Rosabelle Laplace Leifer

On August 8, 2026 after 92 years of living life to its fullest, Rosabelle Laplace Leifer said goodby. Rosabelle, who was better known as Robbie to her friends and Aunt Robbie to her devoted nieces and nephews, the beloved daughter of Oscar and Minna (Abelman) LaPlace, was born in New York City on June 15, 1934.

She grew up in Bogota, NJ and graduated from Bogota High School in 1952 alongside her twin brother Allan and just after her big sister Ruth. It was in Bogota at the age of nine that she also met her lifelong friend Beryl Nichol, who remained by her side until the end.

After high school, Rosabelle went on to Douglass College- now part of Rutgers, and graduated with a physical education degree that she put to good use as a physical education teacher. She went on to earn her masters in social work that was a springboard for her career as a licensed clinical social worker, first in the New York City she remembered fondly, and then in Palm Beach Florida where she moved with the love of her life, her devoted husband Milton Leifer.

Rosabelle’s career as a clinical social worker focused on the care of adolescents and in particular teenage girls, helping many navigate turbulent lives even after she turned 80 years old. She was also the lead author of a scholarly paper assessing the care of schizophrenic patients that was published in the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology.

Rosabelle’s nickname Robbie better represented her adventurous spirit. It was no accident that she majored in physical education. She had a lifelong love of sporting activities including tennis and swimming and snorkeling and bemoaned her inability to stay active in her later years when, “my body just wont leave me alone.” She also was intellectually curious and had a particular passion for theatre ranging from Broadway to volunteering at community productions in Palm Beach.

Robbie’s greatest passion was reserved for her husband Milt. Together, they traveled the world. She often commented to others in relationships or not, that she only wished they could have what she and Milt shared, and she was ever grateful to Milt for arranging all of her financial affairs before he passed away.

Robbie also was committed to her Jewish faith. She visited Israel on multiple occasions and contributed her time and resources to supporting Israel. She was preceded in death by her brother Allan and sister Ruth.

Robbie was determined to finish her life at her home. She was comforted in her final days by the warmth and empathy of the Assisting Hands Home Care aides. She is survived by her nieces and nephews Leslie and David LaPlace, and John, Elizabeth, Mark, Rhyan, and Natanya Zweifler and Ylonda Siegert as well as their children. Although Robbie didn’t have children of her own, she never missed sending birthday greetings to each.

All are welcome to attend the interment at 11 AM on Thursday August 13, at Mount Moriah Cemetery, 685 Fairview Avenue, Fairview, New Jersey 07022.