It is hard to believe that my dear friend Celle has left us. Her passing leaves a terrible gap in my life; we were closer than sisters for over 40 years. She was a wonderful friend, not only to me -  Celle had a huge number of close friendships.  She was the kind of friend who stands by you when you need someone to be there. It was always a pleasure  to be in her company. Her cheerful and vibrant personality, her wit and quick repartee won many hearts and made her a sought-after dinner guest; you could count on her to get the party going.

Celle was forthright, with strong opinions, never hesitating to make her feelings known although always with a gleam in her eyes. She dealt with personal tragedies with rare courage and dignity. Never had any of us seen someone as active and positive as Celle during the years of her illness. Six and a half years ago, she was given six months to live, and by sheer determination and by defying medical science, she got a second and third chance at life. She was a role model to all of us with her superhuman energy and her superhuman courage.

Celle, nee Brozen, was born in 1933 in Middleburg South Africa, one of six brothers and sisters. She met her future husband, Marcus, while studying physiotherapy in Johannesburg. Marcus was a lawyer in a prominent law firm at the time. They married and made aliyah in 1960 with their two small children, Ira and Barry. Celle worked as a physiotherapist at the Petah Tikva Geriatric Hospital for many years, where she won an “Excellence” award. After retirement she worked as a valued volunteer and “adopted” a paraplegic, devoting time, energy and much needed help to this person.

Celle was also a caring member of the ESRA Welfare Committee for many years. She felt she was assisting new immigrants from disadvantaged countries by participating in giving them help and to others in need in the community.  This was very important to her. She was very much part of the decision making on this committee and her input and valuable advice, on all the discussions we had on each and every application, was always appreciated.  She will be missed by all her colleagues in ESRA.

Celle was a very loving and much loved wife, mother and grandmother. She was extremely proud of each of her children and grandchildren

I will forever be grateful to have had Celle in my life. All the memories I have shared with her will be cherished and remembered.

May she rest peacefully.