In Memory of Leah Parnes

The Montefiore and Einstein community mourns the loss of Leah Parnes who recently passed away after battling COVID-19. Mrs. Parnes was the mother-in-law to Montefiore and Einstein's Dr. Ira Braunschweig.

Mrs. Parnes was the beloved wife of the late Rabbi Zev Parnes and mother of four children. Although widowed at the age of 45, she marched through life with a smile, kindness, wit, and a great zest for life. She was an educator par excellence who specialized in teaching English as a second language and remedial reading. Mrs. Parnes would often tutor underprivileged children free of charge. Many of her students later expressed that it was because of her dedication that they were able to enjoy successful and productive lives.

Mrs. Parnes was a spiritual person who had a great love for her family and nature. She had a special respect and admiration for her son-in-law Dr. Ira Braunschweig whom she considered one of her beloved children. Her pride and love for him knew no bounds. She benefited from his kind and caring nature, was very interested in his work, and respected his intellectual acumen. She never missed an opportunity to share her belief that Ira would develop the cure for cancer.

To honor the memory of Mrs. Parnes, please consider supporting the Bone Marrow Transplant Fund. The fund benefits bone marrow transplant patients and their families, including support for the bone marrow match search, transportation, medications, copays, and housing for family members during the patients’ long hospital stays.

To make a donation, please use the online form below or prepare a check payable to Montefiore Medical Center, indicating that the donation is for the Bone Marrow Transplant Fund in the memo lines.
Checks may be mailed to:

Montefiore Medical Center
Office of Development
3325 Bainbridge Avenue
Bronx, NY 10467

Thank you for honoring Mrs. Parnes’s legacy in this meaningful way.