Rosalyn "Roz" Applebaum:  June 9, 1932 - May 31, 2014

Please visit the HOME page and select one of the organizations to support in honor of Rozzie.   We'll keep you posted of the good work being done and would like to recognize and thank you for your contribution.

Remembering our mother ...
"Mom spent her whole life talking about her family and beloved friends, and we want to spend the rest of our lives talking about and honoring her and the joy she brought to this world ..."

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Roz passed away nine days before her 82nd birthday, after complications from a fall while visiting Syosset, NY. Roz loved life and people, uplifting all with her kindness, joy and genuine concern for others. Her family has received an outpouring of love from hundreds whom she touched, inspired or encouraged with her positive energy and humor.

Roz was born in Brooklyn, NY, where she graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School. She was an opera singing prodigy, and at age 17, auditioned for Arturo Toscanini and won one of two NBC voice scholar­ships. Soon after, her father passed away, and she left the scholarship program but continued to train. She met her husband Bob while working at a bank across from the NBC building in New York City, and chose to pour all of her love into having a family rather than pursue an international career in opera. Roz and Bob lived their lives in New York in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Laurelton, and Syosset, before moving to San Jose, CA in 1998.

Roz is survived by her loving husband, Bob, with whom she celebrated 50 years of marriage in May 2014; adoring sons Matthew of Johnson, VT, Jeff (Johanna) of Los Gatos, CA, and Barry (Rhonda) of Potomac, MD and grandchildren Jackson, Josh, Isaac, Elias, Jacob and Sarah, all whom affectionately called her “Bubbe.” She is preceded in death by her brother Benjamin Nadel. She treasured children and the promise they represent, while spending each of her days teaching, volunteering and being an all around “mensch.”

​"Project Rozzie" was set up to honor her memory by encouraging donations to organizations that provide scholarships and support for young opera singers, and the sponsorship of community visits to seniors.