Maxine B. (Lazar) Wittgraf Obituary (1921 - 2012)

Maxine B. (Lazar) Wittgraf, 90, died peacefully Sunday, April 15, 2012 in Saratoga Springs, NY attended by the caring staff of Wesley Health Care Center and The Community Hospice. Maxine was born on September 10th, 1921 in Minneapolis, Minn the daughter of Emma (Leviton) and David Greenberg. She graduated from North High School. Widowed three times, she raised three children with her first husband, Alec Lazar, who pre-deceased her. She was married for a short time to Phillip Moss and lastly to her third husband, Ralph Wittgraf. Maxine enjoyed music, knitting, growing violets, entertaining, non-processed home cooking, baking, keeping an organized home and found time to enjoy the sunshine. She loved the art of clothing and was a fashion model. She loved dressing others and worked at Schlamps, a women’s clothing store, making a career in women’s fashion. Ms. Wittgraf was a longtime member of the Adath Jeshurun Synagogue and president of the Sisterhood of Bnai Brith. Maxine enjoyed the Jewish holidays and their special presentations. She liked playing canasta with long-time friends. Music was a hidden talent, having played a little piano and listened to the music of the Big Bands. She took great care to bring nature inside and loved caring for plants throughout her life. Maxine lived most of her life in Minneapolis and moved to Wesley Nursing Home in Saratoga Springs for the last decade of her life. . She brought a lot of ornamentation, color and sparkle to Wesley. She was involved with Temple Sinai, making new friends and spending time with her daughter Beverly’s family and friendship circle. She loved being outside in the fresh air. Maxine is survived by her three children: Myron (Cookie) Lazar, James (Keron) Lazar, and Beverly Lazar (Peter) Davis. She had 8 grandchildren: Amy Lazar (Scott Gleason), Anthony Lazar (Jaime), Ryan Lazar (Stacey), David Lazar (Tanja), Tim Davis (step grandchild) (Lisa Sanditz), Lisa Davis (step grandchild) (Alex Sherwin), Adrienne Davis (Jennifer Raine) and Benjamin Davis. She had 12 great-grandchildren- Sofia, Wyatt, Dylan, Ethan, Austin, Hannah, Mason, Seth, Rowan, Sasha, Enna and Athena. She is also survived by her loving sister Lois (Peter) Marcus and several nieces and nephews. Her family expresses their deep appreciation for the loving care and attention she received from the staff at Wesley Health Care Center. Transition arrangements are under the direction of the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes in Saratoga Springs. On Thursday, April 19th, at 2 pm there will be a service in the chapel at Hodroff’s Funeral Home, 126 E Franklin Av, Minneapolis. This will be followed by a graveside service at Beth El Memorial Park. Donations in Maxine's honor can be sent to Wesley Health Care Center, 131 Lawrence Street, Saratoga Springs, New York 12866 SHIVA 7 pm Thursday at the Adath Jeshurun Congregation, 10500 Hillside Lane W. in Minnetonka. Maxine will be buried next to her first husband Alec. A celebration and memorial service will be held at a future date in May in Saratoga Springs for family and friends.