Eulogy to Bessie Wilensky, zichrona le’vracha
A woman of valor who can find….

Dear mother – You were truly a woman of valor and fulfilled many of the qualities that we read in the last verses of the book of Proverbs

First, as a devoted wife to our father, Moshe Kalman, z”l. You supported him selflessly and cared for him lovingly in his last days. We all share memories of you patiently waiting for him on Canal Street while he finished the days’ work…of you baking your special taeglach for the annual hospital party.

You also were a devoted mother to all of us. Your joy was in our achievements and your concern for our well-being knew no boundaries. I beg your forgiveness if we did not show the proper appreciation for your devotion.

But with all your devotion to family, you also reached out to help others beyond your home. We remember the many hours you gave to Jewish Community affairs – whether it was translating on the docks when Jews from Europe arrived after World War II, the many years you gave Hadassah and the many important offices you filled, or your unstinting efforts for the Communal Hebrew School.

Most of all, though, we will remember your special Southern charm and wisdom that made everyone feel at home and seek out your counsel. These special qualities led people half your age to seek out your friendship because of your youthful spirit and wise advice. The many guests that you hosted, enriched our lives and provided an example to emulate. I know that the blessing of longevity also brought the curse of outliving many of your life-long friends, but I can only hope that you will rest in peace in the surroundings of your adult life.

I beg your forgiveness for not being present physically, to share these words with you, and for any other offense I have committed against you.