Norfolk—Honey Low passed away peacefully March 4 after a short illness with her husband and family by her side.
Honey was born August 11, 1938 in Wilkes-Barre, Pa. to William and Sara Unterberger Jaffee. She moved to Philadelphia to then meet her husband of 64 years, Bob Low. Honey and Bob met in 1954 and they were married in 1958. They came to Norfolk in 1960 and have lived in Norfolk/VA Beach for the past 63 years.
Honey graduated from Olney High School in Philadelphia, received her Bachelor of Science from Temple University and ODU and her Master’s in education from ODU.
Honey dedicated her professional life to education and advocacy for children to obtain the educational resources that they deserved. She helped over 200 children throughout Hampton Roads through many roles as special education teacher, educational advocate, and volunteer. She was passionate about helping children with special needs, particularly autistic children. She helped more students than anyone really knows.
She was very proud when her students were successful as they graduated high school. There are many stories of families that contribute their child’s successful completion of high school to Honey’s advocacy on their behalf. She maintained relationships with the students and their families for many years. Some of the organizations that benefited from Honey’s hard work and many hours of selfless service are Toras Chaim, Portsmouth Naval Hospital, Jewish Family Service, and many public schools throughout Hampton Roads.
Honey learned to be a Zionist from her father and loved visiting Israel throughout her life. She always wanted to be a Bubbe and was fortunate to be blessed with 9 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren. She spent countless hours traveling and spending quality time with her grandchildren in Baltimore, Richmond, and Norfolk. She valued her family, Jewish values, and traditions. Her favorite Jewish holiday was Pesach and we will miss her at our Pesach seders for years to come.
Honey leaves her husband of 64 years, Bob Low, to cherish her memory. She is survived by her children, Rick (Robin) Low of Richmond, Va., Debbie (Marty) Disney of Baltimore, Md. and Shira (Shmuel) of Norfolk. She leaves 9 grandchildren that remember her as “Bubbe,” “purple”, or “Bubster”: Rochelle (Jake) Friedman, Rebecca Low, Adina Disney, Jordan (Laura) Disney, Josh (Lauren) Disney, Aleah Disney, Noam (Shayna) Itzhak, Avidan (Andie) Itzhak, Ayelet (Eitan) Stern. Honey was blessed with 9 great-grandchildren, Analiese and Sydney Friedman, Ezra and Aviva Disney, Noah Disney, Maytal and Eliana Itzhak, Aliza and Emanuel Stern.
The funeral for Honey Low took place at Forest Lawn Cemetery. Contributions in Honey’s memory can be made to Jewish Family Service of Tidewater, Amit (Amitchildren.org), Chabad of Tidewater, or the charity of one’s choice.