Naomi Pfeiffer

Naomi Scott Pfeiffer, 1924-2017, passed over on February 14 in Amherst MA, two days before her 93rd birthday. She was born in Boston to Israel Scott and Ruth Latt, both from a schtel in Latvia. An only child, she devoted herself to an outstanding education and felt that should be a basic right for all. She graduated from Radcliffe College and the Missouri School of Journalism. A dedicated wordsmith, Naomi spent her career as a pioneering woman in medical journalism, traveling the world over interviewing physicians on the latest developments in medicine. She was married to Eugene Pfeiffer for 8 years and loved him deeply, never to remarry. Naomi and Gene met in Brooklyn New York, which became her primary place of residence for over 50 years. It was there she raised her beloved son, Bill, and enjoyed movies, theater, the arts, and culinary adventures. Naomi had an interest in politics and current affairs throughout her life, maintaining that: “fairness leads to kindness.” Her heroes were Thomas Paine, Martin Luther King Jr, Eleanor Roosevelt, and Eugene Debs. A darling of darlings, friends were easily charmed by her spunkiness, wit, good cheer, and tremendous ability to listen with presence. She is survived by her only child, Bill, of Nichewaug MA, and a family of loved ones including Kisha Kingston, Cathy Pedevillano, and Rosaleen Horn.