Fannie Mandelbaum

Fannie Mandelbaum passed away at home, on the morning of November 24, 2015. Her daughter, Ilene Mandelbaum, and son-in-law, Cedar Barager, were by her side. Fannie had recently celebrated her 101st birthday.

Fannie was born to Isidore and Rebecca Kershner in Brooklyn, New York, on November 3, 1914. Her parents and two older siblings had immigrated to the United States in 1912 from Poland. She was especially close to her sister, Molly Herman. Fannie attended Brooklyn College, her degree in statistics and English literature, and was always an avid reader. She worked as a statistician for the New York City Division of Parole, the Department of Defense in New York and Washington, D.C, and at National Jewish Hospital in Denver, Colorado.

Fannie was married for fifty-six years to Arthur Mandelbaum, also from Brooklyn. Arthur was recruited to work at the Menninger Foundation, in Topeka in 1952. He was a clinical social worker, who was well-known for pioneering, teaching and training in the field of family therapy. Arthur passed in 2001.

Fannie was an active in many community organizations, including Minerva and the League of Women Voters, where she was a 50-year member.

She is survived by her daughter, Ilene Mandelbaum; son-in-law, Cedar Barager; niece, Julie Zalkind; and nephews Maury and Michael Herman, and their families.

The family wishes to express its appreciation to the circle of friends and care givers who shared their time and love with her in recent years and months.

A service for Fannie will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, November 27, at Temple Beth Sholom in Topeka, with burial at Mount Hope Cemetery. A reception at the Temple will follow. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Temple Beth Sholom of Topeka. Penwell-Gabel Mid-Town Chapel is assisting the family.

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