Rosalie Waldman Engelmyer

Rosalie Waldman Engelmyer passed away peacefully on December 24, 2024, just one week shy of her 100th birthday. She had a wonderful life and lived independently up until two weeks prior to her passing.

Rosalie was born in 1925 in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania to the late Sarah Feldman and Louis Waldman, growing up between the small towns of Swoyersville and Pittston, where her extended family resided. Her mother Sarah was the eldest of 13 children. While Rosalie was an only child, she grew up with a number of aunts, uncles and first cousins as a big part of her daily life. She was never at a loss for company and often sought the approval of her older aunts, who she emulated. Family always came first in her life, keeping in contact with relatives all over the world and especially looking forward to seeing or speaking with her grandchildren.

She was quite progressive for her day and prioritized education. She graduated from Syracuse University in the 1940s with a degree in business. During that time, she met her future husband, Alfred Engelmyer, who she betrothed in 1948. Before having a family, Rosalie worked as a fashion buyer for her father’s clothing store. Marilyn and Eric joined the family, and they lived in Scranton where Rosalie made many close friends including Renee and Molly. Even after Alfred‘s passing in 2002, many wonderful friends welcomed her into their homes including the families of Senator Robert Casey and Dr. Yeoman.

Rosalie and Alfred were very active in Scranton’s Jewish community where they attended services regularly at Temple Israel. She was very active in the temple sisterhood, the JCC, Glen Oaks Country Club and was a regular at Mahjong with the ladies. Rosalie was an avid reader of both the New York Times and books that she and son-in-law Michael Hodes would share.

In 2017, Rosalie had the great fortune of moving to Coburg Village in upstate New York where she met a number of wonderful people, including staff and residents. She dined with friends, attended book clubs, and regular bridge games until a year ago. She treasured the friendships of Jeri, Johanna, Grace, Sally, and Reeva, all of whom were a great antidote to the loneliness of the Covid pandemic. Eric and Lynell welcomed her into their home and treasured their time together. Her health and appearance were remarkable for a woman of her age, and it always kept people

guessing. She received loving assistance over these last few months from Christina, Cindy and Tina. She was admitted to Ellis Hospital and later Glendale Nursing Home where she received excellent care, if only briefly, before she passed.

Rosalie was one of the last links to the greatest generation. She was a wonderful mother, grandmother, friend and family member. She was positive and an inspiration to us all. She leaves behind her daughter, Marilyn Hodes (Michael), son Eric (Lynell), and grandchildren Jared (Mint), Sarah, Samantha, and Ross, in addition to her grand-puppies Bailey and Kya.

In lieu of flowers, if you care to make a donation in her memory, Rosalie supported Hadassah and women’s charities including Planned Parenthood.

A graveside service will be held Thursday, December 26th in the Dalton Jewish Cemetery by Rabbi Miriam Spitzer.  There is no local shiva.