Carmel was born into a loving family on November 3, 1923 in Manhattan, NY to parents Dr. Michael and Celia (Leibowitz) Shander. Their family grew with the addition of her younger sister Judith three years later. An overachiever from an early age, Carmel graduated high school at 15. At the age of 16 she became the first woman in her family to attend college by enrolling at New York University, and later graduating with a degree in Childhood Education. Carmel met her husband and partner of 65 years, Seymour, at Camp Mohican-Reena in 1940. Carmel and Sy often reflected on their time at camp as a place where they made life long-long friends and solidified their love for one another.
Throughout her life, Carmel touched the lives of everyone who had the great fortune to cross her path. As an elementary school teacher for close to 30 years, Carmel had the opportunity to positively impact many people. She was a devoted mother to Bill and Ed, and beloved aunt to three nieces and a nephew. She was also an active member of the Sisterhood of the Malvern (NY) Jewish Center. Carmel’s family was her central focus, and she would weekly host both related and adopted families for social gatherings and many laughs, a tradition that would continue throughout her life.
After Carmel and Sy moved to Florida full time in 1986, she continued her commitment to civic engagement by volunteering with the Leukemia Society, the Board of Elections and other local non-profits. She had a passion for golf and loved her time on the links as well as the socializing that followed every round! She cultivated many new friendships in her Florida community and continued to nourish her long-standing relationships.
Carmel’s true pride and joy were her family and friends. She welcomed new faces into her life with open arms and was happiest when spending time with those she held dear. She had the ability to make everyone she came in contact with feel appreciated and cherished. She will lovingly be remembered for her contagious smile, infectious sense of humor and outgoing personality. Her laugh, sneezes, and “singing voice” will go down in infamy. She prided herself deeply on her independence and all who knew her were touched by her undeniable spirit. She marched to the beat of her own drummer and enjoyed life to the fullest.
Carmel is survived by her son Bill Rosenberg (Diane Heitman) of Vero Beach (formerly of Levittown and Wantagh, NY); daughter-in-law Rita Rosenberg, and her husband Don Barber of Ithaca, NY; Granddaughters Cara (Eric) Nichols, and Jenna Rosenberg of Ithaca, NY; granddaughter Amy (Ron) Ingber of Dix Hills, NY; grandson Matthew (Kaitlin) Rosenberg of Rutland, VT; and great grandsons Elliot and Logan Rosenberg, and Max and Ross Ingber. Carmel’s memory is also carried on by her many friends and extended family. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, son Edward Rosenberg, and grandson Michael Rosenberg.
Those wishing to honor Carmel’s memory can do so with a donation to the Leukemia and Lymphoma society of the Palm Beaches, 4360 Northlake Boulevard, Suite 109, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410.
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