Ruby Lassen Goldberg, former chemist, librarian

RUBY (REBECCA) LASSEN GOLDBERG, a chemist for the U.S. Department of Agriculture and, later, an elementary school educator and librarian for Orleans Parish Schools, died March 15. She was 91.

A native of New Orleans, she was a graduate of Louisiana State University, where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry. She matriculated to Rutgers University in New Jersey and received a Master’s degree in chemistry there. She then worked as a chemist for the Department of Agriculture and married her husband of 58 years, the late Morton Goldberg.

Following her retirement and the death of her husband, Goldberg lived at Woldenberg Village, where she was fondly remembered as a kind friend to staff and residents alike. She was a longtime member of Congregation Beth Israel and a lifetime member of Hadassah, the Women’s Zionist Organization of America.

She is survived by her daughter Ann Goldberg Goldblatt (Michael), son David Goldberg, seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Graveside funeral services were conducted on Monday, March 18 at 10:00 a.m. at the New Beth Israel Cemetery, 4400 Elysian Field Boulevard in New Orleans, with Rabbi Uri Topolosky officiating. Donations are suggested to Congregation Beth Israel, 4004 West Esplanade Avenue, Metairie, LA 70002. Tharp-Sontheimer-Tharp Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.