Ruth Zedd Perel

PEREL, Ruth Zedd, age 97, of Richmond, passed away on September 10, 2014. The widow of Milton Perel, she was born on March 17, 1917 in Berkley, Va., to the late Abraham and Fannie Zedd. She was a community volunteer and a past member of the Board of Directors of Beth Sholom Home of Virginia. She served as the 1960 Annual Meeting Co-Chair of the Richmond Jewish Community Council (now known as the Jewish Community Federation) and as Chair of Arrangements for their Silver Anniversary. She was a recipient of the Council's Certificate of Award for her efforts as Head of the Orchid Division. Ruth was a life member of Hadassah, Temple Beth Ahabah and the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts Council. In 1972, she and her husband established an annual scholarship at The Collegiate School. Throughout their marriage, Ruth supported Milton in his work and community endeavors, and pursued the role of homemaker, devoting herself to her husband, children and grandchildren. She will be remembered for her beautiful smile, her sense of style and her loving laughter. In addition to her parents and husband, Ruth was preceded in death by her three sisters and five brothers. She is survived by two daughters, Sue Perel Rosefsky of Haverford, Pa., and Retta Leigh Keil of Richmond; one son, Jonathan Seth Perel and his wife, Anne Marie, of Richmond; eight grandchildren, Katherine R. Leibowitz, Douglas and Matthew Rosefsky, Kirk and Doug Keil and Carolyn, David and Michael Perel; and six great-grandchildren. Special thanks go to her loving caregivers, Mabel Winn, Jessie Dudley, Dottie Hatton, Cheryl Harris and New Century Hospice. A private burial will be held at Hebrew Cemetery. The family will receive friends at her home from 1 to 3 p.m. on Sunday, September 14, 2014. Memorial contributions may be made to Beth Sholom Lifecare Community, 1600 John Rolfe Pkwy, 23233, or JFS, 6718 Patterson Ave., 23226, or to a charity of your choice.