Lena Sandler

Lena Yetta Klein Sandler

1917-2013 SANDISFIELD Lena Yetta Klein Sandler, 95, of 3 Sandler Lane in Sandisfield, passed away Monday, November 11, 2013 at Kimball Farms Nursing Center in Lenox. Born in Bronx, New York on December 5, 1917, Lena was the daughter of Molly and Pincus Klein. When Lena was a child the family traveled to Sandisfield, MA in the summer time. Lena lost her brother, Jacob, at the age of twelve, and her mother passed away on the same day five years later when she was seventeen. Her father remarried and the family moved permanently to Sandisfield. Here, she met and married Jack Sandler, her husband of fifty-two years. Together, Lena and Jack had five children. From 1951 to 1967, their poultry farm prospered, and they were the only poultry farmers in Sandisfield whose farm endured. Unfortunately in 1965, lightning struck one of their buildings and the farm was no longer a viable means of income. As a side business, Jack and Lena rented cottages to summer residents. After the farm closed, they winterized the cottages and became full-time real estate rental and personal property agents. They also spent many winters in New York City where they helped raise their granddaughter, Melissa. Jack passed away in 1990. Lena continued to manage her Sandisfield property, with the help of her son Marvin, until 2010. She continued going to New York City, where she loved to window shop on Madison Avenue. She also helped her children with their business, Transceiver East, Inc., where she reconciled accounts. She spent her winters in Scottsdale, AZ. When the Town of Sandisfield renamed their streets, Lena was honored to have her cul-de-sac on Town Hill Road renamed "Sandler Lane." For over thirty years, Jack and Lena had maintained the Sandisfield Synagogue taking care of all maintenance and insurance. When Jack would hire a Rabbi for the Jewish Holidays, Lena would provide lodging and meals for him. After Jack's death, Lena was instrumental in the transfer of the Sons of Abraham Synagogue to The Sandisfield Arts Council. Lena was a fabulous cook! Family friends would often come for her Friday night dinners. Potatonik, pierogies and her infamous cookies were everyone's favorites. Lena is survived by her four children: Marlene Schiff of New York, NY, Marvin Sandler of Natick, MA, Felice Lieberman and her husband Sheldon of Simpsonville, SC, and Sharon Lewis and her husband Martin of Great Barrington, MA. She also leaves several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her son Paul Sandler predeceased her in 2010. FUNERAL NOTICE: Funeral services were held on November 12, 2013 and burial was at Sandisfield Cemetery. Donations in her memory may be made to either People's Pantry or Fairview Hospital in care of FINNERTY & STEVENS FUNERAL HOME, 426 Main Street, Great Barrington, MA. 01230.