Jorge Topelson
Holocaust survivor Jorge Topelson passed away on September 26, 2024, at the age of 82. A service was held on September 29 at HEA, with burial at Mount Nebo Cemetery, officiated by Rabbi Sarah Shulman. Feldman Mortuary made the arrange- ments.
Born in Warsaw, Poland on July 27, 1942, Mr. Topelson was an architect and developer. Jorge and Francine Topelson were married in Tel Aviv in October, 1967, and had been a couple since.
“Jorge believed in family value and had a strong, loving relationship with his wife, children, grandchild and siblings,” his family said.
“He loved the arts, traveling and reading, and believed that tzedakah and Jewish education were an important part of his life.”
Survivors are Mr. Topelson’s wife Francine; children Ian (Regina) Topelson, Gerardo (Amy) Topelson and Carolin (Louis Guillory) Topelson; siblings Marisha (Alberto) Buzali, Alex (D. Diamond) Topelson and Sara (Pepe) Topelson Grinberg; and grandchildren Max and Marc, Sydney and Elana, and Oren and Talia.
Contributions may be made to HEA, JNF or Aish of the Rockies.
Stanley Debber
Denver native and US Army veteran Stanley Debber died on October 3, 2024, the first day of Rosh Hashanah. He was 89. A service was held on October 8 at Phoenix (Ariz.) Memorial Park, officiated by Chazan Lev Ettelson of Beth Emeth Congregation of West Valley, Ariz. Feldman Mortuary made the arrangements.
Born on March 15, 1935, Mr. Debber grew up on Denver’s West Side, and graduated from North High School.
He enlisted in the US Army and was stationed in Potier, France, where he became assistant to the Jewish chaplain.
After his military service, Mr. Debber returned to Denver, and then moved to Raton, NM, to work at Rubin’s General Store. After marrying Ruth Ostrower in June, 1969, the couple settled in Albuquerque, where Mr. Debber graduated from the University of New Mexico with a degree in political science. Mr. Debber was employed by the US Dept. of Defense.
Mr. and Mrs. Debber moved to Phoenix. Mrs. Debber passed away in November, 2005.
Mr. Debber and his son Max were involved with the Arizona Ballooning Club and every weekend for years they “chased” balloons, helping to steady and bring down the baskets.
“Stanley eventually moved to Sun City Grand where he was involved with their community theatre, and enjoyed playing pickelball,” his family said.
Survivors are Mr. Debber’s son Max (Lettie) Debber; sister Joyce Perlmutter; grandchildren Makenzie and Jack, niece Nanci Perlmutter, and nephews Marty (Mary) Perlmutter and Morey (Kara) Perlmutter.
Contributions may be made to HEA and the American Cancer Society.
Sharon Sanders
Denver native Sharon Sanders passed away on September 26, 2024. She was 81. A service was held on September 29 at Rose Hill Cemetery, officiated by Rabbi Caryn Aviv. Feldman Mortuary handled the arrangements.
Ms. Sanders, born on May 4, 1943, grew up on Denver’s West Side and attended Smiley Elementary and East High School. She worked in medical credentialing for many years, including at Cigna Health Insurance and Parker Adventist Hospital.
“She was strong willed, tough, resilient and independent,” her family said. “She had to adjust to life changes in her 50s and was able to reinvent herself and create a life she enjoyed.
“She wanted to stick around to cast her vote for the first female president. She believed in equity and equality and wanted the world to be better for her loved ones.”
The family also noted that Ms. Sanders “had many close friends and loved playing Mah Jong multiple times a week, even though she rarely won more than $3.”
Survivors are daughters Stacey Sanders, Marla (Randy) Berkheim and Allison (Bob) Williams; and grandchildren Ben and Alex Williams and Jake and Ivy Berkheim.
Contributions may be made to Elevating Connections and Judaism Your Way.
© IJN 2024
