Bubby liked butterflies and many of them graced her home in various decorative forms. She once explained to a family member that she liked thinking of the freedom expressed by the flight of the butterfly. Perhaps we can see another meaning to this: Butterflies are beautiful creatures that begin life as a far more pedestrian caterpillar. They are the embodiment of respecting potential, of always seeing what is possible in a person or situation that appears bleak. Both of these views combined may be an appropriate expression of Bubby’s way of looking at things. She saw good in people even when they didn’t see it themselves. And she was free to see what could be accomplished and was never hampered by the naysayers or by any fear of failure. If she saw a need and the possibility for progress, she would pursue that progress tirelessly. Bubby was a living lesson to us all. Her dedication, warmth, wisdom, and sage advice will be missed by all who knew her.
Yehuda Weisbord is the grandson of Rebbetzin Chana Weinberg.