We’re here today to mourn the passing but also to honor the life of Bonnie Goldberg. Bonnie faced terrible challenges in her life, and yet she managed to keep going and live the best life she could.

She was born and raised in Brooklyn with her beloved parents and her brother Neil. She worked off and on as a medical secretary and for a couple of real estate agents.

She married Dennis very young and they had their three wonderful children, Steve, Lisa and Scott.

Lisa passed away at the age of 14 and nothing would or could ever be the same. It was simply unbearable. Later, Steve’s passing added another dimension to her grief. We thank Scott for his help and support during this last stage of her life.

She was married to Alan for 31 years. They loved to take walks and do everything together. Bonnie was a fantastic wife during the last, very difficult part of Alan’s life, taking care of Alan day in and day out. Often, I would have to plead with Bonnie to consider her own medical needs because she always put Alan above and before herself. She was a great advocate for him and for his dignity. I will always remember everything she did for Alan and everything she was to Alan.

We also offer our condolences to her grandchildren: Joshua, Kiera, Meghan, Brendan, Emma, Tristan, and Peyton. I know, from many conversations with her, how she loved you and wanted to be close to you.

I’d like to say something personal. Over the years, I spent a lot of time with Bonnie, during good times and bad times. During the good times, we got along great, and she showed me wonderful gratitude and appreciation. I saw her during some terrible crises, however, and she was just trying to get through things the best she could. I tried to help, but I know that I didn’t always have the magic wand to make things better, and she wasn’t so happy with me. The last time I saw her she seemed very happy with me again, so I’ll try to focus on that. I say all this because I think that there are other people here who had my experience with Bonnie, and I want to thank you for trying to help. And I come back to what I said a minute ago: Bonnie faced terrible challenges in her life, and yet she managed to keep going and live the best life she could. Her love for her children, her grandchildren and her husband are her legacy forever.

She was a righteous woman. May she rest in peace. Let us say Amen.