Rosalie Whitehill

Rosalie Schusel Whitehill passed away peacefully on May 15, 2024, five days shy of her 95th birthday. Born in Long Beach, NY, she lived in Plainview for 53 years before moving to Lasell Village, Newton, 12 years ago.  After raising 2 children she earned her M.Ed. then enjoyed a rewarding career as a much beloved teacher, playing tennis every morning before school. After retiring and losing her husband Ralph, she stayed busy with swimming, bridge, Israeli folk dancing, temple programs, book groups, and enjoying cultural events in NYC.

Rosalie was known for her love of Judaism and Israel and her passionate beliefs as a liberal democrat. She marched for peace and civil rights in DC, later for women’s and gay rights in Israel and Boston. Thanks to Ralph’s job at El Al, the family traveled around the world and she continued to visit Israel annually until age 90.
Most important to Rosalie were her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Her calendar revolved around family: planning special activities, baking for holidays and, with Ralph, hosting “Camp Whitehill’ each summer – a thrill for her oldest grandkids. She took 5 of her 6 grandchildren to London after their Bar/Bat mitzvahs.
Her enthusiasm for life and her appreciation for her good fortune drew people to her. She made many friends when she moved to MA. She regretted not moving sooner as she loved her “luxurious” life at Lasell. Until her last days she remained grateful for all her blessings.

Rosalie is survived by her children Debbie (Howie Zaharoff) and Richard ( Becky), her grandchildren Josh ( Sarah) Zaharoff, Marta Zaharoff  (Volkan Eren), Leah (Harold) Fogel, Lizzy Whitehill (Anthony Nihan), Laura Whitehill (Mike Fox) and Danny Whitehill, and her great grandchildren Jacob and Aria Zaharoff, Jackson Eren and Charlie Fogel and by her neice and nephew, and by many cousins. She was predeceased by her beloved soul mate of 45 years, Ralph, her parents Ruth and William Schusel, and her brother, Jerry Shell.

There will be a graveside service on Friday, May 17th at 1pm at New Montefiore Cemetery, West Babylon, NY.  Zoom option is available:
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Meeting ID: 815 0685 0018
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There will be a celebration of her life at Temple Emanuel, Newton, MA on Monday, May 20th ( her birthday) following evening minyan from 8-9pm. It will be live streamed.

Donations may be made in Rosalie’s memory to  Leket Israel  or Mogen David Adom  or a charity of your choice.