I think the first time I met Barbara Ungerman, I rather boastfully announced that I intended to marry her daughter, Ilana, someday. Given that Ilana and I were mere teenagers at the time, Barbara’s polite response, “that’s nice”, was entirely appropriate.

Several years later, she let me know that if I still wanted to marry Ilana, it would be okay with her.

I have been incredibly fortunate to have Barbara in my life for the past 40 years. She was a wonderful mother, mother-in-law and Bubbe.

Even as Alzheimer’s disease progressed and her memory faltered, her loving personality never did.

After her diagnosis, I remember her telling my then-12-year-old son, Dov, “Dov, I know who you are, and I love you. I will not always know who you are, but I will always love you.” Not surprisingly, that promise remained true for the rest of her life.

Barbara passed away this week. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

May her memory always be for a blessing.