On Wednesday, March 15, Horty Gendzier slipped into eternity after a six year struggle with cancer. From the shock of discovery, through the arduous, often painful treatments, she endured with quiet strength and steadfast faith in the richness of life and her purpose in it. She was at the end, as she had always been, an icon of righteousness, dignity and devotion to family, friends and the principles of Judaism.

Horty was born in Scranton, Pennsylvania and came to Jacksonville as a young woman, some fifty years ago. Over the decades, Horty would spend countless hours and tireless efforts to benefit Jewish life, here at the Jacksonville Jewish Center. It is a family tradition she learned from her parents, Runny and Sam Thier, and instilled in her own children and grandchildren. Together with her soul mate and partner in her endeavors, Sheldon, Horty carved out a major role in the day-to-day workings of our synagogue. Her accomplishments are many, varied and lifelong.

The Center Sisterhood gave her great pleasure and purpose. She served as its President, as well as a board member of the Florida Branch of Women's League of Conservative Judaism. Horty was devoted to the Women's League Torah Fund, which provides financial backing to the Jewish Theological Seminary. For many years she chaired our Sisterhood's annual campaign, and later served as advisor. Horty wasn't all work and no play. She was a willing and capable stage performer, lending her talent and spirit to musical productions at Sisterhood luncheons. She was a fun-loving companion at Women's League conclaves. Horty was a beloved member, participant, confidant and cheerleader.

Though Horty was not one to brag about herself, if asked, she would have admitted that her work on behalf of the youth of our congregation was the most important, satisfying and far-reaching of her efforts. Her involvement with Camp Ramah and USY Summer Youth Programs is legendary. For nearly twenty years, Horty made sure that every child who wanted to attend a Jewish camp or pilgrimage had the financial means to do so. She was instrumental in the establishment of the Center's Foundation School, the forerunner of the Solomon Schechter Day School that provides a first class secular and religious education from Kindergarten to Middle School. Through her daughter Edith Horovitz, Horty's love of our rich heritage and commitment to mitzvot continues to be an integral part of the Day School education and curriculum.

Until very recently, Horty was a most precious "fixture" in the building, always in and out, seeing to the needs of various education and youth projects. With a smile, wry sense of humor and unparalleled determination, Horty set about her tasks. Having helped to establish the standards for our Bar and Bat Mitzvah program, she personally assigned the calendar dates of those simchas, researching the birth and considering the training of each candidate. She developed a means of keeping our college students connected through regular mailings of information and holiday treats. She was a vital member of the Center Board of Directors. She was seated without fail in the midst of her loving family, close to the pulpit on Shabbat and holidays.

Helen Keller once said, "The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart." It could have been said of Horty Gendzier; everything she did in life was from the heart. She will always have a place in the hearts of this congregation.

Reprinted with permission of The Jacksonville Jewish Center Bulletin