Dysia Sonenreich
Holocaust survivor Dysia Sonenreich passed away on June 23, 2024, at the age of 93. A service was held on June 25 at BMH-BJ, with interment at Mt. Nebo Cemetery, officiated by Rabbi Yaakov Chaitovsky and Rabbi Avraham Mintz. Feldman Mortuary made the arrangements.
Born on March 10, 1931 in Chelm, Poland, Mrs. Sonenreich’s (née Beker) family escaped the Nazi occupation of Chelm in 1939 for the Soviet Union, where her father, Yisruel Leib Beker, was arrested and never seen again. The family endured forced labor camps, hunger and sickness, until liberation in 1945.
In 1948, Dysia married Moishe Sonenreich. While Mrs. Sonenreich’s family immigrated to Israel, Mr. and Mrs. Sonenreich settled in Denver, in 1951. Mr. Sonenreich died in 1988.
“Conversant in six languages, Dysia refused to let the past deter her,” her family said.
“Dysia’s early life was marked by unimaginable hardships of the Holocaust, but her indomitable spirit saw her through, leading her to the joy of building a life of love, devotion to G-d, children, friends and support of many causes.”
Together with her husband she raised four children, built several businesses, remained faithful to her Orthodox roots, traveled extensively, loved speaking and teaching Yiddish, and was a supporter of Israel.
After her husband died, she continued to live independently.
She was portrayed in an award-winning article in the IJN’s L’Chaim magazine (Sept. 17, 2020), by Andrea Jacobs, “Dysia Sonenreich: The Voice of a Survivor.”
Survivors are children Molly (the late Mort) Hoffman, Izzy (Peri Greenstein) Sonenreich, Frieda (Rick) Bernheim, and Marvin (Jennifer Hix) Sonenreich; grandchildren Robin (Darren) Melameth, Sara (Jonathan) Morris, Allison (Justin) Andress, Max (Amanda) Sands, Aviva (Josh) Sonenreich, Lauren Kashuk, and Nathaniel and David Bernheim; great-grandchildren Shia, Aden, Noa, Sadie, Lucy, Samuel and Harrison; and brother Yonah Beker.
Contributions may be made to Magen David Adom, the Chabad Jewish Center of South Metro Denver or JNF.
Helen Eisen
Longtime Denver resident Helen Eisen died on June 9, 2024. She was 94. A service was held on June 10 at Rose Hill Cemetery, officiated by Rabbi Rick Rheins. Feldman Mortuary handled the arrangements.
Mrs. Eisen (née Templehof) was born on November 6, 1929, in Pueblo. When Helen and her two sisters reached school age, the family moved to Denver’s West Side. Mrs. Eisen attended West High School.
Thereafter, Mrs. Eisen met Eugene Eisen, and they were married at HEA on June 26, 1949. They were a couple until Mr. Eisen’s passing in April, 2020, one year after their 70th anniversary.
Mrs. Eisen assisted Mr. Eisen at his clothing store, Man’s World. She also helped manage an apartment complex the couple owned.
“As a volunteer for Hadassah, National Council of Jewish Women, Aurora Hills Golf League and other organizations, Helen illustrated newsletters that were highly appreciated,” her family said.
“She also loved to play golf, bridge and Mah Jongg.”
Survivors are Helen’s sister, Evelyn Mendelsberg; children Carrie (Alec) Rosenfeld, Penny (Perry) Nisson, Jodi (Andy) Hesch and Lori (Baruch) Eisen; grandchildren Aaron (Ashley) Minard, Rachel Rosenfeld, Lee (Rachel) Nisson, Sam Hesch, David Goldstein, Nathanlel Goldstein and Liza (Brian) Cohen; and great-grandchildren Carter and Lucas Minard, Jessica (Ben) Jacobson and Steven Silvers.
Contributions may be made to Hadassah.
Leslie Nathan
Temple Emanuel member and Edwards resident Leslie Lewis Nathan died on June 17, 2024, at the age of 75. A celebration of life is planned for July 29 at Vail Interfaith Chapel in Vail, and will be officiated by Rabbi Joel Newman. Feldman Mortuary is making the arrangements.
Mrs. Nathan, born in Houston in 1948, attended Tulane University and graduated in 1970. She married Dr. Robert Nathan, and they moved to Miami, where Dr. Nathan began his career in medicine.
In 1977, the couple and their family moved to Colorado Springs, where Mrs. Nathan became a travel agent and meeting planner for pharmaceutical companies.
In addition to Temple Emanuel, Mrs. and Dr. Nathan have been members of Temple Shalom in Colorado Springs and B’nai Vail.
“Her passions ranged from golf, pilates, yoga, travel, canasta, online New York Times word games and so much more,” her family said.
“She was fortunate to visit over 130 countries with her husband, frequently with family and friends over the years, with many more trips planned in the upcoming years.
“She served on a wide range of boards and had many philanthropic pursuits, receiving numerous honors for her community work.
“Her zest for life was contagious to anyone who met her and her sudden passing has left a void not only with her family, but with her friends.”
Survivors are Mrs. Nathan’s husband Robert; children Brett (Jennifer) Nathan and Douglas (Tammy) Nathan; grandchildren Emma and Caroline Nathan and Asher and Noa Nathan; sister Beverly Lewis; sister-in-law Nancy (Bob) Goldstein and step mother-in-law Toni Nathan.
Contributions can be made to Sharsheret.
© IJN 2024
