Obituary of Edith Waltzman

Edith Matelson Waltzman, 88, formerly of Oakwood Street in Albany, died Friday January 9, 2009 at St. Peter's Hospital in Albany, surrounded by her loving family. Mrs. Waltzman was born and raised in Paterson New Jersey. After graduating from Central High School in Paterson, she worked as a bookkeeper. A trained vocalist, she was a member of the Musical Art Society, appearing in opera, light opera, and concert performances in the Northern New Jersey and New York Metropolitan areas. She studied with and sang under the direction of such conductors as Sigfried Landau and Irwin Hoffman, and with the latter was guest artist in a concert in Town Hall in New York City in 1948. She married Hal Waltzman in 1950, and they moved to Albany in 1951. She served as vocal soloist in several churches and synagogues in Albany, and directed the adult choir at Congregation Ohav Shalom. An artist member of the Monday Musical Club, she performed in many of the club's programs, as well as in area nursing homes and for several local Jewish organizations. She also taught voice privately for many years. In 1972, she became the Bar and Bat Mitzvah instructor at Congregation Beth Emeth in Albany. When she retired in 1992, she was credited with having taught over 400 students. Mrs. Waltzman was a member of Congregation Ohav Shalom in Albany and the Daughters of Sarah Auxiliary, and was a Life Member of Na'Amat USA and Hadassah. She was a member and past president of the Hearing Endeavor for the Albany Region (HEAR) and was a past president, chorus chairperson and Distinguished Member of the Monday Musical Club. She was married to Hal Waltzman until his passing in 2007, and was predeceased by her brothers Benjamin Matelson and Hellman Matelson and her sister Adele Matelson. She is survived by her loving daughter Julie Waltzman Pollack, her devoted son-in-law Barry Michael Pollack, whom she regarded as a son, her cherished granddaughter Elena Michelle Pollack, her sister and brother-in-law Cecelia and Bernard Liss, and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Services at Levine Memorial Chapel, 649 Washington Avenue, Albany on Monday January 12 at 11:30 AM. Interment will follow in the Independent Benevolent Cemetery in Guilderland, NY. Shiva will be observed throughout the week at the home of Julie, Barry and Elena Pollack, with services at 7:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday. Memorial contributions may be made to Congregation Ohav Shalom, New Krumkill Road, Albany NY 12208, Bet Shraga Hebrew Academy, 54 Sand Creek Road, Albany NY 12205, Daughters of Sarah Nursing Center, 180 Washington Avenue Extension, Albany NY 12203, or to a charity of one's choice.