Marsha Lynn Schaefer Rubinowitz, a respected teacher of the deaf, passed away on Jan. 18, 2015, in Denver. She was 75. Cantor Joel Lichterman officiated at the service, held at BMH-BJ. Interment followed at Emanuel Cemetery. Shalom Funeral Service made the arrangements.
She made others around her feel better about themselves, the family said. She was a very caring person who would ask her caregivers how they were before they could ask about her.
Marsha had a long and difficult illness that required six disc operations. She died of complications following the last operation.
Marsha Schaefer was born Oct. 13, 1939, to Bertha and David Schaefer in Madison, Wisconsin.
She briefly lived in Florida and moved back to Racine, Wis., after WW II.
Marsha attended the University of Wisconsin, where she earned her BA and MA degrees in speech therapy and audiology.
An exceptional teacher of deaf and emotionally disturbed students, she first taught at the Pennsylvania School of the Deaf and then at the University of Wisconsin.
She taught deaf children to communicate verbally, which increased their interaction with the world. Her successful teaching techniques were recorded on film.
Marsha married Dr. Martin Rubinowitz on June 17, 1962. They were together for over 52 years.
In June, 1969, she retired and became a full-time wife and mother.
Marsha belonged to BMH-BJs Womens League and Hadassah.
A dog lover since she was a child, she had seven dogs during her marriage. Almost all her canine companions were adopted from MaxFund, a no-kill shelter that rescues abused animals.
Marsha is survived by her husband Dr. Martin Rubinowitz; two daughters, Sarah Atereth and Rachel (Brett) Brakel; grandchildren David, Aaron and Allie Beth; sister Batya (Ezra) Levin; and brother- and sister-in-law Leonard and Linda Rubinowitz.
Contributions may be made in Marshas honor to MaxFund, 720 W. 10th Ave., Denver, 80204; or The Denver Hospice, 501 S. Cherry St., Suite 700, Denver, 80246.
Copyright © 2015 by the Intermountain Jewish News
