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2508 Victory Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10314
Tribute Wall
Tuesday
2
January
Visitation at Funeral Home
4:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Tuesday, January 2, 2024
Matthew Funeral Home And Cremation Services, Inc.
2508 Victory Blvd.
Staten Island, New York, United States
Wednesday
3
January
Mass
9:30 am
Wednesday, January 3, 2024
St. Teresa's RC Church
1634 Victory Blvd
Staten Island, New York, United States
Wednesday
3
January
Final Resting Place
11:00 am
Wednesday, January 3, 2024
St. Peter's Cemetery
52 Tyler Avenue
Staten Island, New York, United States
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Victor Udensi posted a condolence
Thursday, January 4, 2024
IN LOVING MEMORIES OF MADAM Arlene McDermott.
Having known this wonderful woman for a brief period it is with heart felt regrates to know that she has been called home by the Lord. I remember how she was fondly echoed and spoken of by her family when she was not around in family gatherings, especially the ones that I know. To Cara, her grand and great grandchildren, I sincerely express my condolences to the entire family, on behalf of the Udensi and Ugbomah families. May her sweet soul rest in perfect peace.
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Chana Erbst-Ziment posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 2, 2024
Mrs. McDermott taught both of my children. A Class A teacher. She taught them how to read and write in the most loving way. Either in an illustrating a book, reading in a “rocking chair” or having rolls in her famous plays.
I have spent many years as a parent and later as her co-teacher. I taught First Grade Hebrew. As a co teacher, you couldn’t ask for a better partner. Always helpful which was very important especially during my play which was a religious play in Hebrew. She gave up lots of her time so I can practice with our kids. I did as well when she had her play
I will miss you tremendously Mrs McDermott as I called you even though we were co teacher. My most respect to you
O you dear family who she loved so much, my condolences. May you continue her legacy and know that she has enriched hundreds of children and their parent
Thinking of you, Morah (teacher) Chana Erbst-Ziment
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Michael Josef posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 2, 2024
Like many others here, I am saddened to learn of Mrs. McDermott's passing. I am now 53 years old, she taught me in 1976-1977. She not only ignited in me a love of reading, but also encouraged awareness of current events. I fondly remember the 1976 class mock election where we "voted" by clipping a photo of either JimmyCarter or Gerald Ford. (It's a secret ballot, so I won't divulge how I voted.) I will never forget her enthusiasm and kindness,
Everybody loved Mrs. McDermott.
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Rose posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 2, 2024
Blessed to have had Mrs McDermott as my first grade teacher, I am now 36. I have a deep fond memory of her on her rocking chair reading us books with so much enthusiasm which lead to my most unforgettable memory of first grade, my very own book. Her special voice and soft heart will forever live on in my heart!
My deepest condolences to the family
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Stella yazdi posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 2, 2024
Mrs. McDermott taught my younger 3 children and was a loving support for my older 2 children who transferred into JFS after first grade. She always had a smile on her face. My children's pictures with her on the rocking chair with Winnie the Poo poster are treasured in our family. She really devoted her life to fulfill her purpose and mission with all her heart, kindness and love. we will miss her dearly. May she rest in peace knowing that she made a huge difference in the lives of generations.
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Rabbi Dr. Richard Ehrlich posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 2, 2024
I have many wonderful memories of Mrs. McDermot. I had the privilege of working with her for close to 25 years as her Principal. She was truly an outstanding teacher and person. She had patience and treated each student as if they were one of her children. She was caring,kind, considerate and her work ethic was outstanding. In short, she was the consummate pedagogue and just a wonderful role model for her students and her colleagues. She left a legacy that will live on in her students who all have such fond and beautiful memories. May her family take comfort in the fact that hundreds of students considered her the teacher they most admired and appreciated.
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Mark Bloomberg posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 2, 2024
Mrs. McDermott was the epitome of a kind and wonderful person. She was an educator in every sense of the word who left an indelible mark on me. There are few times that one can say you still remember fondly and vividly a person from 50+ years ago. Mrs. McDermott will never be forgotten. May she rest in peace.
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Dina posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 2, 2024
Bees buzz
Bees fly
Bees sting
And people cry
I wrote that poem in Mrs McDermott’s first grade class. We laminated and illustrated the book. I’m 45 years old and remember it clearly. Mrs McDermott was a kind and wonderful teacher. I am deeply sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in knowing your mother impacted the lives and experiences of so many children in their formative years. I will remember her fondly.
Sending love and condolences
Dina Hersko
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Beth Nivin posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 2, 2024
Mrs. McDermott made first grade memorable for my children. She was the epitome of an educator. We think of her fondly.
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Laura Yellon Buch posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 2, 2024
Mrs. McDermott was the quintessential first grade teacher that every teacher should aspire to be. She was beloved by all her former JFS students, and my favorite teacher of all time. Mrs. McDermott fostered in her students a love of learning, of books and of reading. Her spelling quizzes were as legendary as her rocking chair. I remember being in her classroom 46 years ago as clearly as if it were yesterday. Mrs. McDermott was the best of the best and she will be remembered fondly by all the young minds she molded. She instilled in us confidence by exuding warmth, compassion and a genuine love for her job. She was tough when she needed to be, while still being kind. May her family and loved ones be comforted by all your wonderful memories and by all the stories from her former students whom she indelibly touched. May her memory be a blessing to all.
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Anatt Mann posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 2, 2024
Mrs. McDermott was my first grade teacher. She was the best teacher ever.
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Dani Rindsberg lit a candle
Tuesday, January 2, 2024
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First grade at JFS wouldn't have been the same without Mrs. McDermott. It might be 40 something years ago, but I'll never forget my first grade teacher. May her memory be a blessing.
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Rob Klein posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 2, 2024
I am so sorry to hear this. Mrs. McDermott was my 1st-grade teacher more than 40 years ago. She was a legend at the Jewish Foundation School. This incredible lady taught many of us how to read, write, and to do basic math. Mrs. McDermott had wonderful projects for us and she knew all about the Jewish holidays.
Rest in peace, Mrs. McDermott. May your family be comforted in this difficult time.
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Aharon Fischman posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 2, 2024
Morah (teacher in Hebrew) McDermott was the First Grade teacher in my Father's School, JFS in Staten Island. I never had the Privilege to be her student but when U visited the school with my father she was always warm and happy to see me. She also meant so much to my Father, the principal which also made an impact on me.
Her memory is a blessing!
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Susan Schwartz kleid posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 2, 2024
I have warm memories of my wonderful first grade teacher Mrs McDermott. She taught me to read with love and patience and I am a voracious reader till today, over fifty years later. She was a true professional, highly skilled, and well loved teacher and she gave me and my siblings a strong base which helped us to succeed in our education in the years to follow. May her family find comfort in the memories of this very special person
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Shari Ribiat posted a condolence
Monday, January 1, 2024
I had Mrs. McDermott as my first grade teacher 40 years ago and I never forgot her. She was a special and kind person and amazing teacher. I remember coming in to first grade and telling her that I already knew how to read and she told me to bring in a book to show her and challenged me to be the best I could be. She made me feel proud of myself and that is so important at that age! May all the wonderful memories bring the family comfort. Sending my deepest condolences.
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Louise posted a condolence
Monday, January 1, 2024
I remember her so well after all these years. I remember her warmth and her fun projects - I still remember her Mother's Day Flower project in a paper barrel and her spelling quizzes. She was such a wonderful teacher and will be missed.
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Rachel posted a condolence
Monday, January 1, 2024
My condolences go out to Mrs McDermott entire family. She was my first grade teacher at JFS and I loved her dearly. She was the most warm, loving, caring teacher to me, my class, my siblings and many other first graders throughout the years. I will always fondly remember her.
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Ellen Leibowitz posted a condolence
Monday, January 1, 2024
Arlene McDermott educated our children in JFS. Now her daughter educates our grandchildren at HALB. We appreciate both of these wonderful educators.Ellen and Robert Leibowitz
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Adam Schiff posted a condolence
Monday, January 1, 2024
Not only was Mrs. McDermott my first grade teacher, she was my mother's teacher as well. The greatest lesson she taught me was one that I didn't recognize until decades later. She would routinely lead the 1-3 grades in the Jewish grace after meals prayer following lunch. While I thought nothing of it at six years old, I only later understood the significance of her leading Jewish children in their prayer. I can think of no greater lesson in mutual respect and service of God.
May she rest in peace.
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Lisa Mozorosky posted a condolence
Monday, January 1, 2024
Mrs. MsDermitt was a dedicated educator! She loved her students and gave her all every day. I had the privilege to know her both as my children’s teacher and work collaboratively with her to support my students. She was a wealth of knowledge. Wishing the family much comfort during this difficult time. Lisa Mozorosky and Family.
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Shirelle Binyaminov posted a condolence
Sunday, December 31, 2023
I remember Mrs. Mcdermott as my first grade teacher. All the students would sit and listen to her read Elephant and Piggy while she sat in her wooden rocking chair. Whenever a student needed the restroom during reading time, the class would sing the Jeopardy song until the student came back, then we continued reading. Now as a freshman, I miss Mrs. Mcdermott so much.
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Ilana (Shapiro) Hertzberg posted a condolence
Sunday, December 31, 2023
After 42 years I still remember Mrs. McDermott, my first grade teacher, so fondly. She was an excellent teacher who instilled a love of reading and learning in generations of students. She was loved by her students and fellow teachers. May her family be comforted by all of these shared memories.
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Laurie Steinbruck posted a condolence
Sunday, December 31, 2023
Heartfelt condolences to the family of “Mrs. McDermott,” a true lady in every sense of the word, an exceptional educator, and someone we were privileged to know and who will be missed by many.
Laurie and Richard Steinbruck
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Michael Haber lit a candle
Sunday, December 31, 2023
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Mrs. McDermott was an icon. She taught me and my siblings and I vividly remember her voice, her warmth, and her kindness. May her memory be for a blessing.
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Bracha Kaplan lit a candle
Sunday, December 31, 2023
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Mrs McDermott was the epitome of a first grade teacher. She gave many of our children a strong Foundation for their future education. Bracha Kaplan
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Lisa Friedlander lit a candle
Sunday, December 31, 2023
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Dear Mrs McDermott was my first grade teacher many decades ago. My first teacher I truly loved . I still have the George and Martha book she gave me when I was ill. She also taught my brothers and cousins. She was an amazing woman. I hope you - her family- can be comforted by the immense impact she had on so many of us!
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Ellen Pearlman posted a condolence
Sunday, December 31, 2023
Mrs McDermott was the beloved first grade teacher of my 4 children. She loved each child and instilled a love of reading and stories in them. There are generations of JFS students that were touched by her wisdom and caring. We loved the way she enthusiastically took part in all the traditions of the school. May her memory always bring comfort to the family. She will be missed!
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Kate Goldstein lit a candle
Sunday, December 31, 2023
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Mrs. McDermott was not simply the best teacher to my 4 kids at JFS. She was a wonderful person with a great heart, amazing compassion and kindness to her students as well as their parents. My adult children always spoke fondly of Mrs. McDermott and were grateful to have known her. She left quite a legacy. My condolences to the family.
Kate Goldstein
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Michelle amar Lugassy posted a condolence
Sunday, December 31, 2023
Wow it was 10 years ago when I came to visit my First grade teacher at the school … always the one to remember. My condolences and so sorry for your loss she was the best and loved by all . May she rest in peace❤️ love Michelle Amar ( Lugassy )
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Tamar Hersko posted a condolence
Sunday, December 31, 2023
Mrs. McDermott was a name I will never forget. She was kinda and caring, exactly how one would love to remember their first grade teacher.
Sending love and condolences to the family
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Lisa Yanofsky Matkowsky lit a candle
Sunday, December 31, 2023
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Condolences on the loss of your incredible mother and grandmother, the first grade teacher indelibly imprinted on the hearts and minds of generations of her students at JFS. Mrs. Mc Dermott was the "Mrs. Rodgers" of Staten Island, and she taught me and all my siblings. I will never forget her and how she loved my first grade art so much that often, when I drew a picture, she would run from classroom to classroom proudly showing my art to everyone and in the process, making one little girl so proud of herself. She left quite a legacy and will live on in the impressions she made on so many generations of young people.
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Helene Weintraub lit a candle
Sunday, December 31, 2023
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Today, as an actor & playwright, I am so grateful to my first grade teacher, Mrs. McDermott, who was the 1st teacher to believe in me and my theatrical talents. She taught me to sing my very first song, "Somewhere Over the Rainbow." She was a remarkable woman who taught with so much love and whom I recall dearly with a 'Winnie the Poo' doll, and a rocking chair in the JFS classroom. She also taught my father, his brothers, my cousins, and my sister. May her memory be a blessing for all of us!
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David Friedman posted a condolence
Sunday, December 31, 2023
Mrs McDermott was my first grade teacher 43 years ago. I still remember getting and collecting “busy bees”
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Rachel Engel posted a condolence
Sunday, December 31, 2023
So sorry to hear of the loss of your mom.Your mom was simply the best....A very special person and teacher! She taught my three daughters in JFS. She loved them and they loved her! She gave them the gift of reading...a life long gift... still have pictures of my children reading on the famous rocking chair in the classroom! My condolences to you.
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Allen Burack lit a candle
Sunday, December 31, 2023
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My sincerest condolences on the loss of your mother. She was more than just a teacher to us; she was like family. I can't believe she's gone. I'll never forget how she made learning fun in first grade back in '74. Her passion for teaching was contagious, and it left a lasting impression on me. And you know what's amazing? She did the same for all three of my kids. It's like she had this magical way of making each child feel special, treating them like her own. She will be missed, but never forgotten.
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Judi Lessing lit a candle
Sunday, December 31, 2023
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Mrs McDermott was a beloved member of the teaching staff at JFS. She was extremely kind and effective as a teacher. A true create to the profession.
She will surely be missed
Sending Deepest Condolence to her
Family. Sincerely. Judi and Jeffrey Lessing parents of Jessica and Josh
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Yael (Goldschmiedt) Schwartzbard lit a candle
Sunday, December 31, 2023
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Mrs. McDermott was my first grade teacher. I have vivid memories of her and her kindness. She was an EXCELLENT teacher. She had a big rocking chair. She treated me with love and understanding. I am so sorry for your loss and the world loss of a truly remarkable and incredible teacher and woman.
I have much gratitude to the teacher she was, all she taught me, and the wonderful way she made me feel as a first grader.
Sending comfort and much love,
Yael, formerly Goldschmiedt and now Schwartzbard
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Jonathan Burack lit a candle
Sunday, December 31, 2023
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I had the great honor and pleasure of being in Mrs. McDermott’s first grade class. She was an excellent teacher who taught my entire family - my father, brother, sister and sister-in-law. Our relationship went past the first grade as we shared a birthday so every year we exchanged birthday cards. Whenever I went back to school to visit, I always made sure to visit her classroom and catch up with her. She brightened so many lives and will be missed by many. Forever in our hearts.
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Tova Abrahmov posted a condolence
Sunday, December 31, 2023
I’m so sorry for your loss. Mrs. McDermott was my first grade teacher forty years ago and she is one of the few teachers that I have so many memories of. She taught me to read, was there when my first tooth fell out, and recognized my potential. My mother was pregnant with my younger sister, and I told Mrs. McDermott that we were going to have a girl. She asked me how I knew, and I told her Hashem (God) told me. She was so worried my faith would be shattered at a young age if a boy would be born. And sure enough we had a baby girl!! Which she then incorporated her name into our first grade play! May the beautiful memories of your mother/grandmother/great-grandmother/sister/aunt bring you comfort at this time.
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Jonathan Leibowitz posted a condolence
Sunday, December 31, 2023
Your mom was my first-grade teacher in 1974. She also taught all my children until she retired. She was strict but kind. I wasn’t the most studious kid and didn’t pay attention to tests or grades, leading to a downward spiral of low grades on my spelling tests. After one test, she called me to the desk before recess and said, “Jonathan, why did you get a zero? I know you know the words.” She began asking me the spelling words, correcting them one by one on the paper until I reached 100, received a sticker, and had “Excellent” written on top. It was an act of kindness that made a lifelong impression on me; she showed me what I was capable of.
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Robert Bromberg posted a condolence
Sunday, December 31, 2023
We loved Mrs. McDermott as our children’s teacher and then as a valued colleague. We taught together for 6 years at Jewish Foundation School. Very few earned the respect and admiration for her dedication and love for her student. May she enjoy her eternal reward!
Robert Bromberg
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Rhonda Sherman posted a condolence
Sunday, December 31, 2023
I had the unbelievable privilege to have Mrs. McDermott as my first grade teacher and first grade teacher to my children. I also returned to JFS and was able to work with her. I have so many wonderful memories of Mrs. McDermott. She always knew how to bring out the best in her students. She was an amazing mentor. My favorite memory I like to tell of how I learned how to say the prayer after eating in Hebrew from Mrs . McDermott. In those years the teacher who had lunch duty was in charge of leading the prayer. Mrs McDermott learned how to say it in Hebrew so she could help all the students. She was so proud of all her children and when I became a peer she would talk about all her kids and their accomplishments.
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Jessica (Lessing) Feinstein posted a condolence
Sunday, December 31, 2023
She was my first grade teacher and is the only teacher I remember from JFS. She was kind and warm and an amazing teacher. She is forever in my heart.
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Daniel Shuster lit a candle
Sunday, December 31, 2023
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A kind soul who affected generations of Staten Island Jewish students through teaching, she will be missed
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Leora Gidon posted a condolence
Sunday, December 31, 2023
She was my first grade teacher as well as all my siblings and my mothers and her siblings as well.. she was an amazing teacher! We all remember her fondly..
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