Audrey Joyce (Pastor) Salzmann

Mrs. Audrey Joyce (Pastor) Salzmann, age 96, of Pittsfield died Saturday, September 9, 2023 at the Berkshire Medical Center following a short illness

Born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio, Audrey was one of 3 children of the late Roy D Pastor and Emma (Nathan) Pastor. Audrey was a graduate of Walnut Hills High School, and went on to study Communications at Northwestern, with hopes of pursuing a career in radio broadcasting. As a life-long learner, Audrey continued her studies at Berkshire Community College, taking courses in Art History and Environmental Studies.  

Audrey married Rabbi Harrold I. Salzmann on October 8, 1950, who she met while working as a librarian at the Hebrew Union College. Audrey’s role as Rebbetzin, or a Rabbi’s wife, began with a pulpit in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and took her to Germany, where Rabbi Harold was stationed for two years after joining the U.S. Army. In 1954 they moved to the Berkshires and began a beautiful and fulfilled life together. As Rebbetzin, Audrey was a generous host, cooking for parties large and small, at both her house in Pittsfield and summer cottage.  After her husband’s passing, Audrey made many new friends, of all ages and backgrounds, testament to her generosity of spirit and eagerness to learn from others.

Temple life was of the greatest importance to Audrey. A pillar of the Jewish community, Audrey played an integral role in the construction of Anshe Amunim’s new Temple, where it stands now on Broad St. Audrey was also involved in the Women of Reform Judaism (Sisterhood) for well over 50 years, and was a Religious School Teacher for much of her life. Temple Anshe Amunim’s Religious School now bears her and her husband’s name, testament to her life-long dedication to  Jewish learning. With a prodigious knowledge of the Jewish families of the Berkshires, over the years Audrey became a trusted resource for questions on local family history.

Beyond her contributions to the Jewish community, Audrey was active in the culture and history of the Berkshires. She served as a docent at Arrowhead and was “cultural ambassador” for all things Berkshire county-related. Audrey was an accomplished amateur thespian and was involved in local theatre all throughout the area—until very recently, she continued to star in small productions at Pinehill, Kimball Farm. Audrey also loved to travel, for many years making annual trips to see her grandchildren in London, and later in life touring Italy and Puerto Rico with her daughter, Ariel.

Mrs. Salzmann is survived by her daughter, Dr. Ariel Salzmann of Kingston, Ontario, Canada, her son, Joshua Salzmann of London, UK; five grandchildren Zachary, Francesca, Asher, Natasha and Jordan and two great grandchildren, Gabrielle and Malachi.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, September 12, 2023 at Temple Anshe Amunim at 9:00 AM with Rabbi Scott Saulson officiating. Burial will follow in the Pittsfield Cemetery, Anshe Amunim Section. In lieu of flowers, donations in Mrs. Salzmann's memory may be made to the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society (HIAS) through the Devanny-Condron Funeral Home which has been entrusted with her care.