Obituaries: Joyce Wolf, Lawrence Mendelsberg, Nanci Hale, Lorna Gray, Janice Bobrick

Joyce Wolf

Joyce Wolf

Former Denver resident Joyce Wolf died on August 7, 2022, in New York City, at the age of 95. A service is pending. Arrangements are being handled by The Funeral Chapel in New York.

Raised in Brooklyn, NY, Mrs. Wolf was visiting a cousin in Denver in 1951 when she was introduced to Erving Wolf of Cheyenne, Wyo. They were married that year.

Mr. and Mrs. Wolf later moved from Wyoming to Denver, where they lived for 11 years. They built a cattle ranch in Ridgway, where they spent summers.

The couple possessed one of the largest private collections of American art, and were supporters of New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art. They were also benefactors to the Denver Art Museum and the UJA Federation.

Mrs. Wolf was predeceased by her husband Erving, daughter Diane and son Daniel. Survivors are son Mathew Wolf; and five grandchildren.

Contributions may be made to Prostate Action.

Lawrence Mendelsberg

Lawrence Mendelsberg

Denver native Lawrence Mendelsberg passed away September 8, 2022, at the age of 85. A service was held Sept. 11 at Rose Hill Cemetery, officiated by Rabbi Rachel Kobrin. Feldman Mortuary made the arrangements.

His formative years spent in Albuquerque, NM, Mr. Mendelsberg attended Highlands High School and New Mexico Highlands University. He entered the Armed Forces in 1955 as a hospital corpsman with the US Navy, based in San Diego, Calif.

Following his naval service in 1957, Mr. Mendelsberg returned to Denver, where he began his career as a manager for special projects and geophysical technicians for Amoco.

“He was a kind, generous, affectionate, welcoming, resilient, loving man,” his family said of the man who was a Broncos season ticket holder for over 60 years.

“More than anything, he loved his family, and he did whatever he could to see them happy,” the family added.

Survivors are children Scott (Irene) Mendelsberg and Andy (Theress Pidick) Mendelsberg; grandchildren Lauren, Lindsey, Katie, Drew, Tatum and Payton; and his sister and brother-in-law Marlene and Marvin Feldman.

Contributions may be made to Congregation Rodef Shalom or the Why Not You Foundation.

Nanci Hale

Nanci Hale

Lifelong educator Nanci Hale passed away on September 3, 2022, at the age of 71. A service was held Sept. 16 at Emanuel Cemetery, officiated by Rabbi Jamie Arnold. Feldman Mortuary made the arrangements.

Ms. Hale grew up in Denver and attended George Washington High School. She received a Bachelor’s degree at Metro State University.

Ms. Hale was a teacher at numerous schools, including Red Rocks Community College. She was on the ritual committee at Congregation Beth Evergreen and taught Hebrew there for many years.

“Nanci was loved for her wit, for her resilience and for her quirky sense of style,” the family said. “Her sense of humor was legendary and we all smile to think of her.”

“Nanci led a life full of meaning,” her family continued. “She had a dogged determination to persevere no matter the obstacle.”

Ms. Hale is mourned by William Hale. Survivors also include her seven children, Genny Hale, Sean Hale, Christy Hale, Michael Hale, Jonathan Hale, Patrick Hale and Colin Hale; and 11 grandchildren.

Contributions may be made to Congregation Beth Evergreen.

Lorna Gray

Lorna Sondra Sadie Gray died on September 7, 2022, at the age of 91. A private service is planned. Feldman Mortuary made the arrangements.

A native of Salt Lake City, Utah, Mrs. Gray was born on August 14, 1931. Her family moved to Denver when she was two years old. She graduated from Denver East High School and attended CU.

Mrs. Gray married Gerald Gray on June 11, 1950; they remained a couple until Mr. Gray’s passing in 2013.

Mrs. Gray worked in the juvenile diversion program of the Denver District Attorney’s office. She initiated a project to help those who were blind gain access to Braille reading materials. She volunteered at the Multiple Sclerosis Society.

“Lorna dedicated her life to her family and dear friends, which was her love and top priority,” her family said.

Survivors include children Gary (Sheri) Gray, Michael Gray and Jim (Frann) Gray; and four grandchildren.
Contributions may be made to the JCC or Shalom Park.

Janice Bobrick

Janice Lynn Bobrick

Denver native Janice Lynn Bobrick died on August 10, 2022, in Reno, Nev. She was 65. No service is planned. Arrangements are being handled by Affinity Society of Nevada.

Ms. Bobrick grew up in the Hilltop neighborhood. She celebrated her Bat Mitzvah at Beth Joseph and attended the University of Arizona and Metro State University.

She then moved to southern California, where she worked in information technology.

Mrs. Bobrick was predeceased by her father Albert Bobrick, and her brother Lewis Bobrick. She is survived by her mother, Geraldine Bobrick of Denver; husband Tom Searles; son Justin (Kaylyn); and one grandchild.

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