Bernice E. Taube

Bernice Eleanor Taube, born October 19, 1922, passed away peacefully at the remarkable age of 103. In her final weeks, she was surrounded by the love of her entire family, a small reflection of the love she shared with family and friends throughout her extraordinary life.

She is survived by her two daughters, Madelyn Taube and Joanne Taube; her son-in-law Eliot Sirkin; her granddaughters Jenna Taube Sirkin and Kayla Taube Sirkin, and their spouses, Rampal Chopra and Jesse Hershman; her brother, Edward Saxe, and sister-in-law Claire Saxe; and her four great-grandchildren Ari and Chloe Hershman and Dalia and Indigo Sirkin Chopra.

Bernice grew up in Cambridge, Massachusetts, with her parents, Harry and Mildred Saxe, and spent many years in the Boston area before meeting the love of her life, Solomon “Saul” Taube, in her early twenties. She patiently waited for Saul to return from World War II, and they were married shortly after, on August 26, 1945. They settled in Manchester, New Hampshire, where they built a life in the North End and grew the family business, Manchester Music. They spent 73 years together, creating a beautiful family, a thriving business, and a loving community of friends. United by a shared passion for dancing, they spent many years--young and old--finding venues to swirl around the dance floor together. Saul passed away nearly seven years ago, but their love for one another, their family, and their shared zest for life carried them through a century filled with happiness.

Bernice had a quiet intelligence and practical wisdom that shaped every part of her life. After attending college for a short period, she played an integral role in supporting the family business while caring for her family. She remained intellectually curious and widely read, and as the family matriarch, supported her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren in all their endeavors.

She believed deeply in the power of education, and was determined that all the women in her family would have the opportunity and resources to pursue their own educational paths--from her early involvement with the Derryfield School to supporting her granddaughter through a PhD program. She took great pride in helping provide her family with opportunities that reflected her own lifelong love of learning. Generous with both her time and resources, Bernice contributed to many organizations within the Jewish community, as well as to medical research and children’s health and well-being initiatives. She was hard working, loyal, and a steadfast friend whose enduring legacy is the love she gave to her family and community.

Those who knew her—and even those who met her briefly—often believed she would live forever. When asked to guess her age, people routinely placed her decades younger than she truly was. She began each day impeccably dressed, regardless of how she felt or what the day held. She greeted each day as though many years still lay ahead, with love yet to give and life yet to enjoy. Deeply loved and widely respected, she left a lasting impression on all who encountered her, from her early years through her final days.

The world has lost a true legend and beautiful soul. May her memory be a blessing.

Funeral services will be held at the Hebrew Cemetery, 316 South Beech St. Manchester, New Hampshire, on February 6 at 11:00 am. Shiva will be held on Saturday, February, 7 from 4:00-6:00 pm. For those who wish to honor Bernice’s memory, please make donations to New Hampshire Families in Transition, Temple Adath Yeshurun, or Temple Israel. We feel this is a meaningful way to continue sharing her generous spirit with the world.