Vivian P. Rapkin

The family of Vivian Phyllis (Berman) Rapkin is deeply saddened to announce her passing on April 7, 2025, at the age of ninety-three. Vivian was born on May 27, 1931, in Rochester, NY, where she lived until 2012. She was the beloved daughter of Maurice and Bessie Berman, proprietors of Berman’s Superette on St. Paul Street. In 1953, she married Isadore Rapkin, and together they made their home in Rochester, raising three children and running their family business, Monroe Accounting & Tax. After retiring, Vivian and Isadore (Izzy) relocated to Delray Beach, FL, where they enjoyed a warmer climate. Isadore passed in November of 2012. Vivian was able to explore over 40 countries well into her 80s—including reconnecting with her close family members in London, meeting family in Israel, retracing Izzy’s experience while stationed in Tokyo during the Korean War, climbing the Great Wall of China and many other adventures with her daughter Sari.

Vivian will be profoundly missed by all who loved her. Her memory will forever be a blessing to her children, grandchildren, great-granddaughter, and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. Vivian leaves behind her children, grandchildren and great-granddaughter: Bruce, Grace, Maura, and Ben Rapkin, Sari Rapkin and Meyer Koplow, Renee (Rapkin) and Bill Gupp, Erik, Rachel, and Maya Isabel Gupp, Jordan and Artemis Gupp, Alyssa (Gupp) and Joseph Drought.

We will be gathered to honor Vivian’s memory at a funeral service to be held at Temple Beth Elohim, 10 Bethel Road, Wellesley, MA on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at 10:30 am with burial immediately following at Baker Street Jewish Cemeteries at 776 Baker Street, West Roxbury, MA.

Shiva will be observed at NewBridge on the Charles, 7000 Great Meadow Road in Dedham in the Chapel on Floor One. Shiva will be held Wednesday, April 9th, 1:30-5 pm and 7-9 pm, Thursday, April 10th, 10 am-noon and 7-9 pm and Friday, April 11th, 10 am-noon.

Donations in her honor may be made to Boston organizations that were meaningful to Vivian; Our Generation Speaks (ogspeaks.com) or Combined Jewish Philanthropies (ma.cjp.org). Both brought lovely people and experiences into Vivian’s life.

For our dear family and friends unable to be present, the funeral service will be streamed on April 9, 2025, 10:30 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada), please register in advance for the streamed funeral service at: https://tbewellesley.zoom.us/meeting/register/WWm980-XQ8mBYBDz7Ffghg

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the funeral.