Obituary of Ann Weissman

In profound sorrow but with much love, pride and respect, the family and friends of Ann Grand Weissman mourn her loss on December 20, 2015 at age 94 of heart failure in Great Neck, N.Y.

Ann was born in Odessa, Russia on August 3, 1921, the daughter of Getzel and Chaika Gorochod. Known by her Hebrew name Chana, she emigrated to the U.S. with her parents on June 27, 1923,when she was not even two years old, arriving at Ellis Island in New York City. Her parents, who changed their names to Julius and Ida Grand, then moved to Brooklyn, N.Y. living first “in a cold water flat on Watkins Street,” says her younger sister, Beatrice, 91.

The family later moved several more times in Brooklyn. Ann attended P.S. 165 elementary school and graduated in 1939 from Samuel J. Tilden High School.

She then persisted in gaining a nursing degree in 1942, working at Kings County Hospital. Ann then

became a Registered Nurse at Beth El Hospital in Brooklyn,now Brookdale University Hospital and Medical Center.Ann had a long career at Brookdale, as an R.N. and in utilization review. She retired from full time nursing in 1986 but also served private-duty clients.

Ann also was the wife of Alfred Weissman, who emigrated to the U.S. in 1938 after the Nazi invasion

of Austria.They were married from 1943 until his death in 1993. Ann was also active in community volunteer work at Shorefront Jewish Geriatric Center nursing home in Brooklyn from 1997 until 2001, when she moved to Sunrise, Fla. She was an active member, since 1948, of the Pythian Sisters, a womens’ group aligned with the Knights of Pythias, eventually serving in nearly every officer capacity. Her most recent temples were Neptune #190 in Brooklyn and South Florida #21 in Pembroke Pines. Ann also was involved in other civic and charitable groups, including The Democratic Clubs in Brooklyn and south Florida, and the Womens’ Club, Singles Club and Red Hat Society.

In addition to her sister Beatrice of Silver Spring, Md.; Ann leaves behind her daughter Marsha Pfeffer(and son-in-law Arthur) of La Quinta, Calif., and her son Howard (and daughter-in-law Beth) of East Meadow, N.Y. Also mourning her loss are grandchildren Staci Weissman Salomon (Andrew), Shaun Weissman (Jackie) and Lauren Pfeffer Stuart (Kyle); and great-grandchildren Brendan and Isabelle Salomon, Spencer and Zachary Weissman, and Seamus Stuart; as well as nieces and nephews Debbie, Dave and Michael Rubin; Leslie and Jamie Klein; David, Marlene, Julia and Jared Kaplan; and Michele, Kayla and Cheryl Kaplan, for whom she was always our beloved “Tante.”

A graveside service and burial were held on Dec. 22 at Mount Golda Cemetery in Huntington Station,N.Y., with Rabbi Rosenblatt presiding.

Ann asked that her family and friends remember her with this:

“You musn’t tie me down with your tears. Let’s be happy we had so many years.

I gave you my love, I thank you for the love you each have shown, but it’s time I traveled on alone.

So grieve for me awhile, if grieve you must, then let your grief be comforted with trust.

It’s only for a while that we must part, so bless the memories within your heart.

And then when you must come this way alone, I’ll greet you with a smile and a ‘Welcome Home.’ “