to the synagogue, but one very special gift she gave us was a Torah Scroll and mantle, dedicated in 1980 during Sukkot in memory of her beloved first husband, Dr. Charles A. Fleischner.

At that time she told the congregation, ``For almost 20 years, I too have had a Dream that some day I would have the privilege of dedicating a new Torah Scroll to the memory of one who was devout in his Faith and who brought joy to all who knew him...this Torah shall be a living memorial to symbolize the light and word of God which illuminates our minds and hearts, to perpetuate Truth and Learning for the generations to follow, and for those who will recite prayers and passages on the Sabbath and Holidays from this Torah Scroll...the gift of Torah is Israel's sacred trust and Israel's contribution to mankind.''

She also was an avid supporter of Hadassah and Israel, and in her apartment hung many honors and awards attesting to her support and work on behalf of that fine organization.

She also was a patron of the University of Judaism, and one regret I have, is that she never had the opportunity to see the plaque which is placed in that important institution of Conservative Judaism's chapel which she had dedicated to Rabbi Monroe and Lillian Levins, with whom she maintained a close, warm and special relationship.

She was also a contributor to the Hebrew Home and the Indoor/Outdoor Sports Club. These later two were important to her because they helped provide care and service to her beloved sister Rose Zolun - who was disabled, whom she took into her home and cared for, for many years. She also was a generous supporter of Children's hospital, and the San Diego Jewish Academy.

Katherine was always exact and straight-forward in her relationships with people. With Katherine, you always knew what was on her mind and where you stood. She could also be stubborn, but underneath it all was a very caring and sensitive heart. Katherine had many friends, and when she became close to you - she would go to all lengths to help and support you.

 
I will always remember the time that I would not accept a check from her for some small service I performed for her. She said fine, and than sent my family a gift at Chanukah which I could not return!

Although God did not bless Katherine with children, this does not mean that she was not an Ima - a mother, in every sense of the word. She loved and cared for her family and friends.

 
 In particular, she always spoke with me about several specific individuals, whom after Dr. and Ira were always first in her heart.

 First, were her sisters: Beverly Smalley, Mildred Pollack and Bess Marks, and her brother Henry Zolun and sister Rose Gertrude Zolun - both of blessed memory. Although her family did not live close enough to Katherine for her to see them often, especially in later years, she always spoke about her love and concern for you.

She also spoke with love, concern and appreciation about her nieces and nephews: Bernard and Martha Pollack and Dr. Jack and Karen Rabin. All of you meant so much to her, and she was always deeply appreciative of your keeping in touch with her, helping her, and particularly Dr. Rabin arranging for caring for her when she was ill and bringing her back to health.

Burton, I also want you to know that she was fond of you, and especially after your father died she deeply valued your keeping in touch and visits.

And Ruth Gumbiner - you were a true friend. You were at her side in sickness as well as in health. You gave of yourself to her without ever expecting anything back in return. She loved you.

Katherine was a special lady and a special friend. I will miss her just as surely as will all of you. But through her thoughtfulness, commitment and generosity the Mitzvot she performed in the land of the living will continue on even now as she passes on to the next world.

May her love, generosity and caring always be an example to all of us.

And may her soul be bound up in the bond of Eternal Life. Amein.