Obituary of Anita M. Rossman

Anita Rossman, 84, passed away peacefully on March 9, 2013 after a long illness. Beloved by her family and friends, she blessed us with her generous heart and courageous spirit. She was born in Philadelphia, and lived in the Philadelphia area until she and her husband, Herb, moved to Santa Cruz in 1989. She graduated from West Chester State Teacher's College and earned a Master's Degree in Education from Temple University. She was a dedicated teacher who taught English and Social Studies for 32 years in public schools in and around Philadelphia. Anita balanced her career as an educator with her devotion to her family and friends. She was a fabulous cook and she loved to host large gatherings of family and friends in her home in Melrose Park, Pa. She had many interests that she shared with Herb and their many friends. She belonged to a gourmet cooking group and play reading group. She loved to travel, and journeyed with Herb and her family throughout North America and Europe. Anita was active in Jewish life, as a member of Beth Sholom synagogue, in Elkins Park, Pa., later as a member of Congregation Kol Tefillah in Santa Cruz, and as a devoted life member of Hadassah. In 1987 Anita suffered a serious stroke. She worked tirelessly and successfully to regain her ability to walk, talk and use her right hand. For 5 years, she was an enthusiastic participant at the Stroke Center at Cabrillo College. Grateful for the help she received, for the next 8 years she continued at the center as a volunteer assisting others. Anita was predeceased by her parents, Sadie and Benjamin Mehlman, and her brother, Samuel Mehlman. She is survived by her husband of 62 years, Herbert, son Jeffrey Rossman and his wife Diane, son Steven and his wife Tracey, daughter Tammi Benjamin and her husband Ilan, and her six grandchildren, Daniel Benjamin and Joel Benjamin, Gabriel Rossman, Grace Rossman, Sam Rossman and Ben Rossman. The funeral ceremony will be held on Monday, March 11, 2013 at Pacific Gardens Chapel, 1050 Cayuga St., Santa Cruz, beginning at 2 p.m. Immediately following the service, burial will take place at the Home of Peace Cemetery, 345 Meder St., Santa Cruz (between Western Dr. and Nobel Dr.). Donations in Anita's memory can be made to Congregation Kol Tefillah, 200 Washington St., Suite 109, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, and to Santa Cruz Hadassah, 150 Scenic St., Santa Cruz 95060.