Ruth Calish Weiss
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Ruth Calish Weiss of Key Biscayne, FL. Was born to Rose (Ravich) Calish and David I. Calish of Lynn, MA. She graduated from Swampscott High School and then Syracuse University in 1954. Known fondly for her exceptional taste in fashion, she started her career in the buying and merchandising industry for Filene's. In 1957, she and Franklin (Fred) Weiss (Z"L), whom she lovingly called Freddy, married and settled in Longmeadow Massachusetts. Here they completed their family with two beautiful daughters and together they shared 46 wonderful years.
Ruth's love, dedication and commitment to Israel and the Jewish people was evidenced by her leadership and philanthropy. For over 50 years, Ruth was, and remains a pillar of the Jewish community, leaving a distinguished history of supporting and advocating for all its members and for the State of Israel. Her many roles included serving as President and Campaign Chair of the Women's Division and as General Campaign Chair of the Jewish Federation of Western Massachusetts, Israel Bonds chair, Jewish Endowment Foundation board member as well as creating the Generation to Generation society, ensuring support for the community for generations to come. Ruth also served for 14 years on the National Women's Philanthropy board of the Jewish Federations of North America. She was the epitome of a strong Jewish woman, and was proud to pass this tradition on to her children and grandchildren.
Always generous and with a great attention to detail, Ruth, along with her three friends started a gift giving business, the Candy Depot. Her leadership and taste were evident in every product they sold.
Ruth was an avid traveler, visiting all corners of the world. She was, however, most proud of her over 30 trips to Israel, where she solidified her relationship with the country and its people. In her spare time, she enjoyed playing bridge with her girlfriends and had a great appreciation for the arts, supporting Jacob's Pillow, The Springfield Museums, the Miami City Ballet and the New World Symphony Orchestra.
Ruth was a lifelong member of Sinai Temple in Springfield, MA, supporter of the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, DC and Mass General Hospital.
Ruth was predeceased by her husband, Fred. She is survived by her two daughters, Susan (William) Weiss Firestone of Longmeadow, MA and Debra (Robert) Finkel of New York, NY, along with five loving grandchildren whom, out of everything, she was most proud : Rachel and Andie Firestone and Max, Hannah and Aliyah Finkel.
We are incredibly grateful for Ruth's exceptional caregivers, Lorna, Rick and Elaine who not only tended to her, but allowed her to live every day to the fullest.
Memorial Contributions may be made to Sinai Temple (Springfield, MA), The Jewish Endowment Foundation of Western Mass or The Greater Miami Jewish Federation.