Judith Spindell, 83

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PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Judith Kay Spindell, of Providence, died Aug. 19 at The Miriam Hospital. She was the beloved wife of the late Dr. Edward Spindell, daughter of the late Louis and Molly (Plotnick) Kay, and step-daughter of the late Anne Factor Kay.

Judith was a graduate of Tufts University, receiving both a B.S. in Education and a Certificate in Teaching from the Eliot Pearson School at Tufts. In 1979 she received an FCC third class operator’s license. From 1981-83, she was a research assistant in a national drug study for SEARCH (Health Data Services).

For 27 years she taught at Temple Beth-El, having created a Family Life Curriculum centering on the social, cultural and personal aspects of middle school children, especially seventh graders. In 1994 she received a Judaic Teaching Certification from the Bureau of Jewish Education, and later received a Certificate of Appreciation for her dedication to the Religious School of Temple Beth-El. In 1998 she was awarded the Millman Prize for Excellence in Teaching.

Judith was also a tutor at the International House of Rhode Island, a docent at RISD Museum, and a four-year volunteer at the Samaritans of R.I. Judith loved a good joke, a good book or movie, and a good friend. Prized above all was her family.

She leaves behind many devoted and caring family members including her daughters, Dr. Faith Tobias, Julie Corwin and Pamela (Alex) Greiner; her son Chaim Cohen and his wife. Michal; her step-children, Ahvi Spindell and his wife; Jane Gabbert, Marcia Spindell Lentz, and Stephen Spindell. In addition, she leaves her loving grandchildren, Yonah, Shira and Yair Cohen, and Mason and Kaden Tobias, as well as her step-grandchildren, Joshua and Aaron Lentz, Jessica Spindell, and Simon Spindell, and extended family members Jon Lentz and Blanche Spindell. She was deeply grateful for them all.

Contributions in her memory may be made to the Sandra Bornstein Holocaust Education Center, 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence, RI 02906 or the charity of your choice.

obituary, Judith Spindell