Rochelle Smulowitz

Rochelle "Shelly" Phyllis Smulowitz, 89, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on Oct. 31, 2025, at her home in Naples, Fla.

Born in Scranton on May 15, 1936, Shelly was the daughter of Stella and Lester Nathan and the older sister of Judy "Nathan" Meer. She graduated from Central High in Scranton in 1954 and later earned a Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy from College Misericordia in Dallas in 1981.

Shelly was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 61 years, William "Bill" J. Smulowitz; daughter, Karen Smulowitz; parents, Stella and Lester Nathan; and her sister, Judy Meer.

Shelly married Bill in 1957. They lived in Kingston, where Bill worked for the family business, the Lion Brewery. Shelly devoted herself to raising three children: Karen, Lester, and Lynn. She was deeply involved in community life through Temple Israel and numerous volunteer organizations.

As a classically trained pianist, Shelly was also an avid patron of the arts and a gifted athlete. She believed her purpose in life was to be a healer, touching lives through music, kindness, and compassion. As a music therapist and chaplain, she worked with seniors, the ill, the disabled, and psychiatric patients, bringing comfort through her talents and her presence.

Shelly's boundless curiosity and love of learning guided her throughout her life. She was a competitive golfer and tennis player, a dedicated member of the Temple choir, and took special joy in crafting tallitot and chanting Haftarot on her birthdays and during High Holidays.

Shelly is survived by her son, Lester Smulowitz of Dallas, Pa.; her daughter, Lynn Muchnick, and son-in-law, Louis Muchnick of Penn Valley, Pa.; her beloved grandchildren, Nathan Muchnick and his wife, Lexi , of Wynnewood, Pa., and Karly Winter and her husband, Michael, of Voorhees, N.J.; and her great-grandchildren, Henry and Lena Winter and Benny and Andi Muchnick.

A graveside funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 5, at Temple Israel Cemetery, 212 Denison St., Swoyersville.

Shiva will follow the funeral service at the JCC, 613 S.J. Strauss Lane, Kingston, PA 18704.

Donations in her name can be made to Temple Israel, S. River St., Wilkes-Barre.