Dr. Lynn Taussig
Dr. Lynn Max Taussig passed away on July 20, 2025, one day after celebrating his 83rd birthday. A service was held on July 22 at Highlands Church (B’nai Havurah) followed by interment at Mt. Nebo Cemetery, officiated by Hal Aqua. Feldman Mortuary handled the arrangements.
Born on June 19, 1942, in Milwaukee, Wisc., Dr. Taussig completed his undergraduate education at Harvard University and achieved medical degrees at Washington University and CU.
In 1967, Lynn and Lisa Taussig were married in Milwaukee, and moved to Denver in 1993. They remained a couple until Dr. Taussig’s passing.
Dr. Taussig was a leading figure in the study of pediatric pulmonology. In 1974 he was recruited to create a program in pediatric pulmonology at the University of Arizona School of Medicine. He became chairman of the department of pediatrics. In 1993, he became the first physician president/CEO of National Jewish Health.
Before his retirement in 2017, Dr. Taussig was special advisor to the Provost for Life Sciences at DU. While at that position, Dr. Taussig launched the Knoebel Institute for Healthy Aging.
“He was most proud of being a dedicated educator and mentor to numerous medical students, residents and over 20 fellows,” his family said.
“He will be remembered for his passion for playing games (especially poker, hearts and gin rummy), his sweet tooth (especially root beer floats before dinner, and orange slices) and his insatiable zest for life.”
Survivors are wife Lisa; brother Stuart (Marianne) Taussig; daughters Jennifer and Heather; son-in-law Brett Miller; and grandchildren Zoe (fiancé Max), Jess and Lexi.
Contributions may be made to National Jewish Health, the Knoebel Institute for Healthy Aging or the Parkinson’s Assn. of the Rockies.
Eleanore Foonberg
Eleanore Levine Foonberg died July 15, 2025 in California. She was 84. Rabbi Robin Foonberg officiated at the July 17 funeral service at Mount Sinai Chapel, Mount Sinai Hollywood Hills.
Born Jan. 22, 1941 in New York, Mrs. Foonberg moved to California at age 14 and spent most of her life in Beverly Hills.
The mother of Denverite Dana Licht, Mrs. Foonberg was married to her husband Harold for 62 years.
Described by her family as a woman of “great compassion and generosity,” Mrs. Foonberg was a founding member of The Associates at the Jewish Home for the Aging (now Los Angeles Jewish Health), typed books for The Braille Institute and volunteered with the University of Southern California to support anonymous drug testing programs in Los Angeles schools.
Mrs. Foonberg “was known for her elegant presence, her extraordinary knitting skills, her daily walks with friends and the joy she found dancing with her beloved Harold,” her family said. “Her warmth, humor and steadfast love will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.”
Mrs. Foonberg is survived by husband Harold; children Julie, Dana (Brad) and Michael (Yuliana); grandchildren Ashley, Joey, Amanda, Madilynne, Asher and Gavin; sister Wilma, and several nieces and nephews.
Contributions may be made to Los Angeles Jewish Health, the Alzheimer’s Assn. or a charity of choice.
Barbara Schaftel
Barbara Schaftel died on June 26, 2025, two days after her 90th birthday. The family held a private service. Feldman Mortuary made the arrangements.
Born in Baltimore, Md., on June 24, 1935, Mrs. Schaftel was relatively new to the Denver community, having moved to Colorado in 2021. She was the first woman president of the Baltimore Realtors Assn.
Along with her career in real estate, Mrs. Schaftel had many passions. She was a private airplane pilot, road cyclist, deep sea fisherwoman, golfer and tennis player.
She hiked to the camp just before Base Camp in Nepal, hiked Machu Picchu in Peru and parachuted from a plane 16,500 ft. above sea level at the age of 69.
Mrs. Schaftel was married to Stuart Schaftel for 67 years before he passed away in 2021.
“She always sought out opportunities to try something new, taking up acting at the age of 88,” her family said. “Barbara had the gift of lighting up a room her entire life.”
Survivors are five children and their spouses, 12 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
Contributions may be made to the Dyslexia Foundation.
