Obituary of Hazel Zankel

Hazel Zankel, formerly of Brooklyn and Rockville Centre and a resident of Troy since 2003, died June 27 at the Eddy Memorial Geriatric Center, Troy, just two weeks before her 96th birthday. The daughter of the late David and Sadie (Greenberg) Halpern, Hazel was born In Brooklyn where, early in her life, she became acquainted with a young admirer named Harry Zankel whom she would marry following her graduation from Adelphi University. Hazel and Harry shared 58 happy years together before his passing in 1998. Hazel enjoyed a variety of social activities, playing golf and bridge, reading, attending Broadway shows, and travelling in the U. S. and abroad, but found her greatest joy in rearing two sons and participating in family occasions that celebrated milestones marked by hers and Harry's extensive families. Hazel is survived by her two adoring sons, Lewis (Sharon) Zankel of Brunswick and Robert (Sekai) Zankel of Philadelphia, her loving granddaughters, Astara Fane of Brooklyn and Miriam Vaknin of Israel, and four great-grandchldren. Hazel will also be greatly missed by her sister Blossom Fishman of Parkland, Florida, her life-long friend Mabel Ader of Manhattan, and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and husband, Hazel was predeceased by her brother Ira Halpern and sister Betty Frey. A graveside service for Hazel will be conducted by Rabbi Jonathan Pearl on Sunday, June30, at 11:30 a.m. at the Halpern Family Plot, Mt. Lebanon Cemetery, Glendale, Queens, New York. The Zankel family extends its thanks and appreciation to the staff and excellent caregivers at the Eddy Memorial Geriatric Center and the Community Hospice of Rensselaer County for their many kindnesses and support. Those wishing to remember Hazel Zankel with a memorial gift may wish to contribute to the Community Hospice of Rensselaer County, 295 Valley View Blvd., Rensselaer, New York 12144.