Zelma “Zel” Kahn
Centenarian and former Denver resident Zelma “Zel” Kahn died on September 22, 2023, in Palo Alto, Calif. She was 103. A service was held on September 28 at Shearith Israel Memorial Park in Dallas, officiated by Rabbi Shira Wallach and Cantor Itzhak Zhrebker. Arrangements were made by Dallas Jewish Funerals.
Mrs. Kahn (née Eatenson) was a co-founder and vice president of the sisterhood at Congregation Beth Joseph. She was also a lifetime member of Hadassah, and was a Denver resident from 1947-1964.
Born on November 8, 1919 in Dallas, Mrs. Kahn attended Southern Methodist University and embarked on a lengthy career in real estate.
On March 9, 1941, Zelma and Frederick Kahn were married; they remained a couple until Mr. Kahn’s death in August, 1975.
Early in their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Kahn lived in Dallas and various locations around the US where Mr. Kahn was stationed in the US Army Air Corps. They then moved to Denver; Mrs. Kahn’s family said she remained close to her “Denver Jewish friends” her entire life.
Mrs. Kahn’s family also said “she was strongly socially connected in all the communities where she lived, especially via her Jewish friends, family and community.”
The family noted that any phone conversation during the last years of Mrs. Kahn’s life ended with “G-d willing and the creek don’t rise.”
Survivors are Mrs. Kahn’s children Robert (Lynn Levy) Kahn, Dr. Ted (Frona) Kahn and Patti (Dr. William Kornfeld) Kahn; grandchildren Alyssa Kahn (Steven) Ortiz, Ben Kahn, Dr. Yoni (Alison Rosenblum) Kahn, Aaron Kahn and Ilana Kornfeld; and three great-grandchildren.
Contributions may be made to Hadassah.
Dr. Brian Zable
Dr. Brian Zable died on September 29 in Colorado Springs. He was 58. A service was held on October 3 at Temple Shalom with interment at the Sons of Israel Cemetery, officiated by Rabbi Jay Sherwood. Sons of Israel handled the arrangements.
Dr. Zable was a respected physician in Colorado Springs, specializing in geriatrics. He began his career at Johns Hopkins University before moving to Colorado.
Born on August 1, 1965, in Binghamton, NY, Dr. Zable earned a degree in engineering at Cornell University before achieving his medical degree at Hahnemann University. It was at the University of Minnesota, while completing his medical residency, where he met Dr. Mary Olsovsky. They married in Minneapolis in 1995.
“He was beloved by his patients, who lauded his kindness, sense of humor, medical expertise and willingness to listen,” Dr. Zable’s family said.
“Everyone who knew Brian knew his wry and self-deprecating sense of humor, generosity, open mindedness and curiosity about the world.”
“In his 15-year battle against cancer he showed great toughness, courage and a love of life,” his father, Jack Zable, said.
Survivors are Dr. Zable’s wife Mary Olsovsky; daughters Rachel Zable and Claire Zable; parents Barbara and Jack Zable; siblings Ilyse (Rachel Kyte) Zable and Robert (Anna) Zable; nephew Daniel Kyte-Zable; and nieces Nia Kyte-Zable, Hanna Zable and Sara Zable.
Contributions may be made to the American Jewish World Service, National Resources Defense Council or the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation.
Shirley Barton
Denver native Shirley Barton passed away on September 23, 2023, at the age of 92. A service was held on September 27 at Temple Emanuel, officiated by Rabbi Steven Foster and Rabbi Joseph Black. Feldman Mortuary made the arrangements.
Born on October 8, 1930, Mrs. Barton grew up in North Denver and attended Colfax Elementary School, Lake Junior High School and North High School.
On June 2, 1951, Shirley married Jack Barton at HEA. They were a couple until Mr. Barton’s passing in January, 2020.
Mrs. Barton was founding owner and president of Kacey Fine Furniture.
“She was truly a force of nature, and her work ethic enabled her not only to only shatter every glass ceiling she encountered, but to empower all women to reach for their dreams,” Mrs. Barton’s family said.
“Shirley exemplified the importance of humor, loyalty, dedication, kindness, philanthropy, perseverance and a passion for the arts.”
Survivors are children Teresa “Terri Barton” (Bill) Gregg and Bobbi (Arnie) Zimmer; siblings Gerald Rich, Ruth Rich, Robert Rich, Kenneth Rich and Sheila DiNaro; grandchild Kelsey Seaman; and great-grandchildren Lucy Jean and Jackie Lynn.
Contributions may be made to Temple Emanuel.
Copyright © 2023 by the Intermountain Jewish News
