Dessie Sewel

Dessie Sewel, beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away in Memphis, Tennessee, the city she proudly called home for 76 years. Born in 1929 in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, Dessie brought with her to Memphis a steadfast spirit, a generous heart, and a quiet strength that touched all who knew her. Dessie attended Washington University in St. Louis. She married the late Lester M. Sewel and moved to Memphis in 1949. Dessie built a warm and welcoming home rooted in love, faith, and tradition, raising her two children, Patsy Sewel Gruenberg and the late Perry Sewel. Dessie's life was grounded in community and service. She was an active and devoted member of Baron Hirsch Synagogue. Her support of Jewish life in Memphis included membership to Temple Israel and Memphis Jewish Federation. Her civic and charitable commitments were wide-ranging and deeply felt. As all of those in the community can attest, Dessie was kind, generous, gracious, warm, completely dedicated to her family, her community, and the Jewish people. We wish to express our profound appreciation and gratitude to Marge Gurley. For over 30 years, she provided the care, comfort, and friendship necessary for Dessie to continue living independently in her cherished home. At the time of her passing, the caregivers of Comfort Keepers and the nurse and staff of Hospice of Hope provided the support and loving attention, allowing Dessie to die peacefully in her home. She is survived by her daughter Patsy Sewel Gruenberg (Alan Gruenberg, MD), grandchildren Matthew and Eva (Rahel), loving cousins, nephews, and nieces of the Minnen and Shaltupsky extended families. May her memory be for a blessing. If you wish to send a donation in her memory, please consider sending to Baron Hirsch Synagogue or Temple Israel. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Dessie, please visit our floral store.