Blanche Appelson

Family-Placed Death Notice

APPELSON, Blanche BLANCHE IDA APPELSON Mrs. Blanche Ida Appelson, age 86, of Atlanta passed away on October 22, 2013. She was born November 27, 1926 and raised in Brooklyn, New York, by proud and hardworking Polish immigrants, Abraham (Abe) and Minnie Kaplan. Blanche, who was affectionately known as Blondie, was the second of three children, including her older brother, Hymie, and younger sister, Estelle. She attended Girls Commercial High School and graduated in 1944. In 1946, she married Irving Appelson, also from Brooklyn, shortly after he returned home from serving his country in World War II. Blanche and Irving raised three children: twin boys, Edward and Gary, born in Brooklyn in 1950; and a girl, Stacey, born in Atlanta in 1964. When the boys were 6, the family moved from Brooklyn and settled permanently in Atlanta while Irving pursued his long and successful career in sales. In Atlanta, Blanche raised the three children, created a welcoming home, and made many life-long friends. Blanche was very sociable and full of life. Her warm, loving, and endearing personality was appreciated by everyone. Blanche loved hosting dinners at home, especially around the holidays. She always found time to socialize and play cards, especially Canasta and Mahjong, with her many friends. Once all her children were in school she began working at the Atlanta Merchandise Mart. She ran a gift showroom there for over 20 years. There wasn't anyone at the Mart who didn't know Blanche. Blanche was a skilled and avid knitter and made beautiful blankets and sweaters for her family, as well as clothing for newborns at Grady Hospital. She was also a fantastic cook. Cheese blintzes, stuffed cabbage, kasha varnishkas, and matzo ball soup were among some of her specialties. Blanche will be greatly missed by her family and many friends who will always remember her lively, fun-loving, and caring spirit. She is survived by her loving husband of 67 years, Irving Appelson; her sister, Estelle Podberesky; brother-in-law, Eli Podberesky; sister-in-law, Henny Kaplan; twin sons: Edward Appelson and Gary Appelson; daughter-in-law, Suzanna Smith; daughter, Stacey Appelson; son-in-law, Steven Phillips; and two wonderful granddaughters whom she loved dearly, Jesse Smith-Appelson and Zoey Phillips. She is also survived by many cousins, nieces, and nephews. An online guestbook is available at www.edressler.com. Graveside services will be held TODAY, Thursday, October 24, 2013 at 1:00 pm at the Greenwood Cemetery in Atlanta. The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to the staff at the William Breman Jewish Home that lovingly cared for Blanche. Anyone wishing to contribute in memory of Blanche Appelson may make donations in her name to the William Breman Jewish Home. Arrangements by Dressler's Jewish Funeral Care. Atlanta (770) 451-4999.