Rosa (Rosita) Rabinovitz, 91, of Scottsdale, Arizona, passed away on Nov. 18, 2018. Rosita was born in Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico, and lived in Des Moines, Iowa, for 70 years before relocating to Scottsdale last year.
Her parents, Nochum and Miriam Berdowsky, immigrated to Mexico from Lithuania and were among the first Jewish settlers in Monterrey. As a young girl, Rosita studied dance, piano and opera. She loved to sing and perform. She could read, write and speak fluent Yiddish.
On a visit to Des Moines to visit family, Rosita met the love of her life, Ronald “Uby” Rabinovitz. They were married in Monterrey in 1947. She was his “pretty lady,” and they shared 59 wonderful years together before Uby’s death in 2006. They enjoyed attending concerts, plays, musical performances and movies, as well as civic, cultural and Jewish community events. They liked to dance. They loved traveling, especially to family simchas.
Rosita was incredibly proud to become an American citizen in 1986. She even eventually got used to Iowa winters. She was a homemaker, and also sold women’s clothing for many years. Rosita was quite stylish, always dressed impeccably, and loved to “farputz.” She was very friendly and social, and loved to be around people at Jewish community gatherings.
She was an active member of Beth El Jacob Synagogue and the Sisterhood, Tifereth Israel Women’s League, B’nai B’rith Women, O.R.T. and Hadassah. She gave generously of her time volunteering for worthwhile causes in Des Moines.
Rosita loved to host and entertain, and she prepared wonderful kosher Shabbat and Yom Tov meals. Her potato kugel and chicken soup with crispy kreplach were incomparable. She was known for her hospitality, and the Rabinovitz home across the creek from the synagogue was always open to guests and strangers. She set an admirable example for her family to follow. Rosita was an “eyshet chayil,” a true woman of valor.
Mrs. Rabinovitz is survived by four children: David Rabinovitz of Kansas City, Missouri, Dina (Jerry) Leener of Chevy Chase, Maryland, Myra (Gary) Shindler of Scottsdale, Arizona, and Judy Rabinovitz of Des Moines; grandchildren: Michael Leener, Becky Leener (Chris) Yalanis, Rabbi Jonathan (Faith) Leener and Beth Shindler; great-grandchildren: Paige Yalanis and Yehudah Leener; sister-in-law Rebeca Berdowsky of Monterrey; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Sheldon and Roselind Rabinowitz of Des Moines; and nephews, nieces and cousins in the U.S., Mexico, and Israel.
Besides her husband Uby and her parents, Rosita was preceded in death by her brother Beto Berdowsky of Monterrey, her sister Elsa Waxman of Mexico City and her grandson Marc Leener of Washington, D.C.
Funeral services were held at Dunn’s Funeral home in Des Moines on Wednesday, Nov. 21, 2018, with her grandson Rabbi Jonathan Leener officiating. Burial was at Jewish Glendale Cemetery.
Donations may be made to Kehilath Israel Synagogue, 10501 Conser, Overland Park, KS 66212, or to the Jewish Federation of Des Moines, 33158 Ute Ave., Waukee, IA 50263.