In memory of  Lotte Mandel July 14, 1915 - December 10, 2013 

We the residents of Lester Senior Housing ~LSH~ are saddened by the death of Lotte, our friend, neighbor and acquaintance. We wish to extend thoughts and sympathies to her loving family: son Lenny, and Shelly, grandchildren and great grandchildren. 

Of Ukrainian parents, Lotte was born 98 years ago in Baden Baden, 
 Germany. She and her siblings enjoyed a pleasant childhood in this idyllic setting of Baden Baden (meaning Bathing) a spa town built on thermal springs at the edge of the Black Forest in Baden Württemberg, south West Germany. (District capital is the city of Karlsruhe). In close proximity to France and Switzerland. 
Lotte regaled us with stories of her childhood, her face would light up with joy as she related vivid memories of Purim Festivals in her native Baden Baden. “During the reading of the Megillah each time the villain Haman's name was read, we excited kinder thought it was great that we were free to boo, howl and take up our groggers to make a frightful noise. We'd dress up in colorful costumes to resemble Queen Esther, Mordechai, Haman and other notables. We put on masks and went down to the big hall for the Masquerade party. There was much music and merriment as we danced, sang songs and guessed who was hidden behind each star studied, sparkling mask. Meantime the aroma of Hamantaschen hot from the oven filled the air. Mothers, grandmothers, aunts presented their best Hamantaschen. My mother made extra special ones using yeast, filling the centers with poppy seeds and prunes.”

Unfortunately dark clouds of war and unrest filled the atmosphere, fearsome rumors circled the Jewish community, life became unsettled, forcing many to leave all they knew and loved. The family packed up their belongings and immigrated to America, settling in Brooklyn. 
Next door neighbor Madeline tells how, “Living opposite Lotte I got to know her quite well, she was kind and generous, as we chatted we discovered that while in Brooklyn we'd shared the same doctor, Dr. Kamen, an angel, there to help and heal all who came to him. I also learned that Lotte opened a Child Care Center at the ‘Y' in Brooklyn -- the only one in the area where my children played -- operating it for 24 years. It was bashert that we should meet up here many years later.”
  

Lotte appreciated her Lester lifestyle, regularly attending Shabbat and holiday services, lectures and particularly valued the cultural Arts programs arranged by Shirley S. Lotte was an accomplished pianist her fort? being classical music, her son Rabbi Lenny -- of whom she was justly proud -- inherited her musical talent. Lotte thrived on visits with family, kvelling over the achievements of grandchildren and great grandchildren.

 Pollyann writes, “The holiday of Thanksgiving was also very special to Lotte. I enjoyed viewing photos of her in her grandson Wayne's kitchen in 2012 preparing the turkey. And at the end of November this past Thanksgiving of 2013 she once again traveled, with difficulty, to her grandson and granddaughter-in-law's home in Warren to share, as best she could, the company of family and of course her recipes which she had given them.”

Seldom seen not wearing one of her colorful Kangols (Beret) Lotte, feisty as ever was always eager to go to the opera, theater, movie and dinner or shopping. She had her moment of fame starring as the Jewish ‘Bubby' in the movie Prime. A natural in her role, she opens the door to her grandson and his lady friend, astonished to see the young couple together she says, “Oiy vey, oiy vey,” while banging her head with the large skillet. Proudly, she'd say, “Would you believe, I'm still receiving royalties!” 

The evening meal at Lester also serves an important social element of our daily life, it's a time to socialize, savor the seven bean soup and pick apart the chicken wings, and it's also an opportunity to tell the latest news, kibitz, and even kvetch a little. Lotte's dining companions, Elsa (her mochatenister), Leah, Selma and Shirley L. will sorely miss her zesty conversation and companionship. 

Memories last forever, they simply never die. True friends stay together, they never say good-bye. May G-d grant Lotte eternal rest and peace. 

Words 1220                                                  Written by E. Anne Lipman LSH resident

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OBITUARY

Lotte Mandel

July 14, 1915 – December 10, 2013

Gutterman and Musicant Jewish Funeral Directors

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