She epitomised the warmth of Newcastle’s Jewish community, was an accomplished actor, a dedicated Zionist, and always ready to question or comment on religious issues. Wendy Bergman, who has died aged 77, had an indomitable spirit, a youthful enthusiasm and sense of fun.
The elder daughter of Marie and Leon Bergman, she inherited the family tradition of Jewish communal activity: from her mother’s rôle with WIZO she developed a deep love for Israel and from Leon’s shul activities, inspiration to work hard within the Newcastle Jewish community. A popular member of Habonim during her youth, she encouraged her friends to support Israel, too.
Educated at La Sagesse convent school – where her exuberance was not always popular with the nuns and teaching staff – she was happy to leave school, gain business experience at college and join her late father in his fancy goods and jewellery business.
Following his death she concentrated on the jewellery side with her son David, building up a successful business in her own right.
Wendy was a founder parent of the Newcastle upon Tyne Jewish Day school, and ran the uniform shop for many years, volunteering locally to help the late Henry Ross in his Holocaust education work. She also became involved with Maccabi, participating in all activities, including rock climbing.
Wendy appeared in many theatrical productions, illuminating them with her humour and wit. As soon as her bright red curls appeared she had won over her audience. An enthusiastic member of the Kol Hashirim Choir, she helped devise the members’ bejewelled outfits, participated in many Limmud sessions, and was an involved synagogue ladies’ guild member.
The mother of four doted on her grandchildren whom she saw regularly, particularly her granddaughter in Israel, whose mother had died during her childhood. She was a great support to her family, which stretched from Newcastle to London, Holland and Israel.
When confined to Philip Cussins Residential home for respite care, and sadly finding that she was unable to attend shul, she was delighted when the shul choir came to sing following the Shabbat service for Shabbat UK. She called the choir leader Barry Speker “my little brother,” because he, too, when younger had a mop of bright auburn curls.
She is survived by her former husband Trevor, her children Sharon, David, Natan and Susie, grandchildren, sister Stephanie, brother-in-law Peter and their children.
FAGA SPEKER
