Obituary: Naomi Manners Stern, 102, Of Ridgefield

Information and Photo Courtesy Jowdy-Kane Funeral Home

RIDGEFIELD, CT — Naomi Manners Stern passed into her eternal rest on Feb. 28, 2024, in one of her happy places, Cancun Mexico. She was surrounded by family—several of whom she had beaten in blackjack just days before—and holding the hand of her grandson, David Manners-Weber. At 102, it was a peaceful conclusion to a remarkable life.

The third of four sisters, Naomi was born Oc. 27, 1921 in New York City to Pauline and Abraham Block. From her earliest years, her leadership skills were apparent. Elected student body president of Hunter College, she was invited to attend a weeks-long seminar at Campobello, the summer home of President Roosevelt. There she had occasion to meet Mrs. Roosevelt, beginning an extraordinary chapter that included a White House lunch with President Roosevelt and Prime Minister Churchill (who was mystified as to why he was dining with a twenty-year-old when he was trying to save Europe). She corresponded with Mrs. Roosevelt for decades, and the First Lady served as a lifelong inspiration.

An early newspaper profile of Naomi declared: “CO-ED: She Aims to Reach Top of Career in 5 Years, Then Retire to Wed.” Not quite—but close. Naomi married her first husband, Philip Manners, in 1943, and welcomed her daughter, Barbara Manners, in 1946. In 1954, as a single mother, she took a job as a beauty consultant with Revlon in Miami Beach for $65 a week and the use of a car. Twenty-eight years and 17 male bosses later, she retired as the first woman to rise through Revlon’s ranks to become a vice president.

Naomi’s second marriage at the age of 49 to Dov Stern ushered in the most joyful years of her life, not least because she gained an Israeli family that became part of her own. They built lives together on both sides of the world, in New York and Tel Aviv, with summers spent with friends and loved ones on Candlewood Lake. Dov was ultimately diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, and they faced it together with love and courage.

The last few years of Naomi's life were spent at Ridgefield Station, where she was doted upon by her loving son-in-law Morgan Weber. She held court on a bench next to the elevator bank, reading the paper and dispensing wisdom with directness and humor (while never missing a poker game).

A beloved matriarch, Naomi is survived by Barbara, Morgan, and David; sister Susie; nieces Lori, Nancy (Larry), Jean (Steve), and Judy (Andrew); nephews Fred (Iris), Bill (Clair), and Bob; Stern family members Danny, Suzy, Roni, Ofer, Billy, and Shir; and a host of loved ones and friends.

A funeral service will take place on Wednesday, March 6, 2024 at 1:00 PM at Congregation Shir Shalom; 46 Peaceable Street, Ridgefield. Interment will follow in Mapleshade Cemetery, Ridgefield.

Memorial contributions may be made to The Center for Empowerment and Education (formerly the Women's Center of Greater Danbury) - 2 West Street; Danbury, CT 06810; CHIRP (Concert Happenings in Ridgefield's Parks, a free summer concert series founded by her daughter Barbara), 400 Main Street, Ridgefield, CT 06877, or a Ridgefield charity of your choice.