IT'S AMAZING WHAT YOU CAN FIND OUT ON FACEBOOK
That’s Miriam on the right. We apparently went to college together. That’s what Sharon R. told me when we met up after a hiatus of too many years after college (See She Heard of Morton’s Neuroma, dated April 28, 2025 at sharonmarkcohen.com).
Sitting and schmoozing with Sharon R. in the front room in the house she grew up in, which she inherited from her parents, in Belleville, New Jersey, she asked if I remembered Miriam. While I couldn’t say that I did, finding the picture of two couples on Facebook indicates to me that I did know Miriam, since I picked her out as the woman on the right. Sadly, Miriam passed away on August 8, 2023. Oy veh.
Since learning of Sharon R.’s burial on September 29, 2025, two days short of a month past her 72nd birthday, I have been trying to find out what happened to her. The last time we spoke, and after communicating in all ways all summer, via emails, cards and texts, there was no indication that she was not well.
While rereading old emails (I never erase them, and as a consummate researcher, this is why), I saw an email from Miriam to Sharon R., which Sharon R. forwarded to me. Luckily, or so I thought, her full first and married names make up her email address. So, I looked her up online and figured that Miriam, who went to high school and college with Sharon R., and college with me, would surely know what happened to our mutual friend Sharon R.
Not trying to be funny here, but that was a dead end. As stated earlier, Miriam passed away in August 2023. Just like Sharon R., there was a burial date but no formal obituary. There were obituaries for her other family members, so I was able to find her maiden name and her husband’s first name.
On the internet, Miriam’s Facebook account was listed, so I clicked on it for clues. Wow, there were birthday wishes over the years since her passing, one year after another. What? Didn’t people know she passed away?
One person wrote, “Is everything okay?” That post was left unanswered. Another “friend” posted that Miriam’s husband, Joel, passed away in November 2024. Still, the birthday greetings for Miriam, who passed away before Joel, kept on coming.
So, once again, sadly, no lead about Sharon R. appeared through Miriam. My search continues.
Miriam, rest in peace with Joel.
Elinor Reiner Obituary
REINER - On Wednesday, May 4, 2005, Elinor (nee Budiansky), of Livingston, N.J., beloved wife of Martin Reiner, devoted mother of Phyllis Sax and Miriam Davelman. Funeral services conducted from The MENORAH CHAPELS AT MILLBURN, 2950 Vaux Hall Rd., Union, N.J., on Friday, May 6, 2005, at 11:30 a.m. Interment Riverside Cemetery, Saddle Brook, N.J. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the Greater New Jersey Chapter, Alzheimer's Association, 400 Morris Ave., Suite 251, Denville, N.J. 07834.
Martin Reiner Obituary
Martin A. Reiner, 88, of Livingston, N.J., died on Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2013 in his home. Graveside services will be held at Riverside Cemetery, Saddle Brook, N.J., on Friday, Feb. 22, 2013 at 11 a.m. Arrangements are by the Menorah Chapels at Millburn, Union, N.J. Mr. Reiner was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., and lived in Livingston, N.J., since December 1974. He was a quality assurance inspector for the U.S. Government Department of Defense in Springfield, N.J. Mr. Reiner was a member of the Livingston Elks and a longtime member of the Lakewood Elks. He served in the Army Air Force during World War II. Predeceased by his wife, Elinor (nee Budiansky), Mr. Reiner is survived by his daughter, Phyllis Sax and her husband, Stephen; his daughter, Miriam Davelman and her husband, Joel, and his sister, Sylvia Berman. He is also survived by his faithful and loyal companion, Billy. Donations in his memory may be made to the American Heart Association.
Miriam Davelman Obituary
It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Miriam Davelman (Union, New Jersey), who passed away on August 8, 2023, leaving to mourn family and friends. Family and friends are welcome to leave their condolences on this memorial page and share them with the family.
Miriam Davelman - Posted on Miriam’s Facebook November 2024
I know this may seem odd but I wanted to post that Miriam’s Husband Joel Davelman passed away. Services will be graveside at 10:30 on Monday, November 25th at Mt. Lebanon Cemetery. May both Miriam and Joel rest in peace.
PERS Ordinary Disability Grid June 19, 2019 Member's Name Effective Date Division Of Enforcement Davelman, Joel Barry 04/19 A Kearny Town
Abraham Davelman Obituary
DAVELMAN Abraham Davelman Kearny resident, 90 Abraham Davelman, 90, of Kearny died Tuesday, May 27, 2008, at Clara Maass Medical Center, Belleville. Graveside services are on Thursday, May 29, 2008, at 11 a.m. in the Mount Lebanon Cemetery, Iselin. Arrangements are by the Menorah Chapels at Millburn, 2950 Vaux Hall Road, Union. Born in Newark, Mr. Davelman lived in North Arlington before moving to Kearny 56 years ago. Surviving are his beloved wife, Helen (Keisler) Davelman; his loving children, Arlene Brown and Joel and his wife, Miriam Davelman, and his dear brother, Samuel Davelman.
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Update: Upon checking Sharon R.’s Facebook page a month after her passing, Sharon R.’s friend, Maria E. Kleinot, wrote:
“AND THEN THERE WERE THREE . . . .
“Sharon just over a month has now passed and it has taken this long to try and bring myself to post this. We are all still in shock from hearing the news and facing the reality that you are gone, Dear Friend
“There are no words just tears and disbelief.
“We were just discussing on your Birthday in August how it's been 46 years since we all met on our Cruise and that it was definitely time for another Reunion. So many wonderful and precious memories were shared together since 1979...so many more were supposed to be made
“We are heartbroken and we will miss you terribly, Sharon. We weren't just Friends, we became Family and we will miss our "Sister" as the days pass. Until we see you again, Godspeed and thank you - we love you so very much
“To Sharon's Many Friends and Family :
“We are heartbroken to inform you that Sharon unexpectedly passed away the end of September 2025. We know that Sharon touched so many lives both near and far and that you will all remember her fondly and with love”
It hurt to learn so much sad news on Facebook. Scrolling through birthday greetings and learning a bit about friends through their friends and relatives, however, can be oddly comforting.