Jennie Spivack (1889 – 1982)

Jennie with daughter, Gloria, date unknown

Jennie Spivack was born on January 18, 1889, in the Russian Empire, possibly in modern-day Poland. She was a notable figure whose life journey spanned continents and witnessed significant historical events. She immigrated to the United States as a child, where she became an integral part of the Atlanta community.

Jennie married Joseph Lazear, and the couple settled in Atlanta, Georgia. Joseph owned an insurance agency. Their daughter, Gloria Adele Lazear, was born in Atlanta in 1927 and was raised in a nurturing environment.

The Lazears were prominent members of Atlanta’s Jewish community, actively participating in various social and charitable activities, especially during the Great Depression. They were prominent members of the Mayfair Club, a significant social organization in the 1930s, attending and hosting numerous events at the Biltmore Hotel. Their social calendar included cabaret parties, dinner dances, and fundraising events that were well-attended by Atlanta’s social elite. Jennie’s brother, Murray Spivack, was a notable drummer and sound engineer, adding to the family’s prominence.

1900 United States Census

In 1900, 11-year-old Jennie (born May 1889) lived with her parents, Israel Spivack, 39 (born 1861) and Rachel Bernstein Spivack, 38 (born 1862), and her siblings: Sophia, 13 (born August 1886), Rosie, 8 (born February 1892), and Abraham, 2 months (born February 1899) in a rented apartment at 300 Delancey Street, Manhattan, New York. Israel and Rachel had been married for 17 years, and Rachel had given birth to six children, of whom four were living.

The Spivack family had immigrated to the United States in 1892 and had been living in the country for eight years. Israel was a tailor but had not been employed for three months of the previous year. Sophia, Jennie, and Rosie were all attending school. Everyone except for the youngest two children could read, write, and speak English. Although Abraham was born in New York, the rest of the family members were born in Russia, and they all listed their parents’ birthplaces as Russia.

In the previous year, Sophia attended school for 10 months, Jennie for 9 months, and Rosie for 8 months.. Name listed: Jennie Spivack1

Baruch Houses, formerly 300 Delancey Street, New York, New York

The Boruch Houses, a housing project, now stands on the former site of 300 Delancey Street in Manhattan, New York. Construction of this and an adjoining housing project in 1953-1954 displaced 1,650 people, including everyone living on this block of Delancey Street.2

1905 New York State Census

In 1905, 16-year-old Jennie lived with her parents, Israel, 41, and Ray Bernstein Spivack, 42, and her siblings: Sarah, 19, Rose, 13, Charles, 5, and Moses, 1, in an apartment at 64 McKibbin Street, which is now in the Williamsburg neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York. Israel, Ray, Sarah, Jennie, and Rose were all born in Russia, while Charles and Moses were born in the United States. Consequently, those born in Russia were listed as aliens, and those born in the United States as citizens.

Israel and Sarah were tailors and Jennie was employed as a bookkeeper. Ray’s occupation was listed as housework, and Rose was in the 8th grade. Name listed: Jennie Spivack3

Formerly 64 McKibbin Street, Brooklyn, New York

The image above shows an apartment complex that now occupies the block where their home once stood. McKibbin Street now terminates two blocks away from this building.

August 25, 1907 Engagement Announcement

An engagement announcement in the Atlantic Constitution on August 25, 1907, listed Jennie’s parents as Mr. and Mrs. J. Spivack. The wedding was scheduled to take place at their home, located at 242 East Fair Street, Atlanta, Georgia, which no longer exists in Atlanta. Name listed: Jeannette Spivack4

1907 Georgia Marriage License

On September 1, 1907, Jennie and Joseph Lazear were married in Fulton County, Georgia by Rev. J. M. Lubel. They acquired the license three days prior, on August 28, 1907. Name listed: Miss Jannett Spivack5

1908 Atlanta City Directory

In 1908, Jennie and her husband, listed as “Jaseph Lazear,” lived at 148 Formwalt Street, which no longer exists. Name listed: Jennie Lazear6

1910 United States Census

In 1910, Jennie, 21, and Joseph Lazear, 26, rented a house at 43 West 112th Street, New York, New York after three years of marriage It was the first marriage for each of them. They were both born in Russia, and their language was listed as “Russ Yiddish,” as opposed to other listings which are noted as “Russ Russian”. Joseph immigrated in 1885 and Jennie in 1899, contradicting the prior census. Joseph was a naturalized citizen, and they could both read, write, and speak English. Joseph was a cigar salesman. Name listed: Jeanette Lazear7

Martin Luther King, Jr. Towers, formerly 43 West 112th Street, New York, New York

The land where they lived in New York City is now the Martin Luther King Jr Towers, a public housing project.

June 29, 1913 Travel Plans

A June 29, 1913 article in the “Social Items” section of The Atlanta Constitution described Jennie’s summer travel plans to Washington, Baltimore, Wilmington, Philadelphia, New York, and Atlantic City with her sister-in-law, Leah Lazear.8

Trip Itinerary Map

April 6, 1916 Charity Ball and Bazaar

An article from the Atlanta Constitution on April 6, 1916, described the unexpected success of a Jewish charity ball and bazaar organized by two clubs in Atlanta to raise money for local organizations aiding the poor. Joe Lazear was mentioned as the vice president of the Atlanta Lodge, which organized the event, and Mrs. J. Lazear was noted as the chairman of the ladies’ committee.9

April 9, 1916 Banquet and Dance

The Society section of the April 9, 1916 issue of the Atlanta Constitution announced its fourth annual banquet followed by an informal dance that was chaperoned by Joseph and Jennie Lazear, with members of the Don’t Worry10 club, a Jewish debating club founded in 1911, as guests of honor.

July 21, 1918 Event for Soldiers

An article in the Sunday, July 21, 1918, issue of the Atlanta Constitution describes an event held the previous night at the Masonic Temple by the Masonic Soldiers’ Club, under the direction of the Fulton County Masonic Association, for soldiers stationed nearby. The entertainment included a five-piece orchestra, “two blackface comedians,” a quartet, a professional banjo player, and a violinist. Jennie’s husband, Joseph, served as the vice-chairman of entertainment and helped plan the event, a role he fulfilled weekly. The Masonic Club was becoming “one of the most popular week-end community centers in the city.” Women were invited to attend if vouched for by a Mason, and Mrs. Joseph Lazear was listed as a guest.11

The Masonic Temple, Atlanta, Georgia, Photo credit: Fox Fact.12

The soldiers were entertained at the Masonic Temple in Atlanta, which burned down in 1950 and was replaced with a parking garage that is still standing.

1920 United States Census

In 1920, 31-year-old Jennie lived with her husband, Joseph Lazear, 36 in a rented apartment at 120 Ponce de Leon Avenue, Atlanta, Georgia. Joseph was a life insurance salesman. Both were born in Poland, though their parents’ birthplaces were in Russia, and they and their parents spoke native Russian. They immigrated in 1885 and 1899 and were naturalized on unknown dates. They were able to read, write, and speak English. Name listed: Jennie Lazear13

Formerly 120 Ponce de Leon Avenue, Atlanta, Georgia

The former site of 120 Ponce de Leon Avenue, Atlanta, Georgia, above, is now home to a limousine company. Jennie and Joseph continued to live there until 1921.

1921-23 Atlanta City Directory

Jennie and Joseph lived in apartment C6 of 747 Highland Avenue NE, Atlanta, Georgia from 1921 to 1923.14

Highland Walk Apartments, formerly 747 Highland Avenue NE, Atlanta, Georgia

The land has since been redeveloped into an apartment complex called Highland Walk.

1924-25 Atlanta City Directory

In 1924 and 1925, Jennie and Joseph lived in apartment 3B at 835 Piedmont Avenue, Atlanta, Georgia.15

835 Piedmont Avenue, Atlanta, Georgia

The current condominiums at 835 Piedmont Avenue were built in 1997.16

1926 Atlanta City Directory

In 1926, Jennie and Joseph lived at 790 Virginia Avenue NE, Atlanta, Georgia.17

Formerly 790 Virginia Avenue NE, Atlanta, Georgia

The site is now the parking lot for a middle school.

1927-28 Atlanta City Directory

Jennie and Joseph lived in apartment 10 at 934 Ponce de Leon Avenue NE, Atlanta, Georgia in 1927 and 1928.18

934 Ponce de Leon Avenue NE, Atlanta, Georgia

The above complex was built just 3 years after the Lazears lived there, in 1930.19

July 1927 Adoption of daughter, Gloria

In the summer of 1927, Jennie and her husband, Joseph, adopted their daughter, Gloria, whose birth mother was Myrtle Lee McDonald. Gloria was likely adopted from St. Mary’s Children’s Hospital, a facility run by Mrs. Mary T. Mitchell where pregnant women could give birth and place their babies for adoption. Many advertisements appeared in the Personals section of the Atlanta Constitution, offering babies for adoption, and similar ads for a “Maternity Sanitorium” were found throughout Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina around the time Myrtle gave birth. Notably, numerous advertisements were placed in Asheville, NC, the hometown of Gloria’s birth father, Grady Stauffer.

Asheville, North Carolina – May 16, 1927

One such advertisement appeared in the Asheville Times about two months before Gloria was born,20 appealing to pregnant women by offering privacy and a comfortable temporary stay at a sanatorium, allowing them to have their babies in secret. During a time when abortion was not available and having a baby out of wedlock was considered shameful, this option allowed women to give up their babies while retaining their dignity.

Atlanta, Georgia – July 11, 1927

An advertisement was placed in the Atlanta Constitution on July 11, 1927,21 the day Gloria was born. These ads, appearing almost daily in 1927, targeted adoptive mothers by identifying the facility as a hospital and promising privacy and confidentiality, with babies available on-site for direct adoption. Some of Mrs. Mitchell’s ads mentioned that she had multiple babies available for immediate adoption.

It is believed that Gloria was either never aware of her adoption or only learned about it shortly before her passing.

1929 Atlanta City Directory

In 1929 Jennie and Joseph lived at 417 8th Street NE, Atlanta, Georgia.22

417 8th Street NE, Atlanta, Georgia

In 1929, Jennie and Joseph lived at 417 8th St. NE, Atlanta, Georgia. This house was built in 1920 which makes this the first house Jennie lived in that is still standing, and it had an estimated value of $791,600 in 2021.23

1930 United States Census

In 1930, Jennie, 41, Joseph Lazear, 46, and their daughter, Gloria, 2 years, 5 months, owned a home at 1282 Oxford Road, Atlanta, Georgia, valued at $15,000. Joseph owned a life insurance company. They were married at the ages of 24 and 18. Jennie and Joseph could read, write, and speak English, although their language was listed as Russian and they were born in Russia, while Gloria was born in Georgia. Everyone in the household had parents born in Russia. They immigrated in 1885 and 1899 and were naturalized. They owned a radio. Name listed: Jeannette Lazear24

1282 Oxford Road, Atlanta, Georgia

Credit: Redfin.com25

This house is at 1282 Oxford Road, Atlanta, Georgia, and is still standing.

Social Life in the 1930s

At the peak of the Great Depression, the Lazears had a very active social life. They were members of the Mayfair Club, a social club that met at the Biltmore Hotel in Atlanta until they opened their own physical location in 1938.26 All of the events listed below were attended by Jennie took place at the Biltmore by the Mayfair Club. They were reported by the Atlanta Constitution unless noted otherwise:

  • an Annual Cabaret by the Jewish Woman’s Club, February 17, 1929, including “popular and well-known artists” performing song and dance numbers, a presentation by a radio host, and a well-known ukulele player;27
  • a Dance, February 13, 1931, with a Harlem nightclub of the gay nineties as the theme;28
  • a Supper-Dance, November 11, 1931, held to raise funds for a country club “to be equipped with swimming pool, tennis, and handball courts, and other athletic accessories,” that is so famous that you have probably seen it;29
  • a Cabaret Dance, January 3, 1932, with “special numbers… throughout the evening and at midnight as the lights flashed off amid the blowing of horns and noise-makers the New Year was welcomed.” After the dance, breakfast was served;30
  • a Silver Anniversary party held at their home on Oxford Road, September 1, 1932, with their “wide circle of friends” in attendance, including their daughter, Gloria, and brother, Murray Spivack, a famous drummer and sound engineer;31
  • a Harvest Ball held October 25, 1932, which received an announcement and was reported upon, detailing country-style decorations, the fashion of the attendees, and the fortune tellers set up in the ballroom. Joseph Lazear was listed as the vice president of the Mayfair Club;32
  • a Thanksgiving Dinner-Dance, the night before Thanksgiving, November 23, 1932, decorated with pictures of turkeys, corn stalks, and autumn leaves, and featuring an orchestra;33
  • a Dinner-Dance, April 18, 1933, to be attended by a “throng of Atlantans”;34
  • the Jewish Progressive Club Gala Cabaret Party, April 22, 1933, featuring a prominent out-of-town orchestra;35
  • a Jinky Contest Winner, July 9, 1933, in which Jennie won a two-month pass to the Rialto Theatre, a theater now run by Georgia State University;36
  • a Brilliant Dance, December 2, 1933, with flowers decorating the ballroom, and was followed by a “Thanksgiving supper” at midnight in the main dining room of the Biltmore, Joseph Lazear was listed as the president of the Mayfair Club;37
  • a Valentine Ball, February 11, 1934, a beautiful dance with a live orchestra, followed by a midnight buffet supper;38
  • and a Welfare Worker’s Luncheon, on May 13, 1938, at the Ansley Hotel, where the 1938 Atlanta Jewish Welfare Fund raised money to support relief and reconstruction in Europe and Palestine and whose efforts enabled them to exceed their quota.39

1940 US Census

In 1940, Jennie, 51, Joseph, 55, and her daughter, Gloria A. Lazear, 12 owned a house at 1282 Oxford Road NE, Atlanta, Georgia valued at $6,000. Joseph owned an insurance company and 40 hours per week, 52 weeks per year. He had no other sources of income and his wage was listed as 0. Jennie worked in the home. Both Jennie and Joseph had completed high school and Gloria had completed the 5th grade. Jennie was born in Russia, she was naturalized, and Gloria was born in Georgia. Strangely, Joseph’s birthplace was listed as Pennsylvania. They had lived in the same house in 1935 and 1930. Name listed: Jennie Lazear40

Internal and Exterior Images of 1282 Oxford Road NE, Atlanta, Georgia

This house was built in 1929. Joseph and Jennie first showed up in the Atlanta City Directory at this location in 1930, so they must have been the first owners, and they continued to live there until Joseph died in 1941. It is possible that they designed the house themselves, though it is impossible to know how many times the house has been remodeled or had major work since. Jennie first listed it for rent for $90/mo in an August 17, 1941 classified listing in the Atlanta Constitution. It was described as having 6 rooms, 1 bathroom, 2 bedrooms, a sun parlor, and a brick exterior.41 A May 31, 1942 advertisement in the Atlanta Constitution lists the house as follows:

The advertisement notes that the house is compact, charming and different. The asking price was $5,950.42

On December 20, 1942, an article in the Atlanta Constitution announced the sale of Jennie’s house and printed the above picture. The caption misspelled Jennie’s last name as “Lazier,” and noted that she was living in New York. It also listed the sale as $9,500.43 The house most recently sold in 2015 for $940,000 and contained the following description: “Sublime Luxury Retreat with modern sensibility in harmony with original 1929 architecture includes open floor plan and beamed vaulted ceilings; gourmet kitchen with inviting banquette & butler’s pantry/bar, family room with see-through fireplace to gracious entertaining living & dining rooms plus charming sunroom/office; expansive private master suite on its own level includes sitting room & porch overlooking backyard view plus opulent bath/dressing room w/multiple closets & laundry; 2 main floor bedrooms & bath, all new windows; irresistible back yard w/pool & garage.”44

May 23, 1941 Death of Husband, Joseph Lazear

Jennie’s husband passed away on May 23, 1941.45

Transcription:
"Joseph Lazear, Leader Here, Taken by Death: Was prominent Figure in Civic, Business and Fraternal Affairs: Joseph Lazear, leader in Atlanta business, civic and fraternal affairs for many years, died Friday morning at his home, 1282 Oxford Road, N.E. Although he had been in failing health several months, his death came unexpectedly.
 "Mr. Lazear for the last 20 years had operated the Joseph Lazear Insurance Agency, representing the Maryland Casualty Company and several other fire and casualty firms. 
  "He was born in Pittsburgh 56 years ago and came to Atlanta nearly 40 years ago. He was a graduate in pharmacy from Pittsburgh University, and for several years after coming here engaged in the business.
"Fraternal Leader: Mr. Lazear had long been active in Atlanta Jewish Affairs. He was the first president of the Jewish Progressive Club in 1915 and recently led the drive to erect the club's new building on Techwood Drive. He was also a member of the Standard and Mayfair Clubs.
 "He was a former master of the Fulton Masonic Lodge 216, and at the time of his death was its secretary. He also was a member of the Scottish Rite and the Yaarab Shrine Temple.
  "For many years, Mr. Lazear had devoted much of his time to charitable work, particularly the Community Fund. He took a prominent part in its annual drives.
 "He was a member of the Temple and Ahavath Achim Synagogue.
"Funeral Saturday: Surviving him are his wife, the former Miss Jennie Spivak, of Atlanta, whom he married 35 years ago, and a 14-year-old daughter, Gloria Lazear.
  "Funeral services will be held Sunday at 11:30 from the chapel of Sam R. Greenberg. Rabbi Harry H. Epstein will officiate. Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery, with members of the Jewish Progressive Club, Mayfair Club, Standard Club, fraternal brothers and business associates forming an honorary escort.
 "Pallbearers will be Morris Commings, Bernard Feldman, Sam Sugarman, A. Goldstein, Max Epstein, I.M. Weinstein and H.B. Meltz."

1942 Atlanta City Directory

The following year, Jennie moved to 1017 St. Charles Avenue, #14, Atlanta, Georgia.46

1017 St. Charles Avenue, Atlanta, Georgia

This beautiful condominium building was designed by architect Owen Southwell, who was active in Atlanta between 1919 and 1931. In October 2020, one of these condominiums sold for $500,000.47

1942 Joseph Lazear & Co.

Also in 1942, Jennie was listed in an advertisement for Joseph Lazear & Co., her late husband’s insurance company. It is unclear how active she was with the company before his death, but in 1943 she was listed as president of the agency.48

1943 Marriage to Arthur J. Schiff

On October 1, 1943, the “Personals” section of the Atlanta Constitution, announced that Jennie was at the Barbizon Plaza in New York City.49 Barbizon Plaza, now known as Barbizon 63, was a residential hotel for women. Today, it is a condominium building.50 Jennie provided this address on her marriage license when she married widower, Arthur Schiff, at Temple Emanuel in Manhattan on October 28, 1943. Her brother, Charles Spivack, of Central Park West, was the witness of her wedding.51

1943-47 Atlanta City Directory

After marrying Arthur Schiff, Jennie lived in the Briarcliff Hotel from 1943 to 1945.52

Briarcliff Hotel, Atlanta, Georgia

The Briarcliff Hotel was built by a real estate firm owned by Asa Candler, Jr., son of the Coca-Cola magnate.53 Originally built to be a 200-unit luxury hotel, it fell into disrepair in the 1960s and has been converted to section-8 housing for low-income seniors, called the Briarcliff Summit Apartments. Jennie continued to use the name “Jennie Lazear” or “Mrs. Joseph Lazear” in the Atlanta City Directory until 1945. In 1947, her name was listed as “Mrs. Jennie L. Schiff.”54 She also continued to be the president of Joseph Lazear & Co., although by 1945 the name was changed to Lazear, Meltz, and Mittelman, referencing Joseph’s partners, Hyman B. Meltz and Murray Mittelman. The company was located at 36 Edgewood Ave NE, Atlanta Georgia, taking up suites 609-611 in the Trust Company of Georgia building. No additional information is available about this building, and the location is now the site of Woodruff Park, named after a president of Coca-Cola, who anonymously donated funds for its creation.55

Woodruff Park, formerly the location of the Trust Company of Georgia Building, 36 Edgewood Avenue NE, Atlanta, Georgia

Woodruff Park, Atlanta, Georgia (former site of 36 Edgewood Ave. NE, Atlanta, GA)

1940’s Photos of Jennie with Daughter Gloria

1948-49 Atlanta City Directory

In 1948, Jennie lived at 115 Peachtree Memorial Drive, Atlanta, GA.56

115 Peachtree Memorial Drive, Atlanta, Georgia

This building was built in 1948,57 so Jennie was among the first occupants. At this time, Jennie’s name was listed as Jennie L. Schiff.

1948 Engagement Announcement of Daughter, Gloria

An article in the Atlanta Constitution on April 12, 1948, announced the engagement of Gloria (mistyped Glorida in the caption) Lazear. The article begins, “Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Schiff announce the engagement of their daughter, Miss Gloria Adele Lazear, to Irving Mendelson, of New York City. The attractive bride-elect is the daughter of the late Joseph Lazear, prominent business man and civic leader of this city. Her maternal grandparents are Mr. and Mrs. I. D. Spivak [sic], of Miami Beach, formerly of Atlanta.“58 Following the wedding, an article once again lists her as the “daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Arthur J. Schiff,” dated September 19, 1948.59

1950 Atlanta City Directory

By 1950, Jennie was once again listed in the Atlanta City Directory as Mrs. Jennie Lazear. She lived at 228 Collier Building, 75 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta, Georgia,60 though this was likely where Joseph’s business was located. It was on the same block that it is now Woodruff Park, and the image below is a view from that angle. Jennie and Arthur divorced sometime between 1948 and 1950.

Woodruff Park, formerly 75 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta, Georgia

1950 United States Census

When the census was taken in 1950, Jennie, 60, used her first husband’s last name, Lazear, which she continued to use for the rest of her life. She lived with her parents, Israel and Rachael (Rachel Bernstein) Spivack, both 91, at 901 7th St., Apt 2, Miami, Florida. Jennie was listed as a widow rather than a divorcee. Everyone in the household was born in Russia. Rachel was a homemaker and Israel and Jennie had other sources of income. Jennie had lived in a different location in Miami the prior year. It listed that Jennie had not completed any school, had not worked in the past year, and the household income was $3,000. Name listed: Jennie Lazear61

901 7th Street, Miami Beach, Florida

This apartment building was built in 1948 and has 5 or more units, with 8 bedrooms in total.62 This is the same building that Jennie lived in with her parents. As of May 2024, Unit 5 was available to rent for $2,000 per month.63

1960 Miami Beach City Directory

There is no record of Jennie again until 1960, when she appeared in the Miami Beach City Directory at 6261 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, Florida.64

Hilton Cabana, 6261 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, Florida

The location opened as a hotel in the early 1950s and had been slated to become a condominium building in 2007. When that didn’t materialize, the building was purchased by RJL Lodging Trust65 and was converted back to a luxury hotel, the Hilton Cabana,66 in 2014.

Jennie and Gloria, New York City, Date Unknown
Jennie, left, with granddaughter, JoAnne, and in-law, Rachael Resnitzky Mendelson, August 24, 1969

1973 Death of Daughter, Gloria

On January 2, 1973, Jennie’s daughter Gloria passed away. Her obituary was printed in the Atlanta Constitution.67 The transcript is as follows:

"Mrs. Mendelson: Forest Hills, N.Y. - Services for Mrs. Gloria Lazear Mendelson, 45, of Valley Stream, N.Y., formerly of Atlanta, will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at Schwartz Brothers' chapel here. Mrs. Mendelson died Tuesday. Survivors include her husband, Irving Mendelson of Valley Stream; daughters, Mrs. Jeff Pollak and Miss Cathy Mendelson; sons, Richard Mendelson, Peter Mendelson and Robert Mendelson, all of New York, and mother, Mrs. Jennie Lazear of Atlanta."

Death of Jennie Spivack Lazear – September 26, 1982

Jennie passed away on September 23, 1982, in Atlanta. Two obituaries appeared in the Atlanta Constitution on September 26, 1982. She was 93.68

Transcripts of Jennie’s obituary, appearing in the Atlanta Constitution, September 26, 1982

1. "Mrs. Jennie Lazear: The graveside services for Mrs. Jennie Lazear, 93, of Atlanta, will be at 10 a.m. Sunday in Greenwood Cemetery.
  "Mrs. Lazear, widow of Joseph Lazear, died Thursday. She was a member of Ahavath Achim Congregation and B'nai B'rith.
  "Surviving are her brother, Murray Spivack of Los Angeles and foster brother, Mayer Turkewitz of Brooklyn."
2. "Lazear: Mrs. Jennie Lazear of 3150 Howell Mill Rd., N.W., died Sept. 23, 1982. Surviving are brother, Mr. Murray Spivack, Los Angeles, Calif., foster brother, Mr. Meyer Turkewitz, Brooklyn, N.Y., grandchildren, Mrs. Jo An Pollak, Mechanicsburg, Pa., Mr. Richard Mendelson, Queens, N.Y.; Mr. Peter Mendelson, Bellmore, N.Y.; Mrs. Robert Mendelson, Miss Catherine Mendelson, both Valley Stream, N.Y., three great-grandchildren. Graveside services will be held Sunday, Sept. 26 at 10 o'clock at Greenwood Cemetery. Rabbi Leonard H. Lifshen and Cantor Isaac Goodfriend will officiate. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to a charity of your choice. Green Lawn Funeral Directors, 1270 Spring St., N.W."

Zaban Towers, 3150 Howell Mill Road NW, Atlanta, Georgia

At the time of her death, Jennie lived at the Zaban Tower, an independent living community for seniors.69

Ahavath Achim Synagogue, Atlanta, Georgia

Jennie attended the Ahavath Achim Synagogue, an inclusive, conservative Jewish congregation,70 in Atlanta, GA, and she was a member of B’nai B’rith.71

Jennie Spivack Lazear’s life was marked by her adaptability and active participation in her community. Her story reflects the broader immigrant experience in America, highlighting themes of resilience, family, and social engagement​.

Sources

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