Ruthe Nadel

Ruthe Galler Nadel CHARLESTON - Ruthe Galler Nadel, widow of Eli M. Nadel, of Charleston, died from cancer, Sunday June 28. She will be deeply missed and always loved by her children: Eric Nadel (Heather Nadel), Jim Nadel (Elizabeth Finlayson), Amy Nadel Romanczuk (Alan Romanczuk), by her grandchildren: Alex Romanczuk, Joby Nadel and Marie (Robert) Haynes, her great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Ruthe was the eldest child of Ada and Avram Galler, born on New York's lower East Side and raised in Brooklyn, in a Yiddish-speaking family. She met her future husband July 4th weekend 1937, over a game of ping pong. He won both the game and her heart. They married in 1941, and lived in New York City, Washington, DC, St Louis and Charleston. She remained devoted to him until her death. Ruthe received her Bachelors of Science from Brooklyn College (1941). She was a teaching assistant for Abraham Maslow and a member of the Scientific Research Society, Sigma Xi. During the war years, she planted victory gardens, walked the Brooklyn Bridge with Eli, received her Masters of Science from Massachusetts State College (1943) and was one of the first women in the field of Bacteriology. She began to lose her hearing in the 1940's from otosclerosis and in 1960, experienced the first symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis. Disability colored her world, but did not daunt her remarkable spirit. She found ways to contribute as a scientist and researcher or through volunteer and community activity. Though virtually deaf, her love for music never waned. Her mobility declined, but she fought to stay active. She was a member of the Ethical Society for over 50 years. Her beloved Eli died in St Louis in 1981. Earlier, at the Medical University of SC, he initiated plans to start a Cancer Center (now Hollings Cancer Center) where this past year his widow received excellent care for her Breast Cancer. She returned to Charleston when her first grandson was born, bringing together three generations in one household. She went yearly to the Stanford Jazz Workshop and became the darling of jazz greats such as Stan Getz, Dizzy Gillespie, James Moody and Tootie Heath. She was a familiar sight zipping about on her mobility scooter, bright orange flag waving behind. Books were always a passion, expressed as a member of the Jane Austen Society of North America, and of Friends of the Library; as a National Library of Medicine librarian; and as a habitual browser in used bookstores. At the age of 82, she joined BookCrossing, a book lovers website, where her zest for life brought her admirers from around the world. In her life, she loved one man, cherished her children, and adored her grandchildren. She re-read Jane Austen yearly, delighted in fresh tomatoes straight off the vine, gardening, and nature. She won hearts around the world with her spirit, wit, courage and humor. One of her last wishes was to know that she made a difference in the world. To the hundreds who reached out when the severity of her illness became apparent, know that you made her world brighter. Her family thanks you. Celebrations of Ruthe's life will be held later in Charleston, San Francisco Bay Area and online. To be notified of these events, e-mail bummala@gmail.com. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, please send contributions in memory of Ruthe Nadel to the Stanford Jazz Workshop, P.O. Box 20454, Stanford, CA 94309; or to Hospice of Charleston, 3870 Leeds Avenue, Suite 101, North Charleston, SC 29405. Arrangements are being made through PALMETTO CREMATION SOCIETY, Charleston, SC. Visit our guestbook at www.postandcourier.com/deaths