Zelda Jacobson Pemstein

WORCESTER - Zelda Jacobson Pemstein, 93, died peacefully on January 31, 2024. She is survived by her children Alan (Judy) and Debby (Dean), her sister Maxine, 5 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, 3 nieces and 1 nephew. She was predeceased by her husband of 56 years, Bernard “Bunny” Livingston Pemstein, her daughter, Dr Rachel Ann Pemstein, and her brother, Kenneth Jacobson. A longtime resident of Worcester and Popponesset, MA, and Key Biscayne, FL she was the daughter of N. Robert Jacobson and Rebecca “Bea” Sapakie. She graduated from Classical High School and attended Washington University in St Louis.

Zelda was an active volunteer in her community, taking photos of newborns at the former Memorial Hospital to serve as a docent and on the cookbook committee at the Worcester Art Museum. With her husband, they were one of the founding families of Temple Sinai and she participated on several committees at the Jewish Federation in Worcester.

The funeral service will be held Friday, February 2 at 12:30 pm at the Jewish Healthcare Center Chapel. Memorial observances will be at the home of Alan and Judy Pemstein on Saturday night beginning at 6:30 and Sunday from 1-5 and at the home of Debra Pemstein and Dean Vallas on Monday and Tuesday.

Donations may be made in memory of Zelda to the Worcester Art Museum or the charity of your choice.