Devora Eulogy by her brother Rabbi Elie Radinsky

Wait! This is a song!  This was a refrain often said at our Pesach Seder by Devorah.  However, it would have been better if she said it prior to us finishing the passage and moving two paragraphs further.   You see Devorah loves to sing.

How can a word or a few words describe a life – especially a life tragically cut short in its prime.

Most of you know Devorah as an educator – she was always teaching and instructing ever since she was a small child.

Others know her as a friend.  Someone who is dependable.
Someone who is there for them at a time of need.

However, we know a different side of Devorah.  Devorah always wanted to have a good time.  She was the self proclaimed Queen of everything  “Fun and Playful.”

We know her as:
Fun Loving;
Alligator jumping;
Snake fleeing;
Hay riding ;
Ranch going;
White water rafting;
Singing, Singing, always Singing;
Seaworld watching;
Seagull chasing;
4 seat bicycle riding;
amusement park going;
Fudge pie making;
Singing, Singing, Singing;
Barefoot chasuna dancing;
Always smiling;
Infectious laughing;
Bayou walking;
Belly dancing;
Tea drinking; and
Of course, always singing.
Someone that couldn’t talk without flailing her arms about.  Someone that you wanted to be around, because she made you feel better.

Her family was her priority.  She deeply loved her parents, husband and children.  She never missed a family or friends simchas.  She was always considerate.

When we were young, there were times when our parents needed to be away for extended periods of time. Devorah was thrust into a position of responsibility over Dena and I. She was up to the task, even though she was barely older than us and we were less than cooperative.

My sister was very bright. Today, in school, she would be labeled as “gifted.”   She was the valedictorian of her junior high school class.  

The move to Houston between her junior and senior years in high school was very difficult for her. You see, she had a legitimate shot at being the valedictorian of her high school class – a class that numbered over a thousand students as well as being first chair in violin. Devorah was very popular among her band/orchestra friends and was widely known and respected among the broader community.

She received a BA in finance and worked in that field for Bar Ilan University.  Later she switched to being an educator – you see teaching isn’t just a vocation for her, it is her passion.


She was an avid reader.  She also loved the arts and loved to go to museums and symphonies.

My sister was a worrier.  She identified and commiserated with people; and their problems became hers as well.  

It is said that if you touch – actually make a difference in six peoples lives – you have lived a purposeful life. Given the size of the crowd today,  I believe that we can say that she lived a purposeful life.  Although sort in years, it was tall on the impact that it had on others.

Getting back to that word to describe her:

Remarkable. Yes, that is it!  Devorah is remarkable in all meanings of the word. She left an indeliable mark on everyone that she came in contact with.

She was the consummate daughter.
She was a loving wife to her Marky Bear!
She was her children’s role model and confidant.  
Tzvi, Michelle, Ariell, Eitan and Atarah, she couldn’t have been more proud of each and every one of you!
And to all of us, we are honored to have her call us friend.

I am certain that at the time of her and our children’s weddings, in Shamayiim, she will be kicking off her shoes and dancing along with us.

Boussy, My you be a Maylitz Yosher for your family and all of us.
Hashem Natan, Vahashem Lakach, Yehi Shem Hashem mevorach Meata Vead Olam!
Hashem gives and Hashem takes; may Hashem be blessed forever and ever!  Rabbi Elie  Radinsky Devora’s brotherac