Judith Anchel

1941 - 2020

Judith Anchel
May 4, 1941 - December 8, 2020
Naples, FL
Judith Kaplan Anchel of Naples, Florida, passed away on December 8, 2020 at the age of 79. Judith was born on May 4, 1941 in Brooklyn, New York to Nathan and Sarah Kaplan.
Judith is survived by her husband and true love of 45 years, Edward Anchel, founder of Sparkomatic Corporation and Altec Lansing Consumer Products, Eminent Capital Partners and most recently, a Trustee of the Naples Senior Center. Her children are Allison Gruber Fiedel (Barry Fiedel) of Weston, Florida, son Steven Gruber (Carrie Baron Gruber) of Boulder, Colorado, and stepchildren, Michael (Boca Raton, Florida), David (Portland, Oregon), and Jennifer Anchel Lightner (Bryn Mawr, PA). Judith has ten grandchildren - Michael and Jordan Fiedel, Jonathan, Sara, and Matthew Gruber, Celia and Jeremy Anchel, Keryn Anchel, and Alexis and Madison Lightner.
Judith graduated with an Economics degree from Queens College, and in her 50s, earned her Master's Degree in Art History and Judaica studies at Columbia University.
Judith and Edward traveled the world, making lifelong friends wherever they went. They loved visiting museums and became art collectors. They cheered on the Penn State Nittany Lions since the 1970s. They were avid skiers in New York and Beaver Creek, Colorado, and owned and raced thoroughbred horses in New York and Saratoga.
A lifelong learner, Judith was forever taking French and Spanish language classes. She pursued her passion for art by becoming a museum docent – at the Jewish Museum and Guggenheim in New York City and at the Baker Museum of Art in Naples. A voracious reader, she was in several book clubs, and participated in numerous mahjongg groups, but most of all, she loved being with her family and friends.
When friends were told of Judith's illness and later her passing, the same themes would surface. Judith was a positive influence on everyone; she made everyone a better person. All were grateful to have known her. She motivated people to think deeper, to experience life in a more meaningful way. Judith had impeccable poise. She was elegant, classy, proper, a beautiful dresser, and made everyone feel welcome.
There is so much more to her life not discussed here and a piece of her will live on in so many. She will be greatly missed.
In remembrance of Judith's life, the family asks that any charitable donations be made to the Naples Senior Center, 5025 Castello Drive, Naples, FL 34103.