1913
Ida
2018
Ida Rose Rotman
June 14, 1913 — April 27, 2018
Biography
WORCESTER - We celebrate the life of Ida Rose Rotman who, after a brief illness, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Friday, April 27th, at the age of 104. We celebrate this remarkably warm, loving, and vibrant personality who was the matriarch of the Rotman family and, more importantly, its guiding light. Her warmth and kindness, her patience and care, enriched the lives of each and every one of her family members and friends. She always had a ready ear to listen, an open heart to understand, and sage advice to offer.
All those who had the pleasure of meeting Ida, from friends to business associates, to shop keepers and gardeners, even total strangers, were taken by the way she gave her full attention to every conversation, letting others know they were loved and appreciated. She would also send birthday, anniversary, and holiday cards with personal notes to an ever-expanding list of family and friends. In doing so, she taught us about generosity, grace, and interdependence. She taught us that you receive the most when you give unselfishly to others. She was forever grateful for the many blessings in her life and encouraged all of us to never take our blessings for granted.
Ida Rose Kaplan was born on June 14, 1913 (Flag Day), to Joseph and Sarah Kaplan of Dorchester, MA. At the age of 14 she started working as a part time bookkeeper in the Dorchester Jewish Credit Union, which was managed by her father. At 16 she graduated early from high school, enabling her to work full time and help support her family. She learned secretarial skills and became an office manager in a Boston law firm, developing great success in accounting and organization. On June 3, 1934, she married the love of her life, Murray Rotman, and served as his supportive partner as he rose through the ranks of retail sales in Boston. In 1945, when a business opportunity arose, the family relocated to Worcester.
After a number of successful years as a carpet and furniture salesman and sales manager, Murray, along with Ida, founded Murida Furniture Company in the late 1950s. They leased the furniture and carpet departments in C.T. Sherer and later in Barnard’s. Then, in the late 1960s, they opened their own business at College Square, first as a Barnard’s branch and then, soon after, as Rotmans. Ida served as part owner, office manager, and accessory buyer. With the addition of their three sons, Ida and Murray saw the business grow to become the largest furniture, mattress, and flooring store in New England. Even after her retirement, Ida—known in the business as Mrs. R—would frequently visit the store and renew her bonds with the many employees who cherished her warmth and friendship.
During their early years in Worcester, Ida and Murray became very active in the local Jewish community, especially with Congregation Beth Israel. Ida served as the President of the Congregation’s Sisterhood, which later honored her on many occasions for the wonderful work she did and the inspiration she provided to so many.
Ida and Murray eventually moved to Lake Worth, Florida, where they became permanent residents. They were founding members of Congregation Beth Tikvah in Greenacres, and Ida also served as President of the Palm Beach chapter of Women’s American ORT. In addition, she actively supported many charities and Institutions including the Jewish Theological Seminary of America.
At the age of 100, Ida was honored for her many achievements in business and community service at the Women’s Leadership Conference held at the DCU Center. At the age of 103, she was featured in an article in The Jewish Advocate entitled “Grit, Grace, and Humor: Ida at 103: Matriarch of Worcester Furniture Dynasty” in which she outlined the early struggles and many successes of Ida and Murray’s career in business. This past year, she was recognized by the United Way of Central Massachusetts as it oldest and most continuous supporter. She was also one of the oldest and most consistent supporters of the Jewish Federation of Central Massachusetts.
Also this past year, because of her longstanding support for Dartmouth College (which her eldest son Barry attended), she was inducted as an honorary member of the Dartmouth College Class of 1957, making her the first and only female member of the class. At their 60th reunion, Ida spoke about her lifelong commitment to giving and supporting education. Following her speech, which was recorded by the College, Dartmouth announced the establishment of The Rotman Society in her honor, which will recognize and encourage parents who offer continuous support.
Ida was known as a master Bridge player who loved to share the joys of the game with anyone who expressed even the slightest desire to learn. When in Worcester, she had regular visits from the women of Seniors Helping Seniors, and she started a weekly bridge class at her home for them. Soon she had taught all her new friends how to play the game, including the owner of the company. A picture and article in the Worcester Telegram highlighted the weekly event of a 103 year old joyously playing and teaching the game she loved. She continued to teach and play bridge right up until her death.
She is predeceased by her husband, Murray, who died in 2004 after 70 years of marriage, and her brother Sidney Kaplan, who died in 2001. She is survived by her children Barry Rotman and his wife Arline, Steven Rotman and his wife Leslie, and Bernie Rotman and his wife Benita. She is also survived by 8 grandchildren: David Rotman of Shrewsbury, Alan Rotman (Nathalie) of Zichron Yaakov, Israel, Andy Rotman (Janna) of Northampton, Greg Rotman (Sally) of Palm Springs, California, Richard Rotman (Jennifer) of Westboro, Jamie Rotman (Tom) of Shrewsbury, Elisa Rotman (Rabbi Aaron Melman) of Northbrook, Illinois, and Lauren Rotman Paris (Jonathan) of Newton. She is also survived by 14 great grandchildren: Ben and Maddy; Ayelet, Daphna, and Dan; Myles and Henry; Matt and Sam; Sarah, Jordan, and Hanna; Eben and Lev.
The family wants to offer a special thank you to all the women caregivers and fellow bridge players of Seniors Helping Seniors, including Liz, Pam, Corinne, Maureen, Anne, and Denise, and her dear friend Barbara. We also thank Brenna and Sister Jane of the Jewish Healthcare Hospice. All of these kindnesses are enormously appreciated.
Funeral services will be held at 1:30pm, today, on Sunday April 29th at Congregation Beth Israel, 15 Jamesbury Drive, Worcester. Under the direction of Richard Perlman of Miles Funeral Home of Holden. Burial will be in the B’nai Brith Cemetery, St John’s Road, Worcester. Memorial Observance will be held at the Rotman residence through Friday Morning. Services will be held each day at 7am and 7:30pm.
Please omit flowers. Memorial contributions can be made to The Ida and Murray Rotman Scholarship Fund, c/o The Greater Worcester Community Foundation, 378 Main Street, Worcester, MA, 01608; The Rotman Fund, c/o Congregation Beth Israel, Jamesbury Drive, Worcester, MA, 01609; Congregation Shaarai Torah West, 835 Pleasant St, Worcester, MA 01602; or Women’s American ORT, 75 Maiden Lane, New York, NY, 10038. To offer a condolence or to share a memory please visit the "Guest Book" on this page.
Funeral Service
Sunday
April 29, 2018
,
1:30 PM
at
Congregation Beth Israel
Click for Map and Directions
Burial to follow Funeral Service
Sunday
April 29, 2018
,
3:00 PM
at
B'Nai Brith Cemetery
Click for Map and Directions
WORCESTER - We celebrate the life of Ida Rose Rotman who, after a brief illness, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Friday, April 27th, at the age of 104. We celebrate this remarkably warm, loving, and vibrant personality who was the matriarch of the Rotman family and, more importantly, its guiding light. Her warmth and kindness, her patience and care, enriched the lives of each and every one of her family members and friends. She always had a ready ear to listen, an open heart to understand, and sage advice to offer.
All those who had the pleasure of meeting Ida, from friends to business associates, to shop keepers and gardeners, even total strangers, were taken by the way she gave her full attention to every conversation, letting others know they were loved and appreciated. She would also send birthday, anniversary, and holiday cards with personal notes to an ever-expanding list of family and friends. In doing so, she taught us about generosity, grace, and interdependence. She taught us that you receive the most when you give unselfishly to others. She was forever grateful for the many blessings in her life and encouraged all of us to never take our blessings for granted.
Ida Rose Kaplan was born on June 14, 1913 (Flag Day), to Joseph and Sarah Kaplan of Dorchester, MA. At the age of 14 she started working as a part time bookkeeper in the Dorchester Jewish Credit Union, which was managed by her father. At 16 she graduated early from high school, enabling her to work full time and help support her family. She learned secretarial skills and became an office manager in a Boston law firm, developing great success in accounting and organization. On June 3, 1934, she married the love of her life, Murray Rotman, and served as his supportive partner as he rose through the ranks of retail sales in Boston. In 1945, when a business opportunity arose, the family relocated to Worcester.
After a number of successful years as a carpet and furniture salesman and sales manager, Murray, along with Ida, founded Murida Furniture Company in the late 1950s. They leased the furniture and carpet departments in C.T. Sherer and later in Barnard’s. Then, in the late 1960s, they opened their own business at College Square, first as a Barnard’s branch and then, soon after, as Rotmans. Ida served as part owner, office manager, and accessory buyer. With the addition of their three sons, Ida and Murray saw the business grow to become the largest furniture, mattress, and flooring store in New England. Even after her retirement, Ida—known in the business as Mrs. R—would frequently visit the store and renew her bonds with the many employees who cherished her warmth and friendship.
During their early years in Worcester, Ida and Murray became very active in the local Jewish community, especially with Congregation Beth Israel. Ida served as the President of the Congregation’s Sisterhood, which later honored her on many occasions for the wonderful work she did and the inspiration she provided to so many.
Ida and Murray eventually moved to Lake Worth, Florida, where they became permanent residents. They were founding members of Congregation Beth Tikvah in Greenacres, and Ida also served as President of the Palm Beach chapter of Women’s American ORT. In addition, she actively supported many charities and Institutions including the Jewish Theological Seminary of America.
At the age of 100, Ida was honored for her many achievements in business and community service at the Women’s Leadership Conference held at the DCU Center. At the age of 103, she was featured in an article in The Jewish Advocate entitled “Grit, Grace, and Humor: Ida at 103: Matriarch of Worcester Furniture Dynasty” in which she outlined the early struggles and many successes of Ida and Murray’s career in business. This past year, she was recognized by the United Way of Central Massachusetts as it oldest and most continuous supporter. She was also one of the oldest and most consistent supporters of the Jewish Federation of Central Massachusetts.
Also this past year, because of her longstanding support for Dartmouth College (which her eldest son Barry attended), she was inducted as an honorary member of the Dartmouth College Class of 1957, making her the first and only female member of the class. At their 60th reunion, Ida spoke about her lifelong commitment to giving and supporting education. Following her speech, which was recorded by the College, Dartmouth announced the establishment of The Rotman Society in her honor, which will recognize and encourage parents who offer continuous support.
Ida was known as a master Bridge player who loved to share the joys of the game with anyone who expressed even the slightest desire to learn. When in Worcester, she had regular visits from the women of Seniors Helping Seniors, and she started a weekly bridge class at her home for them. Soon she had taught all her new friends how to play the game, including the owner of the company. A picture and article in the Worcester Telegram highlighted the weekly event of a 103 year old joyously playing and teaching the game she loved. She continued to teach and play bridge right up until her death.
She is predeceased by her husband, Murray, who died in 2004 after 70 years of marriage, and her brother Sidney Kaplan, who died in 2001. She is survived by her children Barry Rotman and his wife Arline, Steven Rotman and his wife Leslie, and Bernie Rotman and his wife Benita. She is also survived by 8 grandchildren: David Rotman of Shrewsbury, Alan Rotman (Nathalie) of Zichron Yaakov, Israel, Andy Rotman (Janna) of Northampton, Greg Rotman (Sally) of Palm Springs, California, Richard Rotman (Jennifer) of Westboro, Jamie Rotman (Tom) of Shrewsbury, Elisa Rotman (Rabbi Aaron Melman) of Northbrook, Illinois, and Lauren Rotman Paris (Jonathan) of Newton. She is also survived by 14 great grandchildren: Ben and Maddy; Ayelet, Daphna, and Dan; Myles and Henry; Matt and Sam; Sarah, Jordan, and Hanna; Eben and Lev.
The family wants to offer a special thank you to all the women caregivers and fellow bridge players of Seniors Helping Seniors, including Liz, Pam, Corinne, Maureen, Anne, and Denise, and her dear friend Barbara. We also thank Brenna and Sister Jane of the Jewish Healthcare Hospice. All of these kindnesses are enormously appreciated.
Funeral services will be held at 1:30pm, today, on Sunday April 29th at Congregation Beth Israel, 15 Jamesbury Drive, Worcester. Under the direction of Richard Perlman of Miles Funeral Home of Holden. Burial will be in the B’nai Brith Cemetery, St John’s Road, Worcester. Memorial Observance will be held at the Rotman residence through Friday Morning. Services will be held each day at 7am and 7:30pm.
Please omit flowers. Memorial contributions can be made to The Ida and Murray Rotman Scholarship Fund, c/o The Greater Worcester Community Foundation, 378 Main Street, Worcester, MA, 01608; The Rotman Fund, c/o Congregation Beth Israel, Jamesbury Drive, Worcester, MA, 01609; Congregation Shaarai Torah West, 835 Pleasant St, Worcester, MA 01602; or Women’s American ORT, 75 Maiden Lane, New York, NY, 10038. To offer a condolence or to share a memory please visit the "Guest Book" on this page.
Funeral Service
Sunday
April 29, 2018
,
1:30 PM
at
Congregation Beth Israel
Click for Map and Directions
Burial to follow Funeral Service
Sunday
April 29, 2018
,
3:00 PM
at
B'Nai Brith Cemetery
Click for Map and Directions
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Ida Rose Rotman, please visit our flower store.
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