Ruth Burg March 29, 1926 - October 21, 2023

Washington DC and Los Altos CA, California Judge Ruth Burg 1926-2023

Ruth Cooper Burg of Washington, DC passed away on Oct 21, 2023 in Los Altos CA at the age of 97. She was a lawyer, federal judge, a mentor to many, and loved by her family and friends all over the world. Ruth loved the outdoors, fly fishing, playing piano, needlepoint, and theater and the arts.

Ruth was predeceased by her parents, Philip and Rose Applebaum Cooper, husband Dr. Maurice Burg, husband Max Breslauer, and sister Vera Rubin. She leaves behind children Elizabeth Kelley, Lawrence Burg, Joan Starreveld, and Robert Burg, sons-in-law Michael Kelley and Dolf Starreveld, and grandchildren Maureen Kelley Holt, Leah Kelley Georgakas, and Max Starreveld.

Ruth was born March 29, 1926 in Philadelphia PA. She moved to Washington,DC in 1937 and continued to reside in the DC Metro until 2022. She received her law degree in 1950 and practiced tax law in the District of Columbia and Maryland. In 1972, Ruth was appointed to the Armed Services Board of Contract Appeals, and she served as an administrative judge for 22 years until retirement in 1995. She continued to work as a mediator and arbitrator for many years after retirement

Ruth broke many “glass ceiling” barriers, becoming “the first woman” in too many instances to mention. She was a champion of advancing careers for women in the law and succeeded in encouraging her male counterparts to join in that effort.

Despite all of Ruth’s extraordinary accomplishments, when recently asked what she was most proud of, she stated without hesitation, “my family”. She always put family first and loved spending time with family and friends in Montana, fly fishing, and travel. In later years, Ruth and Moe spent the winter months in Miami Beach, FLA. Ruth was involved in many organizations and fought tirelessly for women’s and human rights. Her contagious smile and zest for life was an inspiration to all and she will be sorely missed.

If you would like to make a contribution in Ruth’s memory, some of her favorites charities were:

GWU Law scholarship in her name, World Central Kitchen, Planned Parenthood, and Jewish Family and Children’s Services

Leesburg, Florida - William “Bill” Oliver Brown III passed away Friday, October 13, 2023 in Leesburg, Florida at the age of 79.

Bill was born in Miami, FL on October 3rd, 1944. During his youth Bill developed a passion for music and singing. After graduating from Coral Gables Senior High School, he attended the University of Miami on a music scholarship and was able to travel the world with the Singing Hurricanes; at one point meeting Prince Charles. Bill received his bachelor’s and master’s degree in history from the University of Miami.

After graduating from University of Miami, Bill started teaching American History at Palmetto Junior High School. One of his star students was current Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson. He remained at Palmetto for 30 years before beginning