Muriel Mizroch

Muriel Mizroch NORFOLK - Muriel Mizroch peacefully passed away Monday, Nov. 8, 2010 at her home in Norfolk. She was 92. Born Muriel Shirley Gottheimer in New York City Aug. 29, 1918, she was a second-generation American of Galician-Jewish descent on her mother's side and a first-generation American on her father's side. Her extended family began the 20th century seeking (and finding) the American dream. Her father was a manufacturer of doll products and his business acumen supported the extended family throughout the Great Depression. Muriel graduated from high school at the age of 15 and first went to Hunter College in New York City and then graduated from New York University in 1939. She met Capt. S. B. (Bernie) Mizroch, M.D., in August 1941 and they were married four months later during their "engagement" party a week after Pearl Harbor, Dec. 14, 1941. After World War II, they moved from New York to Bernie's home in Norfolk in 1946. Bernie died in 1995 with Muriel at his side. She was preceded in death by her grandson, Raul Mizroch. Muriel is survived by her son, Daniel (wife Alicia and granddaughter Allison), son, John (wife Martha, grandsons Zachary, Elliott, and Brandon and granddaughter Marissa) and daughter, Sally, as well as nephew Larry Kurtz (wife Deborah) and her younger brother, Robert Gottheimer (wife Marge, nieces Barbara, Debbie and Nancy). Muriel always took great care with her appearance and carried herself regally. Her hair was always done just so, her manicure was perfect, and her clothes were elegant. Well groomed and impeccably dressed, Muriel always looked much younger than her age. She was an amazing hostess and cook and was well known for her warm hospitality. She was a wonderful neighbor everywhere she lived and had the ability to form lasting bonds with everyone she met, including her many, many old and new friends, the staff at the Algonquin House, her bankers (especially Keith Martin), hairdresser, housekeeper, and the wonderful caregivers who spent so many hours enjoying her company during her final year. When her children were young, Muriel was involved in several volunteer organizations (for example, PTA and Garden Club) and she worked as a volunteer at the Chrysler Museum Gift Shop when her children had grown and left the family home. She played Mahjong, canasta and bridge in the early years of her married life; but over the past 30 years or so, she was an avid, expert, and coveted bridge player. She played her final bridge game only a few weeks before she passed away. A memorial service will be held at H.D. Oliver Funeral Apartments, 1501 Colonial Ave., Norfolk, today at noon. The family will receive friends at the Algonquin Room, 7320 Glenroie Ave., Norfolk, immediately after the burial and will be receiving friends at Muriel's apartment at the Algonquin House Thursday and Friday from 2 to 8 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, 4217 Park Place Court, Glen Allen, VA 23060 (donate.americanheart.org); Ohef Sholom Temple, 530 Raleigh Ave., Norfolk, VA 23507 (www.ohefsholom.org); Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters, 601 Children's Lane, Norfolk, VA 23507 (www.chkd.org); American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, 120 Wall St., 22nd Floor, New York, NY 10005 (www.afsp.org); or to the charity of your choice. The family wishes to thank Dr. and Mrs. Herbert Brewer (and Monica Forehand and Arlene Zeno); Jill Layne, Muriel's hospice social worker; and Melanie Lim, the loving caregiver who provided such great support during her final year. Online condolences may be made through www. hdoliver.com.