Judith Ellen (Bernstein) Daner

Affectionately known as “Judi”, she was born and raised in Far Rockaway, NY to Solomon and Irene (Bruenn) Bernstein, along with her sister Rose (Bernstein) Plotch. She attended the Jewish Day School at which her mother was an administrator. She and her sister enjoyed playing with the neighborhood kids in their close-knit beachside community.

During a college summer in 1955, she boarded a boat to explore the cultural and social hot spots of Europe. Seas were rough, and she befriended a kindred spirit in an almost empty dining hall. They arrived on the solid ground and traveled a bit together, reconnecting on the return trip. Her friend later introduced Judi to her younger brother, Stanley, and their adventure began. They married in 1961.

Judi’s illustrious art career began with pencil illustrations in the Far Rockaway High School yearbook. She later graduated with Top Honors from Parsons School of Design in NY, and started her work as a designer for Bovano of Cheshire, CT, and Robert Wuersch Associates of Fall River, MA, for whom she designed an enormous catalog of influential mid-century art. She also created numerous special commissions for corporate institutions. Her work graced the windows of Bergdorf Goodman in New York, and she had the rare honor of having three pieces selected for the 1975 Limoges Biennale Internationale in France. Her work is in private collections and has been shown in galleries around the world.

First and foremost, Judi was a dynamic art teacher who loved her students. She taught enameling at The Worcester Center for Crafts for over 20 years, as well as at Brookfield Craft Center, deCordova Museum School, Snowfarm, Metalwerx, and the West Palm Beach Enameling Guild. Even family members recognized her for kindling their creative paths.

She was also a passionate and dedicated humanitarian who for many years helped settle Russian Jewish immigrants and others. She opened her heart and home to each one, and they became extended members of her immediate family.

Her interests were many. Her wit was sharp, her delivery captivating, fun and masterful. When she told a story, she owned the room. She learned Flamenco guitar, and loved to play her Djembe drums, dance, cook, entertain, travel, and ski. She cherished summers at Beach Park in CT, and was a tolerant if reluctant First Mate as Captain Stanley navigated the shores of New England. And no one could focus like Judi. When she set her mind to a book, or a piece of art, or knitting a sweater, she did not lift her head until it was done. She knitted elaborate and gorgeous sweaters for her husband and children, usually in a few sittings. She was an ace Scrabble player and enjoyed winning money from those who dared pull up across the board.

Above all, she was happiest in her studio and with her family and friends, all of whom she held dear.

Judi was predeceased by her parents, Sol Bernstein and Irene (Bruenn) Bernstein, and her sister Rose (Bernstein) Plotch. She leaves behind her husband of 63 years, Stanley Daner, two children, Manya Andersen (and Carleton Andersen), and Kevin Daner (and Susan Lyons), as well as grandchildren Ezra, Asher, and Coby. The family is profoundly grateful to the caring and compassionate staff at Brookdale, who generously shared warm, gentle, hands-on care for over 5 years.

Services will take place Tuesday, May 2, 1pm at Stanetsky Memorial Chapel in Canton, MA. Followed immediately by a shiva to be held in Framingham.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Worcester Center for Crafts, where Judi taught wonderful students for over 20 years. It is one of Worcester's oldest cultural institutions, the first organization of its kind in the United States. Founded in 1856 by the Worcester Employment Society, the Center provided women with the skills needed to make and sell handcrafts.