Kind-Hearted Midge by Bessie Kra
When I think of my daughter-in-law, Midge, the first thought that comes to my mind is her generosity. Over the years, I personally witnessed numerous times when she gave her heart to others, especially to family.
Midge was a wonderful mother and wife. She, together with David, made sure that their children had a good foundation and education to enable them to live a truly observant life. David and Midge imparted to their children a love of observing our traditions and Zionism. Today, all three of their children live in Israel and continue our heritage.
Midge’s devotion to family extended well beyond her immediate family. Years ago, when she was well, she and David would host an annual Kra-Shragowitz family barbeque on a Sunday in the summer. The children would play games and the adults would have a chance to converse. There was great food and happy memories formed at these barbeques. I am thankful to Midge for providing us with this opportunity to keep the extended family close.
Midge even “adopted” members of the community and treated them like they were family. For these people, she and David had an open house and open hearts where people knew the warmth of family and friends. I believe that these community members were attracted to Midge’s sweet and sympathetic personality.
My husband, Rabbi M. Aaron Kra z”l, and I experienced Midge’s kindness firsthand. For example, when we moved to West Orange, she was instrumental in finding us a home that suited our needs. She, together with Mady, picked out a house for us on Curtis Avenue so that we could move close to our family in West Orange, live near the shul, and have my mother with us in her declining years. For us, it was a great decision to leave Boston and move to West Orange. Midge was instrumental in helping us achieve this big step.
I am especially grateful to Midge for the attention that she provided my mother, Bubbe Hinda Shragowitz a”h. To this day, I remember how wonderfully Midge treated my mother, especially after we moved to West Orange. Midge showed my mother the utmost affection and consideration. She was one of the people who made my mother feel tremendous love during her final years.
In recent years, I saw Midge caring for her parents in a way that epitomizes kibbud av va’eim. As soon as she discovered her father’s deteriorating health condition, her home became their home. No matter how ill or incapacitated Midge was, she made sure that her parents’ needs were provided for on both a physical and emotional level. In fact, Midge’s mother was in her apartment in Israel when Midge passed away. It is especially admirable that Midge brought her mother to Israel with her so that Midge could continue to care for her and so that her mother could enjoy Midge’s children and grandchildren.
Even over the past number of years, when Midge wasn’t feeling well, she tried to be available and helpful to me. She always managed to speak to me four to five times per week on the phone. Through these conversations, we were able to maintain a close relationship and I was able to be informed about her day-to-day life. There was a very strong bond of love between us. It’s no surprise that she was one of the people who made sure to be present when I discovered that my husband passed away and, despite her deteriorating health, Midge even went to Boston for my husband’s burial.
I loved Midge and I am saddened that she passed away at such a young age. I will truly miss her and her kind ways. I am confident that her legacy of generosity will continue on with David, her children, and her grandchildren.
When I think of my daughter-in-law, Midge, the first thought that comes to my mind is her generosity. Over the years, I personally witnessed numerous times when she gave her heart to others, especially to family.
Midge was a wonderful mother and wife. She, together with David, made sure that their children had a good foundation and education to enable them to live a truly observant life. David and Midge imparted to their children a love of observing our traditions and Zionism. Today, all three of their children live in Israel and continue our heritage.
Midge’s devotion to family extended well beyond her immediate family. Years ago, when she was well, she and David would host an annual Kra-Shragowitz family barbeque on a Sunday in the summer. The children would play games and the adults would have a chance to converse. There was great food and happy memories formed at these barbeques. I am thankful to Midge for providing us with this opportunity to keep the extended family close.
Midge even “adopted” members of the community and treated them like they were family. For these people, she and David had an open house and open hearts where people knew the warmth of family and friends. I believe that these community members were attracted to Midge’s sweet and sympathetic personality.
My husband, Rabbi M. Aaron Kra z”l, and I experienced Midge’s kindness firsthand. For example, when we moved to West Orange, she was instrumental in finding us a home that suited our needs. She, together with Mady, picked out a house for us on Curtis Avenue so that we could move close to our family in West Orange, live near the shul, and have my mother with us in her declining years. For us, it was a great decision to leave Boston and move to West Orange. Midge was instrumental in helping us achieve this big step.
I am especially grateful to Midge for the attention that she provided my mother, Bubbe Hinda Shragowitz a”h. To this day, I remember how wonderfully Midge treated my mother, especially after we moved to West Orange. Midge showed my mother the utmost affection and consideration. She was one of the people who made my mother feel tremendous love during her final years.
In recent years, I saw Midge caring for her parents in a way that epitomizes kibbud av va’eim. As soon as she discovered her father’s deteriorating health condition, her home became their home. No matter how ill or incapacitated Midge was, she made sure that her parents’ needs were provided for on both a physical and emotional level. In fact, Midge’s mother was in her apartment in Israel when Midge passed away. It is especially admirable that Midge brought her mother to Israel with her so that Midge could continue to care for her and so that her mother could enjoy Midge’s children and grandchildren.
Even over the past number of years, when Midge wasn’t feeling well, she tried to be available and helpful to me. She always managed to speak to me four to five times per week on the phone. Through these conversations, we were able to maintain a close relationship and I was able to be informed about her day-to-day life. There was a very strong bond of love between us. It’s no surprise that she was one of the people who made sure to be present when I discovered that my husband passed away and, despite her deteriorating health, Midge even went to Boston for my husband’s burial.
I loved Midge and I am saddened that she passed away at such a young age. I will truly miss her and her kind ways. I am confident that her legacy of generosity will continue on with David, her children, and her grandchildren.