Ha’makom yenahem etkhem betokh she’ar avelei tziyon vi’Yerushalayim.
May God console you among the other mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.
Joan Mavis Brandt
Our beloved mother, Joan Mavis Brandt, passed away peacefully on Wednesday evening, February 11, 2026, at the age of 93.
Joan was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Sanford Brandt, and her sister, Dorothy Slotkin. She is survived by her loving daughters, Mindy Brandt (Allan Weiner), Bari Brandt (Mitchell Stein), and Jennifer Brandt (Glen Hassett); her eight grandchildren, Adam (Julie) Weiner, Aaron (Alison) Weiner, Alex Weiner, Evan Gonshor, Daniel Stein, Nathan Stein, Zachary Hassett, and Zoe Hassett; her two great-grandchildren, Olivia Weiner and Mateo Weiner; and her brother, Kenneth Klein (Karen).
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Temple Beth El, Humane Animal Partners of Delaware or Hadassah.
Gerald “Jerry” Joseph Harwitz
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Gerald “Jerry” Joseph Harwitz, who passed away peacefully in Marietta, GA.
Jerry was born October 23, 1943, in Wilmington, DE, where he spent most of his life before moving to the Atlanta area in 2007. He grew up with his parents, Leon and Rose Harwitz, and his younger sister, Elaine. A loving and devoted husband, he was married to Linda Greenhouse Harwitz for almost 60 years before her passing last year.
Jerry had a lifelong career in medical services—including founding and operating his own laboratory business. He was known for his exceptional skill and gentle manner as a technician, often being called upon to work with the most delicate patients. Jerry lived life independently and to its fullest until the end. He brought a unique level of caring and humor to every relationship.
He proudly served in the Delaware National Guard, exemplifying his deep commitment to community and country.
Jerry was a long-standing member and leader of the Masonic fraternity, both in Delaware and Georgia, demonstrating decades of dedication to its principles of fellowship, service, and personal integrity.
Jerry is survived by his son, Steven, and daughter-in-law, Karilena; his son, Marc, and daughter-in-law, Daniele; his grandchildren, Ingrid, Emerson, and Grant; and his sister, Elaine.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children (https://donate.shrinerschildrens.org/campaign/618584/donate)—an organization with which Jerry was deeply involved—or to a charity of your choice.
Judith “Judy” Jacobs
Age 88, passed away Saturday, January 31, 2026.
Born March 26, 1937 in Poughkeepsie, NY, she graduated from Poughkeepsie High School in 1955 and attended Wesley College in Dover, DE. Judy worked for Orthopedic Specialists and Errol Ger, MD for 30 years, retiring in 2006. She was Sisterhood President of Adas Kodesch Shel Emeth from 1979 to 1981.
Preceded in death by her parents, Martin and Sadye Cohen; her husband, Lester in 2015; and her grandson, Ryan Padovani in 2023; Judy is survived by her three children, Michael Jacobs (Susan), Pam Padovani (Ernie), and Tammi Karasewski (Jay); her grandchildren, Tyler Jacobs, Christina Valdez (Chris), Casey Newman (Kristina), and Timothy Karasewski (Larie); and her great-grandchildren, Lillie, Abbie, Hailey, Rylee, James, Jeffrey, and Brayden.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to AccentCare Inpatient Hospice Center at Christiana Hospital—Wilmington, Adas Kodesch Shel Emeth Synagogue, Wounded Warriors, or a charity of your choice.
Judith Melman
Judith Melman, age 98, passed away peacefully on February 18, 2026, in Wilmington, Delaware.
Born in 1927, in Manhattan, NY. Friends and family called her Judy, and she lived a long and fulfilling life marked by dedication to her family, education, and community.
She graduated from the University of New Hampshire with a bachelor’s degree in sociology. Many years later, she later pursued her passion for education at the University of Delaware, earning a master’s degree in reading. For more than two decades, she served as reading specialist in the Delaware public school system teaching middle and high school students. Her work encouraged a love for learning in hundreds of students.
In addition to teaching, Judy served as an avid volunteer for nonprofit organizations that worked to better the lives of youth and adults in Delaware.
A devoted wife to George Melman for 36 years until his passing in 1986, Judy cherished her family above all else. She is survived by her two daughters: Dana (Harry Bosk) and Kerry (Dwayne Meluskey), as well as four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren who brought immense joy to her life. Judy was also deeply loved by her nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, and grand-nephews. She was predeceased by her beloved sister, Honey F. Golby, in 1979.
In lieu of flowers, Judy’s family asks for memorial contributions to be made to the Honey F. Golby Memorial Scholarship Fund, established by Judy in memory of her late sister, Honey F. Golby: FY 26_ Golby Scholarship_ Delaware [26Trib].
Checks may be mailed to: Office of Development, Widener University, P.O. Box 95000 – 2893, Philadelphia, PA 19195
