Janet Kurland (nee Berman), of Baltimore, Maryland, passed away on Dec. 6 at the age of 94. She is survived by her cherished children, Julie (Shmuel) Simhi and Joshua (Jennifer) Kurland; and grandchildren, Matan Simhi, Lidan (Jordana) Simhi, Sivan Simhi, Jacob Kurland, and Zachary Kurland. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Shabse Kurland; and parents, Rose and Charles Berman.
The people in her life were the most important thing to Janet, and she was surrounded and blessed in both her professional and personal life. Janet's family was together as much as possible, and she was immensely proud of them. She fondly remembered the family's double seders for over 40 years and cherished any excuse for family to be together, whether Thanksgiving, Chanukah, summer beach trips, or traveling for simchas.
Janet would like to be remembered for her life of faith and service. She hoped to be a source of strength to everyone she encountered. Janet was immensely grateful for all she had -- she knew how blessed she was. She deeply loved attending Beth Tfiloh services and found great joy in the community and spiritual connection they provided. Janet was very proud of her double master's degrees, with one in social work and the other in gerontological care management.
She was devoted to her career, working until the age of 88 and spending 44 years at Jewish Community Services in multiple gerontological services roles, including as a founding director of the Edward A. Myerberg Center. She was the first recipient of the Daniel Thurz Distinguished Service Award from Kehilla: Jewish Communal Professional Association of Greater Baltimore. Janet also received the William Donald Schaefer Helping People Award in 2019, an award from CHANA Baltimore, and a lifetime achievement award from the Maryland Gerontological Association. Janet loved and appreciated her colleagues and their devotion to their profession, valuing their extended friendships.
She felt rewarded and thoroughly appreciated in every way with immediate and extended family, dear friends, and colleagues. Janet also wished to express her gratitude to the Springwell Senior Living Community and BridgingLife at Sinai Hospital for all of their care and compassion. Contributions in her memory may be sent to Jewish Community Services, 5750 Park Heights Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21215 or The Associated: Jewish Federation of Baltimore, 5700 Park Heights Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21215.