In Memoriam
It is with great sadness that we report the deaths of several long-time members of BIDMC's extended family:
Howard Blume, M.D., former Chief of Neurosurgery, and Assistant Clinical Professor of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, passed away on April 8 at age 59. Howard came to Beth Israel Hospital in 1980 and initiated an epilepsy surgical program, which brought the institution pre-eminence in this field -- partly through his recruitment of neurological and electrophysiological experts in epilepsy. Howard was well known in the Boston area for handling complex spinal cases, and helped BIDMC to be recognized as a center of excellence in this demanding area of neurosurgery. In 1997, Howard established his own very busy private practice, but maintained his primary hospital affiliation with BIDMC. As busy as he was, his unstinting dedication to patient care was an example of why BIDMC is known as "the Harvard hospital with a heart".
More than just a surgeon, Howard was a man of many talents. His musical pursuits included raising a son who became a professional vocalist, an avocation similar to Howard's wife, Betty, who is a member of the Tanglewood Festival Chorus. He lavished considerable care on his magnificent garden, which graced the grounds of his West Newton home. He also loved to ski, and did so even in the final stages of his terminal illness. Traveling and savoring the glories of European music, art and history brought Howard's close-knit family together for many summers. Deeply religious, he was a member of the Harvard Memorial Church congregation. Howard also was the proud father of two other daughters, one a physician, and the youngest pursuing a career in environmental matters. Funeral services were held on April 12 at the Memorial Church, with internment at the Newton Cemetery.
Patricia Berger, R.N., was a nurse at New England Deaconess Hospital (and later, BIDMC) for 32 years. A nurse in the ECT clinic for 18 of those years, Ms. Berger had divided her time between the clinic and the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) since 1997. "Patricia was very loyal and a pleasure to work with for everyone," says her supervisor, Susan Dorion, RN, MSN, Nurse Manager for the PACU, OR Holding, and the ECT Clinic. "She was the driving force that kept the ECT clinic going. Patricia had a level of understanding for patients' psychiatric issues that was unmatched." A memorial service was held for Ms. Berger on Wednesday, April 23, at 9 a.m. at the Dooley Chapel on the west campus.
David Casty served as an Overseer of BIDMC since 1996. Elected to the Board of Trustees of Beth Israel Hospital in 1968, Mr. Casty played an important role in committee work and fundraising. A member of the U.S. Army Signal Corps during World War II, Mr. Casty became a successful businessman who created and helped build Chelsea Industries, a company listed on the New York Stock Exchange. Mr. and Mrs. Casty have supported many charities and community endeavors over the years including Brandeis University, Hebrew Rehabilitation Center for Aged, Facing History and Ourselves, and Hebrew College. Our condolences go out to his family and friends.
Albert Ivins ("Ivy") Croll DeFriez, M.D., was an outstanding pulmonologist and general internist who joined the staff of the former New England Deaconess Hospital in the early 1960s and had a large practice in the Lowry Building. He was active in the teaching service there and for many years was the faculty mentor for the Chief Medical Residents Service. The Department of Medicine established an award in his honor for the many contributions he made as director of the chief residents' clinical activities. Robert Moellering, M.D., chief of medicine at BIDMC, credits Dr. DeFriez with helping him to establish the Department of Medicine at BIDMC and says Dr. DeFriez "gave very generously of himself." A World War II veteran, Dr. DeFriez also served as a lecturer at Harvard Medical School. A memorial service was held for him on Tuesday, April 22 in the Memorial Chapel in the Harvard Yard. Our sympathies go out to Dr. DeFreiz's wife, Amey, their children and grandchildren.
Carl Zimble was a BIDMC Overseer for Life since 1996. He was elected to the Beth Israel Hospital Board of Trustees in 1980 and became a Trustee for Life in 1991. A graduate of Tufts University, Mr. Zimble served with the U.S. Navy during World War II. He also served as a trustee of Combined Jewish Philanthropies of Greater Boston, Temple Mishkan Tefila in Newton, and Newton-Wellesley Hospital. He was honorary president of Hebrew Rehabilitation Center for Aged and a corporator of Grove Hill Savings Bank. In addition, he was an avid golf player. Our deepest sympathies go out to his wife, Phyllis, their children and grandchildren.
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To report the death of a current or former BIDMC community member, please contact Susan Lubars in the Office of the President at (66)7-9478, Rabbi Terry Bard at (66)7-3030 or Valerie Hope Goldstein, Communications, at (66)7-7307.