Betty Grace Lee (née Englander) Rosenzweig, 87, died peacefully on March 22, after suffering a stroke in Boston, MA, where she lived since relocating from Great Neck in 2005. She was predeceased by her husband, Marty, her parents (Ruth and Harry Englander) and her sisters (Jean and Edna). Betty is survived by her children, Micki and Tony, daughter-in-law Debra Weinstein, grandchildren (Leah, Paul, Ross, Jesse, and Alison), and her best friend, Sylvia Englander.
As a young woman, Betty attended Goddard College and the Institute of Design, where she studied photography with Harry Callahan. The defining moment of her career was when she answered an ad for an “animal lover” and joined the then bankrupt North Shore Animal League as its first paid employee. She spent 20-plus years there in multiple roles, including adoption manager and head of public relations, and helped them grow from a handful to thousands of adoptions a year. After retiring, she spent 10 years at the Great Neck Record writing a human interest column “Around the Clock.”
Never one to turn down a museum visit, a good game (preferably one she could win), or a vigorous political debate, Betty remained active all her life with a sharp mind and a playful wit. After leaving Great Neck she moved to the Golda Meir House in Newton, MA and experienced a wonderful sense of renewal with many new friendships and interests including learning Russian and Spanish, enjoying Zumba, chorus and serving on the welcoming committee. Betty likened life at Golda’s” to “college without the exams.”
Throughout her life, Betty forged new bonds while remaining deeply connected to her family and lifelong friends. Even in the face of adversity, she always maintained her lively sense of humor and fun, as well as her compassion and concern for others. Remembering this spirit will help fill the deep void felt by all who knew and loved her.
A memorial service is being planned. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Sunshine Golden Rescue (www.sunshinegoldenrescue.com).
