Obituary of Ida Block

Ida Block, 85, mother of Eva Pierce, died on Friday, August l0th, at the Daughters of Sarah Nursing Center. Ida was born in Hungary and was a Holocaust survivor, surviving internment in several work and concentration camps, including Auschwitz. Her greatest triumph over that fate was the creation of a loving family who was devoted to her and survives to cherish her memory. She was a happy person despite the early tragedies she overcame, finding pleasure in simple, small things. Ida was a loving, kind and generous person who was never idle. She was a marvelous cook and baker and enjoyed sharing her delicious food with her family, friends, and neighbors. She was a bakery saleslady, first in Brooklyn where she lived after immigrating to America, and then for many years at Leo's Bakery in Albany. She was a regular at the South End pool, which she nicknamed her "Club." Most of all, she enjoyed being with and nurturing her grandsons, who credit her bottomless love and devotion, and her matzoh balls and chicken soup, for their health, stamina, and success. She was predeceased by her husband Ben. She is survived by her daughter Eva Pierce and her husband Ronald, who was like a son to her, by her grandson Joshua, his wife Tracy and their son Noah, of Hilo, Hawaii, and by her grandson David, his wife Saji and their children Benjamin and Cecelia, of Pleasanton, California. Ida's family would like to thank the Daughters of Sarah Nursing Center for their tender care these many years, especially Gwen, Retina, Jason and Kathy on the MEU, and her more recent CNAs and nurses on the Blue Unit. Friends are invited to a memorial service, followed by brunch, on Sunday, September 9th, 11:00 AM, at the chapel at the Daughters of Sarah on 180 Washington Avenue Extension. For those wishing to make a contribution in Ida's memory, the family suggests the Daughters of Sarah Nursing Center, 180 Washington Avenue Extension, Albany, NY 12203, or a charity of one's choice.