1917
Augusta
2015
Augusta H. Kressler
April 24, 1917 — July 1, 2015
Biography
WORCESTER - Dr. Augusta Holmstock Kressler died on Wednesday, July 1, 2015 at the age of 98. Her passing marks the conclusion to a life of scholarship, practice of medicine, community service, love of the arts, and most especially dedication to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on April 24, 1917, one of seven children, to David and Ida (Hurwitz) Holmstock. She attended Overbrook High School and graduated Valedictorian of her class at the age of 16. She completed her undergraduate degree from the University of Pennsylvania in 3 years, graduating in 1936. She continued her education at Women’s Medical College of Pennsylvania and did her internship at Philadelphia General Hospital.
After a romantic courtship, she married Attorney Jacob J. Kressler and moved to Worcester in 1943. When she opened her practice she was one of only 4 women physicians in the city and the only female with privileges at both Worcester City and Memorial Hospitals. Over the next 40 plus years, while raising her family, she continued to work as a full time physician, primarily focused on women’s health issues. She was also appointed by Governor Volpe to serve on the first commission for the Status of Women. When she retired from her practice, she channeled her efforts and energies into volunteer activities at the American Antiquarian Society where she was inducted as a life member, the Worcester Art Museum, and the Worcester Historical Museum serving as a docent at the Salisbury Mansion.
Dr. Kressler’s interests were wide and varied. She was a talented artist who supported herself through medical school as a medical illustrator. She continued her passion for all the arts throughout her life. She was an accomplished pianist, a voracious reader, and a meticulous diarist and archivist. In addition she was an intrepid world traveler, a deep-sea fisherman, and a green thumb gardener and horticulturist. But first and foremost was her love of knowledge and learning, which continued throughout her life and was passed on to her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She was truly a Renaissance woman.
Dr. Kressler was predeceased by her parents, five of her siblings, and her husband Atty. Jacob J. Kressler. She is survived by her children Atty. Steven and his wife Joyce of Worcester; Carolyn Kressler Greenberg, M.D. and her husband Stanley Greenberg, M.D. of Columbia, South Carolina; and Charles C. Kressler of Columbia, South Carolina. Affectionately known as Grandma Doc, she leaves her exceptional grandchildren Sarah Greenberg Sachs of Atlanta; Melissa Kressler Meyer of Scottsdale; Jacob D. Greenberg of London, U.K.; and Samuel I. Kressler of San Francisco. She also leaves 10 beautiful, talented, and brilliant great grandchildren who will miss their GG Doc dearly.
The family wishes to thank all of those kind and compassionate care-givers who provided comfort and dignity in her last years and days, particularly her dear friend Donna Mantyla, the staff at the Eisenberg Assisted Living, and the Jewish Healthcare Center, with special thanks to Dr. Thomas, nursing staff and aides.
GRAVESIDE FUNERAL SERVICES WILL BE HELD AT 11:00AM ON WEDNESDAY, JULY 8TH IN B’NAI BRITH CEMETERY ON ST. JOHN’S ROAD IN WORCESTER UNDER THE DIRECTION OF RICHARD PERLMAN OF MILES FUNERAL HOME OF HOLDEN.
Memorial Observance will be held through 8PM on Wednesday, July 8th and 5PM to 8PM on Thursday, July 9th at the residence of Steven and Joyce Kressler, 11 Westwood Drive, Worcester.
The family suggests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Jewish Healthcare Center, 629 Salisbury Street, Worcester, MA 01609 or the Augusta H. Kressler Fund at the Great Worcester Community Foundation, 370 Main Street, Suite 650, Worcester, MA 01608.
“Family Owned”
Graveside Service
Thursday
July 9, 2015
,
11:00AM
at
B/Nai Brith Cemetery
Click for Map and Directions
WORCESTER - Dr. Augusta Holmstock Kressler died on Wednesday, July 1, 2015 at the age of 98. Her passing marks the conclusion to a life of scholarship, practice of medicine, community service, love of the arts, and most especially dedication to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on April 24, 1917, one of seven children, to David and Ida (Hurwitz) Holmstock. She attended Overbrook High School and graduated Valedictorian of her class at the age of 16. She completed her undergraduate degree from the University of Pennsylvania in 3 years, graduating in 1936. She continued her education at Women’s Medical College of Pennsylvania and did her internship at Philadelphia General Hospital.
After a romantic courtship, she married Attorney Jacob J. Kressler and moved to Worcester in 1943. When she opened her practice she was one of only 4 women physicians in the city and the only female with privileges at both Worcester City and Memorial Hospitals. Over the next 40 plus years, while raising her family, she continued to work as a full time physician, primarily focused on women’s health issues. She was also appointed by Governor Volpe to serve on the first commission for the Status of Women. When she retired from her practice, she channeled her efforts and energies into volunteer activities at the American Antiquarian Society where she was inducted as a life member, the Worcester Art Museum, and the Worcester Historical Museum serving as a docent at the Salisbury Mansion.
Dr. Kressler’s interests were wide and varied. She was a talented artist who supported herself through medical school as a medical illustrator. She continued her passion for all the arts throughout her life. She was an accomplished pianist, a voracious reader, and a meticulous diarist and archivist. In addition she was an intrepid world traveler, a deep-sea fisherman, and a green thumb gardener and horticulturist. But first and foremost was her love of knowledge and learning, which continued throughout her life and was passed on to her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She was truly a Renaissance woman.
Dr. Kressler was predeceased by her parents, five of her siblings, and her husband Atty. Jacob J. Kressler. She is survived by her children Atty. Steven and his wife Joyce of Worcester; Carolyn Kressler Greenberg, M.D. and her husband Stanley Greenberg, M.D. of Columbia, South Carolina; and Charles C. Kressler of Columbia, South Carolina. Affectionately known as Grandma Doc, she leaves her exceptional grandchildren Sarah Greenberg Sachs of Atlanta; Melissa Kressler Meyer of Scottsdale; Jacob D. Greenberg of London, U.K.; and Samuel I. Kressler of San Francisco. She also leaves 10 beautiful, talented, and brilliant great grandchildren who will miss their GG Doc dearly.
The family wishes to thank all of those kind and compassionate care-givers who provided comfort and dignity in her last years and days, particularly her dear friend Donna Mantyla, the staff at the Eisenberg Assisted Living, and the Jewish Healthcare Center, with special thanks to Dr. Thomas, nursing staff and aides.
GRAVESIDE FUNERAL SERVICES WILL BE HELD AT 11:00AM ON WEDNESDAY, JULY 8TH IN B’NAI BRITH CEMETERY ON ST. JOHN’S ROAD IN WORCESTER UNDER THE DIRECTION OF RICHARD PERLMAN OF MILES FUNERAL HOME OF HOLDEN.
Memorial Observance will be held through 8PM on Wednesday, July 8th and 5PM to 8PM on Thursday, July 9th at the residence of Steven and Joyce Kressler, 11 Westwood Drive, Worcester.
The family suggests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Jewish Healthcare Center, 629 Salisbury Street, Worcester, MA 01609 or the Augusta H. Kressler Fund at the Great Worcester Community Foundation, 370 Main Street, Suite 650, Worcester, MA 01608.
“Family Owned”
Graveside Service
Thursday
July 9, 2015
,
11:00AM
at
B/Nai Brith Cemetery
Click for Map and Directions
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