Ruth Dryzer
Ruth Sandra Agranoff Dryzer peacefully passed away at her home in Dallas on Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025. She was born Aug. 18, 1929, in Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota, the only child of Rabbi Morris Agranoff and Lillian Katz Agranoff.
Ruth enjoyed telling stories of her early childhood in Minnesota and later in Dallas, where the family moved when her father received a position as a rabbi at Shearith Israel.
Ruth graduated salutatorian from Forest Avenue High School, salutatorian with a bachelor’s degree from SMU and later matriculated at the University of Southern California, where she earned a master’s degree. She later worked in Los Angeles, as both a probation officer and social worker. While returning to Dallas to visit her parents, she met her future husband, Lowell, whom she married in 1956. They were married for 54 years until his death in 2010.
Ruth worked together with Lowell in the clothing business for many years, both as a salesperson and at their showroom at the Apparel Mart. Ruth was also a licensed real estate agent for Fred Misko Realtors for over 30 years.
Ruth was preceded in death by her parents and her husband.
She is survived by her sons and their families: Steven, his wife Kelly, his twin daughters Sadye and Sarah and Sarah’s husband Austin; Scott, his wife Lynn and their three children Danielle, Michael and Lauren.
A graveside funeral service was held Jan. 31 at Hillcrest Memorial Park.
Lisa Ann Kaufman
Lisa Ann Kaufman passed away Jan. 27, 2025, in Weston, Florida, at the young but life fully lived age of 60. Lisa’s loving family were by her side throughout her brief illness.
Lisa married the love of her life, Harold Kaufman, on May 12, 1990. Together, the Kaufmans welcomed sons Stanley and Alex and built a life filled with laughter, love and unbreakable bonds over 35 years.
Lisa’s family was her greatest pride and joy, and she lived each day with unwavering love and dedication to them. Lisa poured her heart into raising Stan and Alex with strong values and the best experiences life could offer, including attendance at an unreasonable number of NBA and MLB games (except on school nights in the early years) during Harold’s 35-plus-year career as an executive for the Charlotte/New Orleans Hornets (Pelicans) and the New York Mets.
Judaism was a cornerstone of Lisa’s identity. Lisa was a valued member of the synagogue board and Hadassah in every community where she lived. She was a leader in her passionate support of Israel, even embarking on a mission delivering supplies.
Lisa was a beloved teacher at Jewish preschools in Charlotte, New Orleans, Dallas and New York for over 25 years, touching countless young lives in immeasurable ways. Parents often requested her class, knowing she would treat each child as her own. Lisa’s potty-training skills became the stuff of neighborhood legend and parents continued seeking Lisa’s advice in many areas long after their children had moved to higher grades.
Lisa’s gift for nurturing potential extended beyond the classroom. She believed in assuming that everyone was trying to do their best. People often confided in Lisa because they knew she would provide empathy and support instead of passing judgment. She believed that if we see the best in people, we can help them shine.
And Lisa shined. She radiated warmth, kindness and a profound joy that touched those fortunate enough to know her. She made everyone feel like they were her best friend. And even when life was hard, it rarely dimmed Lisa’s sunny disposition. It seemed as though Lisa made it her life’s mission to spread love wherever she went.
Lisa’s legacy is the love, kindness and generosity she showered on her family, her community and beyond. Lisa taught the power of putting others first, of finding joy in everyday moments and of loving and caring with our whole hearts.
Lisa is survived by her devoted husband, Harold, and her two beloved sons, Stanley and Alex. A service to celebrate her life was held on Feb. 2 at Shearith Israel Memorial Park in Dallas.
Donations can be made in memory of Lisa Kaufman to the New Orleans Jewish Community Center (NOJCC.org — choose Early Childhood Center Scholarships fund), where she was a board member and preschool teacher for many years.
Sara Pfeffer
Sara Pfeffer, 88, passed away Monday, Jan. 27, 2025, surrounded by family. She was an amazing woman with a gigantic heart. Her only true desire in life was the happiness of those she loved.
Sara was predeceased by her loving husband of 52 years, Martin; her parents, Phil and Bessie Smith; and her sister, Bettye Weltman.
She is survived by her sister, Noni Smith; her children, Becky (Norman) Slakman, Richy Pfeffer and David (Lisa) Pfeffer; her grandchildren Brian (Tammy), Elyssa, Mason and Evan; and many nieces and nephews.
A graveside service was held Jan. 29 at Shearith Israel Memorial Park / Tiferet Israel Cemetery with Rabbi Debra J. Robbins and Cantor Leslie Niren officiating. A shiva minyan was held at Temple Emanu-El.
Please consider donating to Sara’s favorite charity, The Hole In The Wall Gang Camp (https://www.holeinthewallgang.org); Temple Emanu-El; or a charity of your choice in her memory.
