Obituary of Rosalyn Miller Cilman

Rosalyn Miller Cilman

Rochester - Rosalyn (Roz) Miller Cilman was born in Rochester, New York on April 21, 1918 to Ben Miller and Anna Miller. She worked in her father's hardware store on State Street, first while studying at Charlotte High School, then throughout the Great Depression, World War II, and beyond. On May 24, 1942, Roz married the love of her life, Benjamin Cilman. Shortly after their wedding, Benjamin joined the Army. Ben returned from war with five combat medals and a Purple Heart from the European Theater, including Normandy, Ardennes Forest, and the Bulge.

Ben and Roz had three children: Alan, Donna and Robert (Bob). While raising their family, Roz worked as the receptionist, bookkeeper, and manager of Philip's Kosher Market, which Ben operated alongside his brother Phil. She was attentive to her children and active in Temple Beth El. Her family regarded her both as their historian, their source of news, and a certain presence at all family events, including her grandson's wedding in Virginia, just two weeks prior to her death.

At 98, Roz moved to Northampton, Massachusetts, where, in short order, she became involved with the Young@Heart Chorus, a group founded and directed by her son, Bob and the subject of a critically acclaimed documentary in 2008. To celebrate her 100th birthday, the Chorus produced a show about her life and she was the star. Although in Northampton for only a short time, she blossomed into a beloved member of the community.

Rosalyn was predeceased by her dear husband Benjamin, devoted daughter Donna Glazer, parents Ben and Anna Miller, brother Eli Miller, and devoted Aunt Esther Shapiro. She is survived by sons Alan, Vienna Virginia and Robert, Northampton, Massachusetts; grandchildren Avi (Debbie), Ilan (Sherri), Shoshana, and Raphael (Lauren) Glazer, Joshua (Shannon), Daniel (Mary), Joseph, Zachary and Courtney Cilman; and, Stella and Eva Cilman; her sister-in-laws Annabelle Cilman and Helen Senzel; 10 great-grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Funeral services will be held on Sunday, November 24, 2019, at Britton Road Cemetery at 10:30 AM. Click here for directions.

Shiva/reception will follow at Temple Beth El from 1-5 PM for those who wish to share memories and stories with the family. Click here for directions.

Roz has requested that in lieu of flowers donations be made to charity.