Celia Pearl Applestone, of Massapequa, NY, passed away on September 23, 2013, at the age of 83.
A true New York native, she was born in the Bronx, grew up in Brooklyn and spent her 20s in Manhattan before moving to Long Island with her husband, the late Robert Applestone. Ms. Applestone is survived by her daughter and son-in-law Jessica and Joshua and their son Isaiah, her brother Jerrold Goldman and her sister-in-law, Lois Heitner as well as many loving nieces and nephews.
A graduate of Brooklyn College and University of Stony Brook, Ms. Applestone was a devoted teacher for over 50 years who taught elementary education at Northside School in Farmingdale, NY. Not only a masterful teacher who inspired generations of students but also a strong representative for the Teacher’s union, Ms. Applestone’s passion was teaching and all that surrounded, what was to her, the most noble profession.
A loving wife to “Cantor Bob” Applestone, Ms. Applestone was also a beloved fixture in his congregation, Temple Judea where she was known for her humor, compassion and her love of hats. She loved a good story and loved to tell one.
Her energy was great, her enthusiasm constant and her integrity impeccable. She was absolutely devoted to her family and they to her. She loved life and all it had to offer and was constantly exploring and introducing new people to her passions; art, opera, literature and modern dance and well into her 80s went to museums and concerts every month. She was the first one on the dance floor at every event and danced like a teenager long after she was one. She will be deeply missed by her family, her large circle of friends, her colleagues and her community. There will be a memorial service held at the Walt Whitman Homestead in Huntington Station on Saturday, October 19at 10:30am. All are welcome.
