Esther Abrahams, the oldest resident at The Fed’s Heathlands Village in Manchester, died last week, aged 106. Although married three times, she did not have children and The Fed could trace just a single relative, niece Liz MacDonald.
Concerned that the funeral would not attract a minyan, The Fed sent out an urgent appeal for mourners through its social media channels.
Nearly four dozen turned out for the service at Rainsough cemetery, conducted by Heaton Park Synagogue chazan Yehuda Marx.
Newcastle-born Mrs Abrahams moved into Heathlands in 2012, having celebrated her 100th birthday in her own home, and was a popular resident.
Its religious director, Rev Keith Rosen, told staff who escorted the hearse away from Heathlands that “although the record books may say Esther had no children, in reality you were all her children. You looked after her when she was in need.”
Fed CEO Mark Cunningham said “Esther was a remarkable woman and someone we were all incredibly fond of. Having lived a life as full as hers to such a great age, we had to ensure her final journey was fitting and proper. As she had no family, we had to make sure a minyan would be present for her.
“I am so thankful to the community members who played their part, with around 45 people joining us to honour her memory.”
Ms MacDonald recalled her aunt as a “lovely, vibrant woman. She was a bookkeeper and business manager and worked into her 50s. She took a keen interest in politics and tennis and was also a formidable bridge player.
“She travelled extensively to Europe, Asia, Australia and twice to Canada to spend time with my family — which I reciprocated when I visited her at Heathlands Village several times on her birthday.”
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