Catherine Taub, Promoter of Varian Fry's Heroism, Dies at 64

The following was provided by CC Van Emburgh Funeral Home in Ridgewood.

Catherine Taub was relieved of her suffering and died peacefully at the Villa Marie Claire Hospice on May 28. She faced her death in the same way she had always lived – with love, courage and faith. Catherine’s greatest joy in life was being a proud mother to her children Alison Taub, Lauren and Daniel Cohen. She is also survived by her sister Mary Ann Saul. In addition to her role as a mother, Catherine was an activist, humanitarian and exceptional artist. She was a member of the Oil Painters of America, The American Artists Professional League and Allied Artists. Catherine’s paintings have been exhibited in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.

Catherine was responsible for publicizing the heroic efforts of Varian Fry, a Ridgewood resident of over 100 years ago. Varian Fry saved more than 2,000 people, including Marc Chagall, Hannah Arendt, Marcel Duchamp, Max Ernst and Jacques Lipchitz from Hitler’s persecution. Because of Catherine’s efforts, a street was named in his honor in Ridgewood, an annual scholarship is awarded to a deserving Ridgewood High School senior and the Postal Service unveiled a special commemorative postmark. It was Catherine’s hope that people would realize the power within themselves to stand up for what is right and make a difference in the lives of others. Catherine’s family and friends will forever remember her for the difference she has made in their lives.

The family has asked that donations be made to The Varian Fry Humanitarian Scholarship Fund and Gilda’s Club of Northern New Jersey. The Varian Fry Humanitarian Scholarship c/oTrudy Engle, Ridgewood Board of Education

The Education Center, 49 Cottage Place, Ridgewood, NJ 07451 or

Gilda’s Club of Northern New Jersey, 575 Main Street,Hackensack, NJ 07601

Arrangements by C C Van Emburgh Funeral Home, Ridgewood. for more information see (www.vanemburgh.com)