Rose Shulner
Friendship club proved a salvation for charitably minded widow
IT WAS the death of her husband Sol that propelled Rose Shulner, who has died at the age of 102, into charity work, which led to her chairing her local friendship club. The daughter of Polish immigrants Brenda and Jacob Lingulka, who were known locally as Mr and Mrs Jacobs, Rose grew up in east London and proved her academic and sports prowess at the highly reputed Raines Foundation School in Bethnal Green. She excelled in swimming, particularly backstroke, for which she won several cups and medals for her school and county.
Rose was happily married to Sol Shulner for many years and had two daughters — myself and Michelle. She loved and defended her family with every fibre of her being. They lived in Clapton, east London, for many years where Rose was a member of Lampard Grove Beth Hamedresh Synagogue in Stoke Newington. I was the first to fly the nest when I married David Flower and moved to Essex.
Rose was devastated when Sol died and found it very hard to keep going but the local friendship club proved a salvation for her. As chairman, she organised many outings and events, raising money for Jewish causes. Her special forte was sales, and her stall at bazaars was always sold out.
Later, Rose and Michelle moved to Clayhall, Ilford to be nearer my family and her sister Rita. Very much a home lover and exceptionally houseproud, Rose also became a very enthusiastic gardener. Later, Michelle married and she and husband David lived with Rose
in her chalet bungalow in Clayhall. Rose always offered any tradesmen who came to her house a cup of tea and a snack. She was an exceptionally fine cook, armed with her mid European mother’s teaching and her Florence Greenberg recipes.
Rose loved charity quiz nights, although she was repeatedly told not to call the answers out aloud. Very active until she lost the use of her legs to osteoarthritis, she was well-travelled and had a great sense of humour. She hated being asked her age, and would inevitably knock off at least 10 years and be somewhat put out if challenged. Rose lived at home in Clayhall until she was 98 years old, and moved to Ilford’s Vi and John Rubens Care home.
Rose is survived by her daughters, sons-in law and grandchildren Antony and Suzy.
MADELEINE FLOWER
Rose Shulner: born November 16, 1915. Died June 5, 2017