Lifelong Milwaukeean Esther Spector (nee Gendelman) died Jan. 27 of natural causes. She was 83.
Born in Havana, Cuba, as her parents awaited immigration to the United States, she came to Milwaukee as an infant. She was a graduate of North Division High School.
According to her family, she was her husband Jack’s business partner in real estate investment and property management. In addition, she “devoted her life to caring for [him, their] children, extended family and community. She was his “best friend and cherished life partner” for over 63 years, they said.
She was an active member of Congregation Beth Israel. She served in numerous chapter offices of NA’AMAT USA including president and treasurer, and was treasurer of the Milwaukee NA’AMAT regional council for more than 20 years.
She volunteered for the Milwaukee Jewish Federation dating back to the time when it was called the Milwaukee Jewish Welfare Fund and chaired the Women’s Division campaign in 1962.
She also worked on behalf of the Labor Zionists since before the establishment of the State of Israel, for the Jewish National Fund and in the PTA of her children’s Hebrew school. She served as secretary of the United Hebrew Schools board and co-chaired the annual Purim Ball fundraiser.
She also enjoyed reading, playing cards, travel, baking and knitting.
In addition to her husband, she is survived by sons Charles Spector of San Jose, Calif., and Mitchell (Arlene Dombeck) Spector of Fox Point; daughters Marilee Spector of Evanston, Ill., and Sari Spector of Foster City, Calif.; brothers Max (Doris) Gendelman of Fox Point and Naples, Fla., and Sheldon (Doran) Gendelman of Whitefish Bay; and three grandchildren.
Rabbis Jacob Herber and Herbert Panitch and Hazzan Mitchell Martin officiated at funeral services Jan. 29. Burial was in Second Home Cemetery.
Memorials to NA’AMAT USA, the Jewish National Fund and Congregation Beth Israel would be appreciated by the family.
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