Regene Schottenstein

June 2, 1923 - July 27, 2014

Regene W. Schottenstein, age 91, died on July 27,2014. She was preceded in death by her parents, Benjamin and Helen Wides, her husband, Harold Schottenstein, and her longtime companion, Joseph Mandelkorn. She is survived by her sister, Eleanor Applebaum of Boca Raton, Florida, her son, James (Yana) Schottenstein, her daughter, Terri (Gary) Schottenstein, and her son, Dr. Edwin (Diane) Schottenstein; Grandchildren, Betsy (Steven) Hart, Brett (Katie) Kaufman, Brian Schottenstein, Corey Schottenstein, Irene (Brian) Culp, Shana Schottenstein, Jessica Schottenstein, Julia Schottenstein; and Great Grandchildren, Tyler, Colby and Sadie Hart, and Dylan, Grant, and Ian Kaufman; nieces and nephews. She was born in Lexington, Kentucky, and grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio. She graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a Bachelor’s degree in Education and taught school for some period of time. In 1946, after honeymooning in Cuba, she moved to Bexley, Ohio where Regene and Harold built a home on South Roosevelt Avenue. Regene was heavily involved in Jewish organizations and community charities. She was a strong supporter of Bonds for Israel, the Jewish Federation, and the Jewish Community Center. Regene and Harold were instrumental in the building of the present East Broad Street location of Congregation Agudas Achim, and the establishment of the Columbus Torah Academy. They helped found the Columbus Jewish Historical Society and have an active tribute fund and award to this day. Regene and Harold were expert dancers and were well known for their cha cha, mambo, and swing. It was not unusual for people at a party to form a circle around them just to watch. Regene was a consummate homemaker and accomplished organizer. She entertained at her home celebrities of the 1940s through the 1960s including: Joan Crawford, Art Linkletter, Bess Myerson, Polly Bergen and George Jessel. She also was a competitive athlete and won trophies in 1941 for the Greater Cincinnati Ping Pong tournament, as well as numerous trophies in both golf, and tennis. Regene was a frequent traveler and accompanied Harold on many trips to Europe, and Asia. They were strong supporters of the release of Soviet Jewry from the former Soviet Union, and in the 1970’s she traveled with Harold to Russia to accompany the first wave of Russian Olim from Russia to Israel. After the passing of her husband, Harold, in 1985, she moved to Boca Raton, Florida where she continued being active in charitable organizations, golf, and tennis. During these years Regene chaired the Greater Boca Raton Cancer Drive, and was President of PAPS Corp., a benefactor to the Boca Raton Regional Hospital, and for many years a Lion of Judah donating to the Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County, Florida. Regene was known for her quick wit, wonderful sense of humor, and exquisite taste. She was a loving and supportive mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, and was fond of telling all of her family “I love you more.” However, everyone in the family knows that we loved her more. Funeral service will be held at 1:00PM on Thursday, July 31 at CONGREGATION AGUDAS ACHIM, 2767 E. Broad St. with Rabbi Alan Ciner and Cantor Baruch Shifman officiating. Shiva will be observed at the home of Terri and Gary Schottenstein Thursday - Wednesday. Interment will follow at the New Agudas Achim cemetery. Contributions are suggested to Congregation Agudas Achim or The Columbus Jewish Historical Society.