Rose Posner

She moved to Fort Myers from New York City in 1946, when Fort Myers was still a very small town.

In 1947, Rose, along with her husband Sam Posner, opened the original Ft. Myers Variety Store in downtown Fort Myers. That business, which later became American Department Stores, pioneered retailing on Cleveland Avenue in the 1950’s.

Although work and family took up a great deal of her time, Rose always found time to contribute to the community. In those early days, she was an active member of the Lions Club Auxiliary. Later she was one of the founding members of Temple Beth El and the original president of the Temple Beth El Sisterhood. After her retirement and the long years of caring for her ill husband, she devoted her free time to Lee Memorial’s Pink Bazaar resale shop and the Lakes Park Friends of the Library Association. She also enjoyed spending time with her wide circle of friends playing mahjong, bridge, and even square dancing.

Rose always enjoyed new experiences; the highlight of her travels was an extensive trip with her husband in 1965. They visited London, Israel, Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, etc. Although she enjoyed them all, Hong Kong’s shopping made it her favorite spot, and she treasured those memories for the rest of her life.

Rose’s many friends were drawn to her charm, her zest for life, and her enthusiasm.

Her surviving family, consisting of her daughter, Barbara Douglas, her son and daughter-in-law, Arthur and Bonnie Posner, her daughter Susan Marsten, and her grandchildren, Michael Douglas, Laurie Rylant, Kevin Posner, Jeffrey Marsten, and Richard Marsten and five great grandchildren, will miss her but will always cherish their many joyous memories of her life.

Arrangements under the direction of KISER FUNERAL HOME, Fort Myers, FL.