‘Jewel in the crown of Sydney Jewry’ mourned
'Rose Fekete's commitment to our community was unsurpassed and she was known and loved by all from the very young to the very old'.
COMMUNITY stalwart Rose Fekete has been remembered as someone who “embodied love, kindness and generosity”.
In addition to being a much-loved matriarch, Rose, who passed away on Friday, October 4 aged 71, worked as preschool director at Moriah College for 17 years, was a member of WIZO for 50 years and ran a program at Montefiore bringing together young and old.
Delivering her eulogy, Rabbi David Freedman called her “a jewel in the crown of Sydney Jewry”.
“Everyone here will hold some memories of her goodness, her kindness, her friendship, her love, her commitment to our Jewish community, to WIZO and to Eretz Yisrael,” he said.
“She used her time on earth to create so much beauty, so much meaning and without doubt, so much love – and the ripples of kindness set in motion by Rose, will reverberate within her family and in our community for many, many years ahead.”
Her family told The AJN, “Our mum believed that happiness is living every second with grace, gratitude and love.
“We know many are grieving with us – she has left an indelible mark not only on us but our entire community. We will be forever proud to be her family.”
They added, “You will always be the perfect wife to Frank, adoring mother to Yvette and David, Tiffany and Saul and Anita and Danny, the loving and indefatigable grandmother to Jay, Jemma, Dean, Kasey, Lexie, Ryan and Charli and devoted daughter of Marianne and David.
“We loved everything about you – your generosity, your warmth, your love for WIZO and the community.
“We loved your absolute selflessness and devotion to family, your magic way with children and your ability to remember everyone’s special events and important milestones.”
WIZO immediate past federal president Gilla Liberman called her “one of those people that drew other people to her”.
“Rose always said that she had three passions – family, WIZO and work,” she continued.
“Rose was a mentor and a motivator to young women. She was always available.
“We’re all in shock, we’re going to miss her terribly.”
Her successor at Moriah, Cathy Milwidsky said, “Rose and I shared our very deep belief in the power and importance of the early years, of instilling a joyful love of Yiddishkeit into our youngest community members, of celebrating each child and their place in the world.
“Her passion and vision has informed mine.
“Rose was and will always be our role model and our inspiration.”
Montefiore president David Freeman said she “will be greatly missed by the Montefiore family”.
“Rose’s commitment to our community was unsurpassed and she was known and loved by all from the very young to the very old,” he said.
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