The Parzen family will be hosting a memorial for my mom Judy Parzen (1933-2025) on Sunday, November 16, 11 a.m., at the Atheneum in La Jolla, the town’s arts and culture center, where she was a supporter.

All are welcome.

Judy didn’t like having her picture taken. And when she felt compelled to be in a photo, she rarely smiled for the occasion.

You can see from the expression on her face that she was genuinely happy in the moment that image was captured.

On the right, my father Zane. In the top left, my uncle Sheldon, who died in his 40s like their own biological father, my grandfather, Louis.

That’s my biological grandmother Ethel and her husband Rabbi Parzen, Zane and Sheldon’s adoptive father.

Someday I’ll recount the Dostoevskian arc of our family’s legacy. But for now, please join me in remembering Judy and the impact she had on everyone around her.

When we gather at the Atheneum next week, we’ll celebrate her and all the things that she loved. And we’ll be gathered in what was a locus amoenus for her.

All are welcome. Please DM me to let me know if you plan on attending (for the catering headcount). I’ll look forward to seeing you. Food and wine will be served.

Thank you to everyone who has reached out to share condolences in recent weeks.