Bertha Segall Chenman

by | Mar 21, 2014 | Obituaries

Virginia Beach —Bertha Segall Chenman, 91, passed away Thursday, March 6 in the hospital surrounded and embraced by the love of her children.

Bertha was born in the Dominican Republic. Her family moved back to the States in 1929 when her father had a severe stroke at his age of 46, and because her five siblings needed schools that went higher than grade seven.

Bertha went to elementary school in Norfolk and graduated from Maury. She worked at Graysons Ladies Wear on Granby St.; then she met the love of her life—Sol. They were married for 50 incredible years until he passed away in 1997, and were lifelong members of Temple Emanuel. Bertha was past president of the synagogue sisterhood, a member of Hadassah, ORT, and The National Council of Jewish Women.

Besides those activities, her weekly Mahjong game, and never missed Friday hair appointments with Diane—her greatest joys were her family.

Bertha was a loved and loving wife, sister, aunt and friend to all who had the privilege of being in her company, but what she excelled at the most was being a mother to Bobby and Marsha. Growing up, friends always wanted to be at their house, envied their relationship with their Mom and wanted her for their own.

Bertha was class, charm, elegance, quiet strength and always the consummate lady who listened with her heart and made everyone feel welcomed.

She is survived by her devoted daughter Marsha, and husband, Dr. Stephen Goldstein; son Bobby, and wife Janet; and many loving nieces and nephews.

We were blessed to have her for so many years, this kind, gentle, rock solid beautiful woman, who didn’t tell us how to live; rather she showed us every day by example of how to be a better person.

Services were conducted by Rabbi Roz Mandelberg at H. D. Oliver’s chapel; then graveside at Forest Lawn.

Memorial donations may be made to Temple Emanuel Synagogue, or the Virginia Beach Rescue Squad.