Betty Esther Rosenbaum, age 88, passed away peacefully on October 23, 2020 after a brief but valiant battle with cancer. Betty was the beautiful, wise, energetic matriarch of her family and was a wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, cousin, confidante and friend to so many both at home and abroad. Betty is survived by Saul Rosenbaum, her devoted husband of 68 years with whom she raised three children – Marcy Rosenbaum (Barry Nierenberg), Marty Rosenbaum and Loryn Zangwill (Steven). She was a loving, attentive, and passionate grandmother to Jesse Rosenbaum (Heather), Andy Rosenbaum, Ariel Livovich (Jacob) and Jami Zangwill, and was excitedly anticipating becoming a great-grandmother in 2021. She loved being the “Book Lady Grandma” to Faye and Aubrey Livovich, and was a proud and ever present “Grandma Across the Street” to Jason Reminick (Carole and Jules), Sean Reminick (Nicole) and Alex Reminick (Jennifer), children of their cherished friends Jill and Marty. Born Betty Esther Zaffe, Betty grew up in Coney Island, Brooklyn, the daughter of Mollie and Herman Zaffe. She was a proud graduate of James Madison High School, attending the same high school as Ruth Bader Ginsburg and other notable Brooklynites. After marrying Saul, they moved to Long Island, first to Elmont and then to East Meadow, where they lived for nearly 70 years. They also maintained a residence in New York City. Betty and Saul were fortunate and grateful to have traveled the world, attending business conferences and participating in world-wide standard setting efforts as a part of Saul’s position as Vice President of Research with Leviton Manufacturing Company. Back home, Betty was a skilled and creative chef, hosting luncheons, dinners, work parties and family events. She eventually shared those talents professionally as principal of Saulbet Caterers. Betty and Saul’s home was always the gathering place for family and friends. For decades, they hosted lively annual Rosh Hashanah dinners with their dearest friends, the Goldstein family. Their treasured Passover Seders welcomed visitors and eclectic guests in addition to family and friends. Remarkably, Betty personally catered the large Bar and Bat Mitzvah celebrations for each of their three children. Betty and Saul have been long-time members of the East Meadow Jewish Center, Temple Emanu-El of East Meadow and Temple Shaaray Tefila in New York City. The family wishes to extend great thanks for the spiritual home these synagogues have provided. Betty had a great love and commitment to Israel and Judaism. She was a Life Member of Hadassah and past President of the East Meadow chapter. She supported fairness and equality for all people. Betty was a friend and confidante to many who sought out her wisdom and guidance and will miss her caring texts, cards, telephone calls and thoughtful clipping service. She was also the family’s genealogist and storyteller, studying historical records and collecting documents, photos and personal stories which will be cherished by future generations. In recent years, Betty was a determined advocate and loving caregiver for Saul as he continues to battle Parkinson’s Disease. She was especially grateful to Saul’s cherished caregivers Ivy, Merline and Yami, whom she also considered to be amongst her dearest friends. There will be a private indoor service at Star of David Chapel, followed by a graveside service at Mount Ararat cemetery at 2:30 PM on Monday, October 26, 2020. Due to health precautions, the shiva will be private. The family will share details of future memorials or events that will be held in Betty’s honor. The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations honoring Betty’s life and legacy can be made to the East Meadow Simcha chapter of Hadassah (for donation information, please e-mail
[email protected]) and the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research: https://www.michaeljfox.org/donate