Ruth Byers Stern's Obituary
Ruth Byers Stern, born June 30, 1922, passed away on July 1, 2020 at Sunrise Senior Living, Dallas, Texas. Ruth was born in the Bronx, New York to Rose and Nathan Byers. She spent her childhood in Mount Vernon, New York and St. Petersburg, Florida. Upon graduating Phi Beta Kappa from Goucher College in 1943 Ruth was offered a teaching fellowship at MIT. She chose instead to work for Remington Arms in the Process Engineering Dept. A year later she went to work as a factory manager for the American Brassiere Co. At the same time, Ruth attended the Graduate School of Business Administration at New York University. When Marine Captain Eugene Stern returned from the Pacific theater, he asked Ruth to marry him. They wed in December, 1945. Five years and two children later, they moved from New York City to Mamaroneck, NY. After their third child was born, Ruth began a lifelong commitment to Hadassah, the Women’s Zionist Organization of America. She became President of the Mamaroneck -Harrison-Rye chapter of Hadassah and was the local chairman of the Hadassah Medical Org. Her focus was raising money to build hospitals in Israel. In August 1961, the family moved to Dallas, TX. Once again, Hadassah would call upon her. Ruth’s compassion and dedication led to a wealth of treasured friendships. Her extensive involvement included tenures as President of the Herzl Group, the Dallas chapter of Hadassah, and the southwest region of Hadassah. In 1978 Ruth won the Sarah Mendel Susman award, a prestigious honor bestowed by her peers. In the fall of 1971, Ruth enrolled at Texas Woman’s University. She was granted a teaching fellowship while earning both her Masters and Doctorate degrees. Professor Ruth Stern went on to teach college courses on race relations and gerontology. With intelligence and grace, she earnestly contributed to community throughout her entire life. Ruth is survived by her son Allen Byers Stern, her grandchildren Danielle Lynn Stern Stegman and Ethan Michael Stern, her great grandchildren Nathan Vossburg Stegman and Hannah Rebecca Stegman. Also, her sisters-in-law Helen Stern and Libby Byers, and daughter-in -law Corinne Stern. Ruth was predeceased by her husband Eugene Stern, her daughter Nanci Gale Stern and her son Robert Nathan Stern, her brothers Sandy Byers and Arthur Byers, and her stepsister Frances Kitt. A service will be held at Tiferet Israel Cemetery, 4634 Dolphin Rd., Friday July 3rd at 10:30 AM. Masks required. Contributions may be sent to the Hadassah Medical Organization, PO Box 795774, Dallas, TX 75379.
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