Carolyn Auerbach
Longtime Denverite and Jewish community activist Carolyn Auerbach passed away on November 8, 2025, at the age of 93. A service was held on November 10 at Rose Hill Cemetery. Feldman Mortuary made the arrangements.
A native of Cincinnati, Ohio, born in 1931, Mrs. Auerbach (née Lipp) attended Indiana University. She was a counselor at JCC Ranch Camp in Elbert, Colo. at the beginning of her communal service outreach.
After marrying Ralph Auerbach, having three children and working as a kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Auerbach and two friends opened a Jewish gift shop, The Three Mavens. She later partnered with Roz Weiss in 1977 to open Boutique Judaica, which served Denver for 36 years.
In the early 90’s, Mr. and Mrs. Auerbach, along with Bobbie and Jerry Carr, opened the Kosher Food Pantry. It later became a project of JFS.
Mrs. Auerbach was also involved at Beth Joseph Congregation and was honored for her volunteer work.
She and Ralph were also longtime members of EDOS.
Ralph died in 2013. Mrs. Auerbach then became involved with Shir Hadash at HEA.
“She loved this group, considered it an extension of her family and it completely fulfilled her spiritual needs,” Mrs. Auerbach’s family said. Her family also noted that Mrs. Auerbach was involved with Shir Hadash until the week before her passing.
“Carolyn was a legend in the Jewish community,” her family said. “She will be missed by everyone who ever experienced her hospitality and her famous chocolate chip cookies.”
Survivors are children Marci, Jeff (Terri) and Bill (Sue); grandchildren Josh, Jason (Ali), Michael (Samantha), Chanah/Julie (Pesach), Michelle (Mike), Molly (Daniel), Ben, Rena (Jessie), Zahava and Matan; and great-grandmother of 20.
Contributions may be made to JFS, Shir Hadash c/o HEA and the Auerbach Family Children’s Fund at DJDS.
Gideon Kaufman
Aspen attorney and one of the founders of Aspen Jewish Congregation, Gideon Kaufman, died on October 26, 2025. He was 77.
A service was held on October 30 at Paepcke Auditorium in Aspen, officiated by Rabbi Shira Stutman.
Mr. Kaufman died after sustaining injuries in a single bicycle crash on Castle Creek Road in Aspen.
Born on May 17, 1948, in Cincinnati, Ohio, Mr. Kaufman attended the University of Maryland and George Washington University law school.
He moved to Aspen in 1973 and opened his longstanding practice as a real estate attorney.
Mr. Kaufman also immediately became a driving presence in the Jewish community of Aspen.
“Gideon Kaufman was the founding spiritual leader of the Aspen Jewish Congregation,” said Jason Schnissel, AJC’s executive director.
“With steadfast dedication, Kaufman served the community as a volunteer for 35 years.
“From Shabbat and High Holiday services to baby namings, B’nai Mitzvah and funerals, Gideon did it all for the Jewish community of Aspen.
“He was truly a remarkable individual.”
Survivors are daughters Haley Kaufman and Hannah Kaufman; and siblings Joshua Kaufman and Abigail Wenner.
Mr. Kaufman is mourned by his ex-wife, Meg Kaufman.
Michael Tucker
Former longtime Denver resident Michael Tucker died on September 2, 2025, at the age of 92. A service was held at Mount Sinai Cemetery in Scottsdale, Ariz., officiated by Rabbi Levi Levertov. Mount Sinai Mortuary handled the arrangements.
Mr. Tucker was born on April 12, 1933, in Chicago, Ill. He was a television broadcasting engineer for 44 years at KBTV, now known as KUSA.
“His commitment to his profession was unwavering,” his family said, “and he was respected by his colleagues for his expertise and his integrity.
“Mike’s work was not just a job; it was a manifestation of his love for communication and his desire to connect people through the medium of television.”
Mr. Tucker spent many years as a teacher at Temple Emanuel.
“His role as a teacher was one he held with great reverence, nurturing the spiritual growth of countless young minds,” his family said.
Survivors are sons Scott, Andrew and Brian; and grandchildren Talon, Tanner, Kira and Kyla.
Mr. Tucker was married to Marlene Tucker, 1961-1994.
Contributions may be made to Chabad of Phoenix.
© IJN 2025
