Comments on: Judith Magyar Isaacson ’65, LL.D. ’94, dies at age 90

By: Michael Cohen

Michael Cohen — Thu, 19 Mar 2026 17:59:41 +0000

Judith Isaacson taught me algebra, trigonometry, and calculus at Lewiston High School and wrote me a recommendation that helped me get admitted to the Naval Academy in 1967. Her course allowed me to start with an advanced calculus class at the Academy and I went on to a career in nuclear submarines in the Navy, followed by 30 years building submarines at a shipyard in Virginia as well as teaching nuclear engineering for Old Dominion University. About ten years before she died,. we had a long phone conversation and I was able to tell her how much of a difference she made in my life. My daughter later read her book Seed of Sarah for a course she took in college. Needless to say, Judith made a huge difference in my life and set an amazing example for all of us.

By: Gina Hartford

Gina Hartford — Tue, 03 Feb 2026 04:31:20 +0000

The Issicians had a summertime camp next to ours on the lake in Litchfield.I would often see Judith swimming long laps in front of the house for hours. Amazing people.

By: Dennis Pruneau

Dennis Pruneau — Sat, 25 Nov 2023 01:19:35 +0000

I had Mrs. Isaacson as a Calculus teacher in Lewiston High School in 1966. She spent half her time teaching us about math and the rest of the period about her experiences during the War. I think of her often and will take her experiences to my grave. I dare say she affected the arc of my life.

By: Marilyn Ottone '70

Marilyn Ottone '70 — Wed, 18 Nov 2015 21:10:36 +0000

I was a member of Women’s Council my junior and senior years (1968-1970) and had the priviledge of knowing and working with Dean Isaacson. She left an indelible impression on that college student, an impression that has stayed with me for a lifetime. I am incredibly sad to hear of her passing.

By: David Bertoni

David Bertoni — Tue, 17 Nov 2015 05:16:17 +0000

There is a deep, clear resonance to the words, “I had the privilege of knowing a truly great person,” when they are so obviously and unequivocally true. Judith and her husband, Irving, were truly a match made in heaven and a towering example for all of us of kindness, decency, endless curiousity, and humility.

By: Cara Thurston Griffiths

Cara Thurston Griffiths — Sat, 14 Nov 2015 04:59:37 +0000

I remember wearing white gloves to ‘Tea With The Dean” in 1968. She shared how she couldn’t understand why women students on campus were all wearing backpacks to carry their books. She didnt like the fashion choice.
I was mystified until I found out she had been ordered to pack all her belongings in a knapsack as she was shipped off to the death camps. And even that was taken from her. How differently we experienced our teens…

By: Scott King, '75

Scott King, '75 — Fri, 13 Nov 2015 21:26:00 +0000

I was so fortunate to have been mentored in many ways by Dean Isaacson. She has certainly been one of my role models in my own career as a university student services administrator. You always let you know you were a valued individual.

By: Bev Nash Esson

Bev Nash Esson — Fri, 13 Nov 2015 13:23:31 +0000

Very grateful that Dean Isaacson was my advisor. Had no idea how involved she was in changing the ridiculous parietals.

By: EriiKa Hanloser Kliem '62

EriiKa Hanloser Kliem '62 — Fri, 13 Nov 2015 02:26:34 +0000

Both Mr. And Mrs. Isaacson were close friends with my husband’s Aunt and Uncle, Regina and Walter Piek. They lived just off campus on Nichols Street, where I had the privilege of meeting her and listening to fascinating stories of mutual survivors.

By: Melanie Abbott '73

Melanie Abbott '73 — Fri, 13 Nov 2015 01:02:53 +0000

I am so sorry to hear of Dean Isaacson’s passing, but happy she was able to enjoy a long life. She was Dean of Women when I was at �ֲ��ý, but my most vivid memory of her is one I have thought of many times over the intervening years. As a junior I took a course in Jewish Culture, in the Cultural Studies Department. She came to speak to our class about the Holocaust. I have never forgotten the power of her words, nor of her ability to retain those memories but still experience the joy and happiness of life. She was a remarkable person, and I am grateful to have known her.