Ruth (Park) Berkowitz

The family of Ruth Berkowitz, a long time resident of Utica, New York, announces with sadness that her ninety nine year journey through this world ended on November 3, 2022. May her memory be inscribed forever in The Book of Life. 

Ruth was born June 28, 1923 in Winnipeg, Canada to Morris and Belle Park. When she was a young child the family immigrated to Chicago. She was predeceased by her parents and her younger sister Charlotte. She is survived by her loving brother-in-law, Albert Steinberg. 

Ruth was also predeceased by her husband of 43 years, Jacob Berkowitz, who died in 1988. During her final weeks and months, Ruth frequently mentioned her husband. 

Ruth lived her final years at Menorah Park of Central New York in Syracuse. Her youngest daughter, Mimi Matasar, tended to her mother’s needs on a daily basis, thereby bringing great honor to her mother and herself.

Ruth was a primary teacher for many years in the Utica City School District. She always gave her every effort to equip children with the skill set that would enable them to become successful adults. 

She also spent many dedicated years as a docent at Munsun-Williams-Proctor Institute in Utica, New York. Ruth enjoyed fine arts, theater, literature, and cinema, always in the company of colleagues and close friends. 

Ruth attended the University of Chicago and was an alumnus of Utica College. 

She raised and lovingly nurtured her four children, Ira (Min), Susan (Albert), Samuel (Rona) and Mimi (Howard). She was a devoted mother who will always be remembered with reverence and love.

Ruth was a devoted grandmother to Matityahu, Nechama, Devorah, Hagit, Michael, Ya’akov, Nathan, Moses, Hillel, and Tracy.  She was blessed with thirty one great-grandchildren. Ruth is also survived by loving nieces and nephews. 

Ruth’s funeral will be held at 2:00 pm on Tuesday, November 8, 2022 at Congregation Zvi Jacob, 110 Memorial Parkway, Utica, New York. The service will be followed by her burial at the House of Jacob Cemetery on Wood Road in Whitesboro, New York. Shiva will follow the burial at the Zvi Jacob Synagogue. Rabbi Howard Matasar will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the memorial fund at Congregation Zvi Jacob in Utica, New York or to the Munson-Williams-Proctor Institute in Utica.

Ruth’s friends and others who were privileged to know her during her life are welcome to join the family as we remember her, mourn her passing, and take comfort in the fact that she has gone on to eternity, within which we believe she will find eternal peace.

We hope to meet her again, in the presence of the almighty. 

 Arrangements are with Mark C. Bentz Funeral Service., New Hartford.  

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ruth (Park) Berkowitz, please visit our floral store.