Obituary of Deborah Surkis

Deborah Leah (Matzkin) Surkis, 78, of Bloomfield, passed away on Thursday, May 21, 2009 at the Hebrew Home in West Hartford. Deborah was born August 12, 1930 in Waterbury, CT to Emanuel and Jean (Madnick) Matzkin. She received both her B.A. and M.S. in mathematics from New York University, and then entered the emerging field of mathematical programming for digital computers, as they were called back then. She worked at Prudential Life Insurance, Combustion Engineering, and Travelers Research, before setting aside her punch cards to start a family. Upon her return to the work force, Deborah switched gears and entered the world of commercial real estate, eventually starting her own business, Deborah Surkis Realty, to which she devoted more than 20 years. For nearly fifty years, Deborah lived at 92 Wintonbury Ave in Bloomfield, and was active in her community and took great interest in issues both local and national. She had a sharp mind, a whimsical sense of humor, and a great devotion to family and friends. Nothing brought her greater joy than her four granddaughters. Deborah is survived by her son Daniel Surkis, his wife Elaine Tumicki, and their daughters Julia and Claire of Farmington, her daughter Alisa Surkis and her wife Colleen Gillespie, and their daughters Ella and Zelda of Brooklyn, NY, and her son Philip Surkis and his wife Tanya Holland, of Oakland, CA. She is also survived by her sister Marian Katz of Middletown and brother Matthew Matzkin of Waterbury. There will be a graveside service Sunday, May 24th at 11 AM at Hebrew Benefit Cemetery on Stillson Road in Waterbury. Shiva will be observed following the service through Tuesday May 26th at 92 Wintonbury Ave., Bloomfield. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hebrew Health Care, 1 Abrahms Boulevard, West Hartford, CT 06117, Attn: Madelene Francese.