Obituary of Rosella Fields
Ulster Park, NY
Rosella Fields, born and raised in Brooklyn NY, moved to Ulster Park six years ago to be closer to her daughter Lisa and son in law Gary. Rosella passed away peacefully of natural causes at home on Thursday, February 4, 2021. She was 103 years old. The daughter of the late Jake Ginsberg and Esther Belsky Ginsberg, Rosella was born on November 8, 1917.While lovingly raising her family of three, she also worked as a full charge bookkeeper at various, well respected firms. Until the very end of her career she made the formidable trip to Manhattan for work by walking and public transportation.
Rosella was well ahead of her time on many fronts. Not only did she break convention by working full time after World War II, she also often took her daughter to work before it became fashionable. Rosella also championed “doing the right thing.” In her youth, both her and her husband, Lester, were supporters of unions and throughout her lifetime chiseled away at cultural inequities through her actions and generosity to charitable causes.
She was forced into retirement in her late 70's when technology made her dispensable. Never one to lay dormant, she along with her husband Lester began the My Turn Program at Kingsborough Community College (KCC). They became active in academic and social activities for more than 20 years. Motivated by many and especially by Dr. Gail Levine-Fried, they assumed vital roles in the program. While she did not shy away from more demanding courses, she pursued her interest in health taking every physical education course available to her. Yoga and gym activities were pursued into her 90's. She demonstrated a newfound ability in art and created expressive sculpture and paintings. Rosella was a role model for other seniors and younger students. She earned many accolades for this and her achievements in and contributions to the program. Not until towards the very end of her life did she let numerous broken bones and other calamities keep her from being physically active. Her memory is a blessing to all those she touched. In turn these people touched many others thus Rosella had an enormous effect in her community and beyond. The Fields household was a warm secure harbor for many.
Survivors include:
Sister: Evelyn Malzberg
Children: Milton and Betty Fields, Wayne Fields and Tracey Hooker, Dr. Lisa Fields-Jacobson,DC and Gary Jacobson
Grandchildren: Lea Fields and her husband Niranjan Bose, Max Fields and his fiancé Emily Griffin, and Sam Fields
Great grandchildren: Aditya (Adi), and Asher Bose. Many nieces and nephews.
Rosella was predeceased by: Husband Lester Fields, Brothers Nicky, Murray, and Sidney.
A private graveside funeral service took place on Sunday, February 7, 2021 at 12:00 noon at the Worker’s Circle # 281 Cemetery, Marsh Road, Glen Wild, NY.
Donations may be made Hospice of the Hudson Valley or People's Place in Kingston NY.
Funeral arrangements are honorably entrusted to the Joseph N. Garlick Funeral Home - Ellenville; 845-647-7747 or www.josephngarlickfuneralhome.com.
