Joan (Wise) Kaufman

Joan Wise Kaufman of River Ridge, Avon, CT, died at home after a brief illness on May 30, 2010. She was born in Portland, Ore., on June 15, 1915, and lived in New York City, Hartsdale, NY, and Southbury, CT, before moving to River Ridge with her husband in 2004. She was the daughter of Rabbi Jonah B. Wise and Helen Rosenfeld Wise and the sister of the late Elsa Hertzberg and David Wise. The beloved wife of the late Myer L. Kaufman, CPA, for 65 years, Joan is survived by her daughter Sara Lapuk and her husband Marvin of Avon, CT, and her son Daniel Wise Kaufman and his wife, Susan, of White Plains, NY. She was the grandmother of Karen Lapuk (Eric Apgar), Steven Lapuk, Amy Kaufman and Jarret Kaufman, and the great grandmother of David Apgar.Joan was an alumna of Smith College, class of 1937. She was a self-described professional volunteer, amateur painter and bridge player. From 1969-77 Joan served as treasurer of the New York State League of Women Voters and was the president of its Greenburgh, NY, chapter. For 10 years, she enjoyed working in a Manhattanville College adult education program teaching English and American culture to wives of Japanese executives, for which she was honored. Joan especially enjoyed her Lunch Bunch at River Ridge where she chaired the Resident?s Council. She cherished her family and friends, including two of the oldest from Bunk B at Camp Wenonah in Maine. She charmed everyone she met with her sharp intelligence, gentle wit and beauty and continued to drive herself to regular bridge games at the Avon Senior center, a highlight of her week, until weeks before her death. Joan was an honorary member of Central Synagogue, NYC, a congregation dedicated by her grandfather, Isaac Mayer Wise, and led by her father for over 50 years. Her family wishes to recognize McLean Hospice, the staff at River Ridge and Merlene Bookal for their compassionate service. Graveside services will be private. Visiting hours will be observed at the home of her daughter at 2 Partridge La., Avon, on Wednesday, June 2, after 6:00 p.m. A memorial service for Joan will be held at River Ridge at a later date. Contributions may be made to McLean Hospice, 75 Great Pond Rd., Simsbury, CT 06070 or a charity of the donor?s choice. Arrangements are entrusted to Weinstein Mortuary, Hartford. For further information, directions or to sign the guest book for Joan, please visit online at www.weinsteinmortuary.com.