Marlene Ruth Rothenberg

Marlene Ruth (nee Kaluzny) Rothenberg, age 72 of Gary, Indiana, “Pussycat” of Jerry Rothenberg passed away suddenly on August 17, 2016. Marlene is survived by the love of her life, Jerry, husband of 54 years. Children: Jeff (Joani) Rothenberg, Terri (Bob) Chmara, and Lisa (Michael) Giglio. Bubbie of Leela, Ben Tamir, Maya, and Tal Rothenberg, Jake, Alex and Jamie Chmara, and Moe and Elaine Giglio. Sister to Larry (Barbara) Kaluzny and Jan Schaefer. Loved by her nieces, nephews, cousins, many friends and granddog-Amy. Marlene was preceded in death by her youngest daughter, Julie. Marlene was born in Detroit on February 25, 1944 to Shy and Rose Kaluzny. Marlene and Jerry met when she was 13 and he was 17. They married 4 years later and continued an unbelievable love and friendship, even working together for over 25 years at West Side Nursing Home. Marlene was very active in her community and loved living in Gary and very proud to be born from Detroit, returning to visit several times each year. She was involved with Hadassah, Temple Israel board member, past Sisterhood President for 6 terms, managed the Temple Gift shop for over 40 years, the Jewish Federation of Northwest Indiana, made homemade chocolates, and enjoyed playing scrabble with her family. She and Jerry were often found seen walking hand-in-hand and riding in their purple dune buggy often to go to Armans or Depot Dog for a hot dog! She was extremely proud of their 9 grandchildren and they all loved spending time together. Visitation with the family will be on Thursday, August 18th from 4:00PM-7:00PM at Burns Funeral Home, 10101 Broadway, Crown Point, IN. Funeral is Friday, August 19 at 2:00 PM, at Burns Funeral Home, but you may come 1 hour prior to give Jerry a hug and a back scratch. Rabbi Niles Goldstein of Temple Israel, 601 N. Montgomery St., Gary, IN will officiate. Following the service, burial will be at Temple Israel Cemetery in Portage, IN next to Julie. In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to the Temple Israel Sisterhood Julie Fund or the Multiple Sclerosis Society. Not enough words can describe the loss her family and friends feel, but her traditions will be carried on through her children and grandchildren. www.burnsfuneral.com

Marlene Ruth Rothenberg

February 25, 1944 - August 17, 2016