A devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother, Roz was a vibrant and active and independent woman throughout her life. Even at her advanced age, she still drove, often serving as a chauffeur for her large group of friends, played mah jong and cards, and remained politically involved. She was the secretary for her condo association for decades until her death.
Born Rosalyn Wolk in New York City, Roz grew up in Far Rockaway. She was a member of the glee club in high school and developed a life-long love for music and sports, especially the New York Giants. She graduated high school early and planned to enter college, but her father died and Roz entered the workforce.
Roz married Milton Wilner on Sept. 16, 1948 in Rockaway Beach. They became the proud parents of a son, Barry, in 1951, and then of another son, Neil, in 1953. While Milt worked at several jobs before settling into a career with the U.S. Postal Service, Roz was a dedicated housewife (and terrific cook).
Once her sons began elementary school, Roz became a legal secretary, a job she held until she and Milton retired and moved to West Palm Beach in the mid-1980s. Her organizational skills often contributed to the attorneys she worked for saying they couldn't win cases without her.
By 1977, Roz was a grandmother as son Barry's wife Helene gave birth to daughter Nicole. Helene and Barry also provided three more grandchildren in daughters Jamie and Tricia and son Evan. Neil and wife Debbie had Suzanne, Eric and Ryan.
Roz's husband Milt, quite the character himself who would dress up on July 4 in stars and stripes from head to toe, passed away in 1991.
Known as Nana to virtually everyone inside and outside of the family, Roz often would visit her families in New York and Texas, as well as entertain them in Florida. She was a fixture at bat and bar mitzvahs, then at weddings that ranged from 2005 through 2018. Whenever a newborn came along, Nana was sure to have a sweater she had knitted ready for the baby.
Roz served for many years as an Ambassador at the West Palm Beach Airport, helping incoming and outgoing travelers. And she became a world traveler herself, enjoying trips to Europe, Hawaii and the Caribbean. She remained close with many of her high school friends until the present, and even attended a high school reunion late in her life.
By 2009, she was Nana to a great grandson, Will. Soon after came Ella, Roey, Julianna and Zoe.
Roz is survived by sons Barry and Neil; grandchildren Nicole and husband Dan; Jamie and husband Eric; Suzanne and husband Oren; Tricia and husband Anthony; Evan and wife Kasey; and Ryan. And by her five great grandchildren.
Due to COVID-19, services will be private, but the family asks that you keep Roz in your prayers. Donations can be made to the American Cancer Society in Roz's name.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Hellman Memorial Chapels, 15 State Street, Spring Valley, NY 10977 (845)356-8600 Jewish Funeral Directors.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hellmanmemorial.com for the Wilner family.
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