Leah Bernice Oringher passed away on May 8, 2025 leaving behind a family who adored her. Bernice lived every day joyfully, always reminding us how lucky she was. She met the love of her life, Leon Aaron Oringher, when they were teenagers. They married after he returned from serving bravely in World War II and instilled in their three children high moral values, devotion to family and commitment to education. Together, Bernice and Leon created warm and welcoming homes, always filled with extended family and friends. They worked hard and traveled the world but always went to help their children whenever they were called. A trail blazer for her generation, Bernice graduated from Hunter College in 1945 receiving a business degree. She worked as a bookkeeper where she noticed job inequities and started a Union to advocate for workers' rights. Then, Bernice served as an accountant at a prestigious firm now known as KPMG. Later, Bernice earned a Master's Degree in Special Education and established a highly regarded job development program in New York City for students with intellectual disabilities. After she lost her husband, Bernice moved to Maryland to be closer to family and filled her days as a volunteer for community organizations and established a new and devoted circle of dear friends. She also never missed an opportunity to cheer on a Washington sports team.

Bernice is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Leon, and her dear sister and best friend, Selma Ruderman. Bernice is survived and forever loved by her children, Harvey Oringher (Beth), Maida Oringher Lerner (Dr. Steven Lerner), Dr. Seth Oringher (Laura) and her beloved grandchildren, Stephanie Van Winkle (Matthew), Dr. Jonathan Oringher (Matthew Lombardi), Dr. Andrew Lerner (Dr. Andrea Lerner), Michael Lerner (Sara), Rachel Lerner Basu (Rahul), Bryan Oringher (Dr. Rachel Oringher), Jason Oringher (Erika) and Jenna Oringher, and her darling great grandchildren, Lindsay, Dylan, Shira, Maya, Harper, Benjamin and Avi.

Services on May 13 at 11 a.m. at Washington Hebrew Congregation in Washington, DC. Memorial contributions may be made in Bernice's name to JSSA and the Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation.