Angela Japha
Angela Japha passed away on February 29, 2024, at the age of 66. A service was held on March 7, 2024, at Fairmount Cemetery, officiated by Josue Gonzalez, Rabbi Solomon Gruenwald, Rabbi Sarah Shulman, Rabbi Bruce Dollin and HEA director of music Eitan Kantor. A celebration of life was held on March 16 at the Denver Botanic Gardens. Feldman Mortuary handled the arrangements.
Born in Oklahoma City, Okla., on February 14, 1958, Mrs. Japha attended Oklahoma State University and became a CPA. In November, 2002, she married Dan Japha; they remained a couple until Mrs. Japha’s passing.
Later in life, Mrs. Japha became an accomplished amateur photographer, and was published in National Geographic Traveler Magazine. Her favorite subjects were landscapes and wildlife.
“Hundreds of people have been touched by Angela’s infectious smile, passion for life and always positive attitude energy,” her family said, “and of course, her beautiful photo imagery. She will be missed enormously by all who knew her.”
Survivors are Mrs. Japha’s husband Dan; daughter Megan Barry; stepson and daughter-in-law Jon (Maureen) Japha and their children William and Henry; stepdaughter and son-in-law Yael (Steve) trainer and their children Finn and Nevi; and sisters and brothers-in-law Lynn (Bill) Geller, David (Rivka) Japha, Moshe (Raizel) Japha, Alvin (Pnina) Japha and Jvonna Toni Meier Hurst.
Contributions may be made to Cobbled Streets, Connections Education Center of Palm Beaches and Rural Education and Development.
Larry ‘Aharon’ Brewer
Denver native and US Army veteran Larry “Aharon” Brewer died on February 14, 2024. He was 72. A service was held on February 20 at Emanuel Cemetery, officiated by Rabbi Benjamin Last. Feldman Mortuary made the arrangements.
Mr. Brewer was born on October 6, 1951, at Fitzsimmons Army Hospital in Denver.
He grew up in the Lake Mary-Sanford, Fla., area. After serving in the US Army and attending Seminole Community College, he returned to Colorado.
On November 12, 1983, Aharon and Glenna Brewer married.
Mr. and Mrs. Brewer owned Aharon’s Jewish Books in Denver and Judaica/Milechai.com.
Mr. Brewer later partnered with his son Adam at Denver Gold and Silver Exchange. Adam died in December, 2019. At that time Mr. and Mrs. Brewer closed that business and retired in Florence, Colo.
Mr. Brewer’s family said:
“In Aharon’s memory we ask that you sit down with family and friends and watch his all-time favorite movie, ‘Casablanca’.”
Survivors are Mr. Brewer’s wife Glenna; children James Brewer, Lisa Prengler and Christine (Ryan) Newcomb; brother David Brewer; and grandchildren Hailey Prengler, Ethan Prengler, Alexander (AJ) Jones, Mikayla Newcomb and Connor Newcomb.
Joan Ogner
Joan Ogner passed away on February 4, 2024, at the age of 69. A service was held on February 16 at Temple Micah with interment at Emanuel Cemetery, officiated by Rabbi Adam Morris. Feldman Mortuary handled the arrangements.
Born in Los Angeles, Calif., on March 8, 1954, Ms. Ogner studied biology and political science at Cal State Northridge. She embarked in a career in health management, and ran the largest HIV care and research study in the early days of the AIDS epidemic.
Nearly 30 years ago, Ms. Ogner moved to Denver, where she traveled as a consultant for hospitals and large practices.
Ms. Ogner created Colorado Cats in Need, and was a founding member of No Kill Colorado, helping to save homeless pets. Colorado Cats in Need help spay, trap, neuter and release feral cats, and provided medical treatment for cats in need. It has been renamed the Joan Ogner Colorado Cats in Need Fund.
“Joan endlessly campaigned for saving treatable cats that were in greater danger when homeless,” her family said. “She was known by multiple area shelters and rescues as a feline diabetes guru. She saved countless diabetic cats’ lives by reducing the stress associated with adopting or fostering a diabetic cat.
“Joan’s laugh and good cheer were contagious and her zest for life was always an inspiration.”
Survivors are nieces and nephews Elizabeth McCoun, Jennifer McCoun, Kathleen McCoun and Ronald McCoun; grand-niece Teyla and great-nephews Kian and Jackson; and cousins Margo Goldstein, Sue Grinspan, Lauren Jacob-Smith, Ashley DiGiacomo and Robert Ogner.
Contributions may be made to the Joan Ogner Colorado Cats in Need Fund.
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