Ruth Wattenberg

Wattenberg, Ruth
Ruth Daven Wattenberg, of Stamford, formerly of Norwalk, Connecticut and Coral Gables, Florida, passed away on November 7th at age 95. The daughter of Ida (Applebaum) and Sam Daven, Ruth was born and grew up in Norwalk and settled there with her husband, the late Seymour Wattenberg of Stamford. A graduate of New Britain State Teachers College, Ruth Taught elementary school in Norwalk in her early married life, but she was a teacher and mentor to others all her life. She was an active volunteer and held officer positions with the National Council of Jewish Women in Norwalk; served on the Board of the Women's Auxiliary of the Jewish Home for the Elderly in Fairfield, and served on the National Presidium of the Women's Division of the American Society for Technion. She was a member of the League of Women's Voters, Hadassah, and Congregation Beth El in Norwalk. Ruth and Seymour were founding members of Rolling Hills Country Club in Wilton. After the death of her husband in 1983, Ruth became a Chairman of Guard All Chemical Company, founded by her husband, and played an active role in its management until the company closed in 1998.
Ruth loved life and learning. She was an in inveterate traveler with Seymour, and later with her dear companion, the late Harold Webman and visited countries throughout Europe and the Far East. Her later travels in the US were often at elder hostels where she could learn and travel simultaneously. Ruth loved people, and people loved her. She was especially good at forming bonds with young people because she showed interest in their lives and was always willing to listen. That is not to say she wasn'tjudgmental, but her advice and opinions were always respected. Family came first with Ruth and in her younger years the communal extended family table was always at her house. She was predeceased by her beloved husband of 44 years, Seymour and by her dear companion, Harold Webman. She is survived by her daughters, Betsey Wattenberg Selkowitz (Arthur) and Jane Wattenberg (Samuel Chase); by her always-cherished grandsons: Adam Selkowitz (Laurie), Jed Selkowitz, Isaiah Chase (Christel), Solomon Chase (David), and Gideon Chase. She is also survived by her brother ("bless his heart") Dr. Albert Daven (Ann) and brother in law and sister in law, Burton and Carol Hoffman as well as several nephews, nieces, grand nephews and grand nieces, cousins, and "adopted" family, including her good friends at Edgehill, close companion, Rabbi Eugene Boroawitz, and devoted friends and caregivers, Rose Telima and Marie Celesna. Service will be held at 1:30 PM on Friday November 9, at the Congregation Beth El, 109 East Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06851. Interment will follow in the Independent Hebrew Society/ Temple Shalom Cemetery, Richards Avenue, Norwalk, CT. In lieu of flowers donations in Ruth's memory may be made to the Ruth Wattenberg Scholarship Fund, American Technion Society, 55 East 59th Street, New York, NY 10022 or to the charity of one's choice. Please visit www.collinsfuneral.com to leave condolences.