Evelyn (Seder) Heller

WEBSTER – Evelyn (Seder) Heller, 104, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 30th at Newbridge on the Charles in Dedham.
She was born in Webster, MA on August 4, 1914, a daughter of Harry and Minnie (Sternlieb) Seder. She was a lifetime resident of Webster before moving to Chestnut Hill at the age of 95. Her beloved husband, Dr. Hyman Heller passed away in 1968.
She leaves her daughters, Sue Heller and her companion, Richard Sirkin of Larchmont, NY and Elaine Heller Goldstein and her husband, Dr. Joel Goldstein of Denver, CO; a sister, Edith Seder Kaye of Highland Park, IL; grandchildren Dr. Michael Goldstein and his wife, Jennifer Rapaport of Cambridge, Robert Goldstein and his wife, Mara Riemer Goldstein of Brookline, Deborah Goldstein and her husband, Dr. David Sosnovik of Newton, MA, and James Null and his wife, Mara Null of New York, NY; great-grandchildren, Hanna Goldstein, Zoe Goldstein, Sophie Goldstein, Maya Goldstein, Lila Goldstein, Owen Goldstein; Ellie Sosnovik, Charlotte Sosnovik and Eliana Null. In addition to her husband, Evelyn was predeceased by her brother, Hershel Seder and three sisters including Dorothy Seder, Ada Greenbaum and Betty Fishman.
Evelyn Heller was an amazing and adored person. A 1936 graduate of Pembroke College in Brown University, she loved her family, friends and community.
Lake Chargoggagoggmanchauggagoggchaubunagungamaugg was her home and part of her heart for her entire life. She was a stand-out and devoted community member, being named the Woman of the Year in Webster. She also received an award for community service from the Massachusetts State Legislature. She was a leader, serving on numerous boards including Worcester Foundation for Experimental Biology, Women’s Board at Brandeis University, Webster Public Library and Hubbard Regional Hospital in Webster. She was a Past President of Sons of Israel Congregation in Webster and a Past President of the Webster Chapter of Hadassah.
Evelyn loved gathering people together for laughter, good conversation, culture and food. She founded a play reading group of her close friends in Webster, and enjoyed playing bridge. Everyone loved her sense of humor, sense of fashion and candor, and many considered her their closest friend. At parties or family events, the seat next to Evelyn was the best seat in the house. Her friends and family particularly loved her cooking and baking. People came from across the country for her famous blueberry muffins, chocolate marshmallow brownies and breaded veal chops.
She was the matriarch of a large and loving family. She was everyone’s favorite “tante” (auntie), cousin and sibling. She was absolutely revered by her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Family was the most important thing in the world to her. She reveled in the news and accomplishments of every member of her family - immediate and extended. She was fiercely loyal, fiercely honest and fiercely loving and will be fiercely missed.
THE GRAVESIDE FUNERAL SERVICE WILL BE HELD AT 12:00 NOON ON WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 3rd 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 contributions may be made to Brown University, Office of Financial Aid, 68 Brown Street, Providence, RI, 02912, UMass Memorial Healthcare, 55 Lake Avenue N, Worcester, MA 01655 or to Worcester Foundation for Biomedical Research, 333 South Street, Shrewsbury, MA 01545.
Immediately following the interment Memorial Observance will be held through 8 PM on Wednesday, October 3rd and from 4 PM to 8 PM on Thursday, October 4th at the residence of Robert and Mara Goldstein. A Minyan Service will be held at 5:00 PM Wednesday and Thursday at the residence.