Ruth Mirjam Bernstein, 91, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Monday, June 1, 2026 in San Juan Capistrano, California. Ruth was born in Berlin on December 16, 1934 to Eric G. Kaufman and Aenni Caroline Ehrlich Kaufman. As German Jews, Ruth’s family was forced to flee their home when she was just one year old. After four years in Amsterdam, they left Europe in April 1940, boarding the last ship from Holland before Nazi occupation. While her immediate family began a new life in New York City, extended family members scattered across the globe or were murdered. It took many years for Ruth to come to terms with the impact of those traumatic early years. In defiance of the hatred and genocide, with strength and determination she led a long and happy life, always keeping the promise to never forget. In 2017, Ruth was chosen as one of 12 survivors to light a candle in memory of the Holocaust at the National Commemoration of the Days of Remembrance in Washington, D.C.

Ruth studied economics at the University of New Hampshire and NYU, later receiving a master’s degree in education from Teachers College, Columbia University. She taught social studies and math for several years, eventually making a career as a Learning Disability Teacher Consultant in Upper Saddle River, New Jersey.

Ruth first met Harold (“Howie”) Bernstein on holiday in Nantucket with a friend and her beloved dog, Pepper. Harold shared his love of sailing and made her laugh; Ruth could climb the mast. They married soon after in 1959 and shared 45 years together until Harold’s death in 2004. Ruth and Harold raised three children together, sharing their homes in the Boston area and northern New Jersey, with countless dogs, cats and other creatures.

Ruth and Harold were accomplished duplicate bridge players, a passion Ruth continued to share as a bridge instructor after retiring in 1995. She was an avid tennis player who remained active and competitive, slowing down only when breathing became more difficult. Always on the go, Ruth was an intrepid world traveler who shared her adventures with her children and grandchildren, even in her final years.

Besides Harold, Ruth was predeceased by her son Richard Bernstein and daughter-in-law Kathleen (“KJ”) Bernstein; sister Ellen Kleinman; and brother George Kaufman. Ruth is survived by her son Clifford Bernstein, and his wife, Pinky; daughter Nancy Bernstein; grandchildren Eli, Reuben, and Emma; loving nieces and nephews; and many dear friends and bridge partners.

Ruth will be remembered for her resilience, independence, humor, and deep love of family and friends.

A celebration of life is being planned for later in the summer. Donations in her memory may be made to the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum.

Ruth’s Legacy Reel: https://youtu.be/jo5ga2nr1ZY

Ruth’s memoir: https://drive.google.com/file/d/19sh8Voee1sYQxP7R6rfHkdTptque933Y/view?usp=sharing