News Summary
Mara Rothstein Kupperman, a beloved community figure and family member, passed away recently at 73. Known for her belief in the value of family, she leaves behind her husband, three sons, and seven grandchildren. A native of New Jersey, Mara cherished her life in New Orleans, dedicating herself to community service and family celebrations. Her warmth and thoughtfulness impacted many lives throughout the city, and she was honored for her contributions to local events and organizations.
New Orleans – Mara Rothstein Kupperman, a cherished community figure and beloved family member, passed away on August 17, 2025, at the age of 73. Known for her strong belief that family is life’s greatest treasure, Mara left behind a loving legacy that includes her husband, Stephen, their three sons, and seven grandchildren.
Mara was born in Jersey City, New Jersey, and grew up in Teaneck, New Jersey. She graduated from Fairleigh Dickinson University, where she laid the foundation for her future endeavors. In 1978, a close friend introduced her to New Orleans, a city she would come to embrace as home. Shortly after her arrival, she met Stephen Kupperman at a New Orleans Jazz basketball game. They married in 1980, enjoying nearly 45 years of companionship that shaped the core of their family.
The couple raised three sons: Zachary, Shane, and Jake, and they became proud grandparents to Matthew, Ellie, Lolo, Arie, Austin, Max, and Leo. Mara was known for her unwavering support at family events and celebrations, always prioritizing her loved ones. Her dedication to family extended beyond her immediate circle to encompass a wide network of friends and relatives, as she valued deep relationships and the joy they brought to her life.
Professionally, Mara worked at Saks Fifth Avenue, where she was renowned for her kindness, positivity, and love for connecting with people. She believed in giving back to the community, which led her to serve on the Board of the Jewish Community Center. Additionally, she helped found the New Orleans Kids Fair, an event that welcomed thousands of children to the Superdome, promoting joy and a community spirit among the city’s youth.
Mara leaves behind her husband, Stephen; three sons; her brother, Steven Rothstein, and his wife, Elsie; and her seven grandchildren. She also has numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins who will remember her warmth and exuberance. She was predeceased by her parents, Leonard and Sylvia Rothstein.
Her family expressed immense gratitude to Dr. Jonathan Mizrahi and his team for their compassionate care during her illness. Mara is remembered for her unconditional love, thoughtfulness, and the unique joy she brought to those around her, qualities that resonated deeply with everyone fortunate enough to know her.
Services for Mara Rothstein Kupperman will be held on August 19, 2025, at Touro Synagogue. The service will begin at 10 AM, with visitation starting an hour earlier at 9 AM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to either the Jewish Community Center or Touro Synagogue, honoring Mara’s commitment to her community and the values she held dear.
This loss is felt deeply across New Orleans, where Mara’s spirit and legacy will live on through the many lives she impacted with her kindness, love, and laughter.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Dignity Memorial: Mara Kupperman
- Google Search: Mara Kupperman
- Legacy: Jo Ellyn Kupperman
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Mara Kupperman
- NOLA: Stephen Kupperman Receives Award
- Google News: Judah Touro Society
Author: STAFF HERE NEWORLEANS WRITER
NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER The NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewOrleans.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New Orleans, Orleans Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as French Quarter Festival, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and Essence Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce and Greater New Orleans, Inc., plus leading businesses in energy, healthcare, and education that power the local economy such as Entergy, Ochsner Health, and Tulane University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREShreveport.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
