Leona "Lee" Farbstein Rosenthal, 88, died peacefully in Richmond, Va., on Thursday, Sept. 26, 2013.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband, William P. Rosenthal; and is survived by their four children, Lewis and his wife, Diana Rushing, of Taos, N.M.; Deborah Williams and her husband, Joe, of Austin, Texas; Dan and his wife, Beth, of Richmond; and Ruth and her husband, Lee Carmack, of Castro Valley, Calif.
Lee adored her grandchildren, Evelyn, Lisa and Jacob Carmack in California, and Lindsey and Monica Rosenthal in Virginia. She was proud of her Texas roots and extended family in Waco, Houston, Austin and New York, as well as Tel Aviv and Jerusalem in Israel. Lee was the last survivor of six siblings: Annie Ray Wizig, Ivan Cohen, Dorothy Scott, Olive Tocker and Jack Farbstein.
Lee graduated from Baylor University in Waco, Texas, and became a talented actress and public speaker. After a part-time career in radio and television and an active role in state politics in Texas and Idaho, she taught English both at Bonneville High School in Idaho Falls and at Franklin Regional High School outside of Pittsburgh. Her love of literature and music were expressed through her participation in local theater in both Idaho and Pennsylvania as the faculty thespian sponsor at both schools, where she directed school plays to wide acclaim and touched the lives of hundreds of students.
She traveled extensively and made friends easily wherever she went. She will be remembered for her radiant smile, her generosity, her open heart and her gracious gratitude for blessings great and small. Lee was loved and admired by everyone, and her absence creates a void for those who loved her. She was a lifetime member and past president of Hadassah, a volunteer organization of women motivated to strengthen ties with Israel and support medical care and research for people worldwide.
A remembrance of her life will be held Tuesday, Nov. 26, in Austin, Texas.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Hadassah, your local Alzheimer's Association or a charity of your choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sincerest condolences to Lee's family from all the volunteers at AMBIS, the Austin Memorial and Burial Information Society. We were honored to have Lee as a member and know many people will join us in remembering her with admiration and affection.
Nancy Walker
October 23, 2013
We knew Lee only in the 1990's, but she was even then loving and generous, just a joy to be around. I know you will miss her.
Sandra Polsky Leitner
October 13, 2013
The picture captures her smiling eyes and genuine smile. I was her student at Franklin Regional years ago and went on to become an English teacher myself. When I told her of my intended career, she treated me to dinner. She was a special, caring, and dynamic woman. My condolences.
Deborah Bryson
October 10, 2013
Lee was my English teacher in 1966 at Bonnevillehihschool High School and I still remember her sharing the poem "The Murder of Lidice"about the persecution of the Jews. She has truly been an inspiration in my life.
Douglas Knapp. Buenos Aires Argentina
October 10, 2013
A great teacher. One of the best I had.
Jerrie Hurd
October 8, 2013
I was a student of Mrs. Rosenthal at Bonneville High School, and she was a life changer for me. Her confidence in me far exceeded my own. Because of her influence I eventually graduated from college and became an elementary school teacher. Prior to being in her class, I had been told by my high school counselor that I was "not college material". I'm forever grateful to Lee for helping me believe in myself.
Marsha Ward Coon
October 7, 2013
Dan, Beth and the Rosenthal family, I was saddened when I read about your mother's death this morning. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Peace and love from Pittsburgh.
Helen Kondrich
October 7, 2013
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