Obituary
Ora Simcha Fagan passed away at the age of 84 on Saturday, May 20 at her home in Chicago with her husband, Stuart Fagan, at her side. She is predeceased by her sister, Bruria Kedar and brother, Arie Simcha. She is survived by her husband, Stuart, daughter, Michal (Andrew), grandsons Asher and Levi Salkin, and brother-in-law Robert Fagan (Ruthann).
Ora was born in Jerusalem, Israel to Joseph and Sylvia Simcha. After graduating from the Hebrew University, she was awarded a Fulbright Fellowship and attended University of California, Berkeley where she earned her PhD in sociology. While at Berkely she met Stu, her lifelong love and partner. They were married in 1967. Ora became a Professor of Epidemiology at the School of Public Health, Columbia University and Research Scholar at Columbia’s Social Science Research Center. Her research focused on the impact of neighborhood on juvenile delinquency and drug use in New York City.
After more than 25 years at Columbia, she turned her focus and passion to art and art history. In 2000, she became the Director of the Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park at Governors State University, restoring, expanding, and bringing deserving love to its impressive collection of sculptures. Her work at the Park was a labor of love and in 2022 she received the Park’s Visionary Award.
Most important in her life were her daughter, her son in law, and her beloved grandsons. They and her husband Stuart were the jewels in her eyes.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am, Tuesday, May 23 at Anshe Emet Synagogue, 3751 N. Broadway Ave, Chicago, Rabbi Michael Siegel officiating.
Burial will follow at Rosehill Cemetery.
Donations may be made in her memory to Anshe Emet Synagogue, www.ansheemet.org.
Arrangements by Goldman Funeral Group.
www.goldmanfuneralgroup.com