Judith Rosenberg was a 1st-grade teacher at PS 207 in Howard Beach, Queens, for 22 years. Her colleagues knew her as a beautiful soul. She is survived by her husband, Alan Rosenberg, their children, Ashley, Heather and Ryan, her sister Carolyn, and her mother Claire.

Suzanne Rettig was a UFT member for 10 years, most recently as a paraprofessional working in special education at PS 99 in Queens. She worked one-on-one with special needs students and was known for being patient and delighted by the children, even years after she left the profession. Suzanne also loved art, which she would often share with her students. She is survived by her husband, Glenn, her daughter, Nadine, and her six sisters and two brothers.

Martin Plotkin was a UFT member for nearly 50 years, most recently serving as the UFT's District 6 representative in Washington Heights. He taught math in several junior high schools, working with troubled students before retiring from teaching in June 2009. He remained a delegate for the UFT, NYSUT and AFT. He received numerous union awards over his career, including the Ely Trachtenberg Award in 1990, 1993, 1995 and 1999, and the Albert Lee Smallheiser Citation in 1999. The UFT Hispanic Affairs Committee also honored him with their Award of Excellence.

Marion Silton was an educator for many years, most recently working as the acting assistant principal of administration and organization on an interim basis at John Bowne HS in Queens. Previously, she served as the school’s program chair and taught business education classes in the years prior. Marion worked as an accountant before she became a teacher and was awarded a bronze medal in that field by City College in 1945. She is survived by her three daughters — Susan Tobias, Reba Silterra and Pam Singer — and her six grandchildren: Avi, Melody, Jacob, Max, Josh and Bobby.

Ira Wells was a social studies teacher for many years until his retirement in 1981. He spent most of his career at Curtis High School in Staten Island and, early in his career, taught at PS 42, Port Richmond and Tottenville High Schools on Staten Island and Bay Ridge HS in Brooklyn. Ira was known as a dedicated teacher who rarely missed a day of school. Following his retirement, Ira worked part-time for the UFT, visiting schools throughout the city and giving presentations to teachers about their benefits. He was a World War II veteran and noted for his volunteer work.

Thomas Walsh was a UFT member for 34 years, most recently teaching English literature at the LaGuardia High School of Music and Art in Manhattan. He retired early to spend time with his family, devoting time to coaching and guiding the academic, athletic and creative pursuits of his children, as well as those of his nieces and nephews. He enjoyed traveling the world with his wife and family, and introducing family and friends to the joys of travel.

Beatrice Fierman was a social studies teacher at Frank D. Whalen MS 135, the Bronx. A graduate of Hunter College in the Bronx (BA - Class of 1964, MA - Class of 1968), Beatrice started teaching in 1965 and retired from the NYC Department of Education in 1995. Beatrice was an avid reader. Her parents, Joseph and Lily Fierman, and her sister, Anita Fierman, predeceased her. She is survived by cousins.

Greta Facey was a UFT member for 25 years, most recently working in the Bronx. She helped students excel in Gifted and Talented classes. Greta is survived by her sons Eric and John.

Marilyn Masierol was a dedicated teacher, UFT chapter leader and a published author with a career spanning over 30 years. She also served as a delegate to UFT, NYSUT and AFT conventions. Marilyn received her undergraduate degree from New York University and her masters degree from the College of New Rochelle. She is survived by her husband Richard Gradkowski.