Rosaline Sonnenwirth, March 9, 2022

Rosaline Sonnenwirth, passed away peacefully in her home on March 9, 2022;  She was the beloved wife of the late Alex Sonnenwirth, PhD.; mother and mother-in-law of Betty Sonnenwirth Ozar MD (Stuart Ozar MD), and the late Maurice Sonnenwirth MD (Brooke Schwartz Sonnenwirth MD); She lived to see and greatly love 7 grandchildren, Naomi (Nechemia) Mond, Rivka (Sam) Goldenhersh, Alex (Lauren) Ozar, Ayelet (Yosef) Gottesman, Atara (Chaim) Nechamkin, Ellie Sonnwenwirth Weisz (Dan), Ari Sonnenwirth and 21 great grandchildren.

Rosaline was born in East St. Louis to Harry and Clara Soffer along with her brother, the late Larry Soffer.  During her teen years the family moved across the river seeking a more vibrant Jewish community, where she graduated from University High School.  On June 1, 1952, she married Alex Sonnenwirth, a survivor of the Holocaust, who, with her support, went on to become a world famous microbiologist, Director of the Division of  Microbiology at Jewish Hospital and a Professor at Washington University School of Medicine.  Together, they nurtured their two children in a beautiful, traditional Jewish home, open to many Shabbos guests.

Rosaline was an avid book reader and proud that she was among a small number of her peer group to obtain a Master’s Degree in Special Education.  Many former students are grateful to this day for support she gave to them in her private practice as a reading specialist and college test preparation expert.  She went on to devote many years to the Epstein Hebrew Academy, guiding their accreditation efforts, and serving as Board President.

Rosaline was devoted to her grandchildren, enriching their lives with special, individualized trips with “Savta” and, of course, her many delicious desserts, prepared weekly for the Shabbos table.  She was very pleased with their academic achievements, but even more so with the many great grandchildren who continue to carry on Jewish traditions and values.

Graveside Service Thursday, March 10, 2:00 PM at Beth Hamedrosh Hagodol Cemetery, 9125 Ladue Rd. Visit www.bergermemorialchapel.com for more information.

BERGER MEMORIAL SERVICE