Bernice ‘Neicei’ Degen, longtime Malden senior rights advocate, at 96

Headed Council on Aging for 24 years, also founded Malden Cultural Center for budding artists

By The Advocate

Bernice “Neicei” (Freedman) Degen, a tireless advocate for senior rights in the city of Malden from the late 1970s into the 1990s, passed away on December 17. She was 96. Neicei also was a spirited champion for the arts in Malden, successfully campaigning for the establishment of the Malden Cultural Center, where budding artists could create and perform their crafts. She was also an avowed advocate for feminism and Judaism throughout her life.

She was born and raised in Malden and lived here most of her life. For some 24 years, she served as director of the Malden Council on Aging, which set policies for seniors in Malden – most notably connecting them with services available to them locally, statewide and from the federal government.

A poet, musical composer and performing artist, her family said her creative spirit illuminated the world around her. She found any excuse to throw a party, reveling in every special occasion with family and friends, embodying the belief that life should be celebrated.

Neicei was the daughter of the late Julius and Ethel Freedman and wife of 45 years to Jerome Degen. She was the mother of Josh Degen of Groton, Mass., and the late Suzanne Tabansky. She was the mother-in-law of Amy Degen and the late Jerry Tabansky and the sister of the late Miriam Portman. She was the grandmother of Ella Tabasky, Becca Tabasky, Danya Degen and Alia Degen.

Funeral Services were held at Temple Tiferet Shalom (489 Lowell Street, Peabody) on December 19. Interment followed in Sharon Memorial Park.