Naomi Bradford Starr

Naomi Bradford Starr ended her journey peacefully, surrounded by family, Saturday, December 12, 2020 - during Shabbat and Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights. Naomi is survived by her son Alex Starr, his wife Lynn (Shapiro) and their children Jamie and Adam; her son Andy Starr, his wife Wendy (Kosberg) and their children Shayna, Jared and Jolie; her son Jonathan Starr and his wife Liz (Bogatin); her brother Rabbi Joe Simckes and his wife Chana; her sister Sima Schapiro and her husband Karl; and her brother Seymour Simckes. Naomi was born on January 19, 1929 to Rabbi Herbert Simckes and Fayette Simckes, in Brooklyn, New York. The family settled near Boston, Massachusetts, where Naomi grew up as a beloved role model and older sister. As an adult, she lived in locations around the country, but spent most of her years in Memphis, TN, Houston, TX, and Mclean, VA. A lover of learning, Naomi skipped 7th grade and graduated high school as valedictorian of her class. She continued her academic pursuits at Simmons College, Memphis State University, Wheelock College and the Harvard Graduate School of Education, studying early childhood education at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Naomi dedicated her life to child development and learning, as she taught Kindergarten, worked in elementary school administration, published academic articles and contributed to the development of early childhood math materials and teacher guides. Naomi took her love of teaching one step further as she taught teachers-in-training, as well. In her later years, Naomi shifted from devoted teacher to doting grandmother. Naomi would spend hours playing games with her grandchildren, and she would constantly indulge them in the wonder of childhood. Her grandchildren loved visiting her apartment, with the promise of perusing individualized photo albums, pizza and movies. One could say that Naomi was happiest when she was playing with her grandchildren or singing to her grand-dogs. Naomi lived a life of creativity and inspiration. She loved stimulating intellectual conversation as well as finding a pattern in a piece of artwork. Naomi would often point out how “alive” the people and animals around her were. According to Naomi, everyone was, “moving and thinking and feeling and creating.” Naomi found joy and meaning in the simplest things in life. May this be her legacy. A private burial will take place in Virginia. Donations in Naomi’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, The American Academy of University Women (AAUW), or the charity of one’s choice.