Roberta Feinstein

It is with deep sadness we announce the passing of Roberta "Rifke" Feinstein. She left us peacefully on Feb. 15, 2025, at the age of 87, leaving behind a legacy of love, friendship and spunk.

Roberta is survived by her husband, Hans Leander, and her sons, Michael (Laura) Heuer and James Heuer (Mary Frances). She was predeceased by her son Howard (Elizabeth) Heuer and her brother Joseph (Brenda) Feinstein. The loves of her life were her grandchildren: Emeral, Samantha, Madeline, Jackson, Kaylyn, Tess and Jonathan, and great-grandson, Liam.

The family will sit Shiva Wednesday, February 19 from 4-7 pm and Thursday, February 20 from 3-6 pm at the home of his son Michael and Laura Heuer, 5123 Abigail Drive, Lyndhurst, Ohio 44124.

Born on July 29, 1937, in the Bronx, New York City, Roberta was a woman full of light, love and unending personality.

The saying “You can take the woman out of the Bronx, but you can’t take the Bronx out of the woman” found no truer example than Roberta. She was raised in “The Coops,” one of America’s first planned, integrated housing communities and that experience shaped the rest of her life.

She was a proud graduate of Hunter College in New York City, where she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in education. She followed that up with a master’s degree from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland.

She found great fulfillment at Southfield High School in Mich. as a special education teacher for 23 years, where she was an incredibly positive influence on the lives of countless teenagers. 

She was also a life-long advocate for Jewish education and tradition. As a Madrikha/vegvayser, or Jewish guide, she guided and supported others on their secular, Jewish journeys, imparting knowledge and nurturing the hearts of many. 

Roberta was a life-long member and longtime executive director of the Cultural and Secular Jewish Organization, formerly the Congress of Secular Jewish Organizations. She participated in most of its annual conferences, where she was an appreciated and influential speaker and workshop leader. Her work in the CSJO touched the lives of countless individuals, from youth to adults, who benefitted from her wisdom, kindness and unwavering commitment to secular Jewishness.

Roberta was also a beloved member of the Jewish Secular Communities of Cleveland, where she served as a ceremonialist as well as Jewish holiday coordinator. 

Roberta’s work as a Madrikha and a Ceremonial Officiant, was infused with deep compassion, patience and generosity of spirit. She devoted herself to fostering inclusive and meaningful experiences for all who crossed her path, particularly those who were fortunate enough to be her matrimonial clients. 

Roberta's love for her family was profound. They will carry on her memory and the values she instilled in them. A devoted friend, her warmth and nurturing spirit will be missed by all who knew her. Her memory will live on through the many lives she touched and the spiritual legacy she leaves behind.

Private Interment at Hilcrest Memorial Park. A Celebration of Life Service for Roberta will take place in the spring; details will be announced in a few weeks.

Donations in Roberta's memory may be made to the American Civil Liberties Union (aclu.org) or Planned Parenthood (plannedparenthood.org). 

Arrangements under the direction of Fioritto Funeral Service of Northeast Ohio www.FiorittoFS.com