Ruth Goldsmith Conwisher Rolfe

Ruth Goldsmith Conwisher Rolfe, 98, beloved mother of Maryl Levine and Rosa Herst died peacefully at her home on Friday, May 18. Following a distinguished career as a business education teacher, a CPA, and a high school counselor, Ruth Rolfe retired to Sarasota and began an active life in the Sarasota community. She was a charter member of Temple Sinai and supported the Jewish Family & Children’s Service of Sarasota-Manatee, The Community Foundation of Sarasota County, Special Olympics, the Sarasota Opera, the Artist Series, the Historic Asolo Theatre, Girls’ Inc., Sarasota Memorial Hospital Foundation, Every Child, and many other charities. Ms. Rolfe was born in Whiting, IN. She received a B.S. in Business with a major in Accounting and a Masters Degree in Education from Northwestern University, and a second Masters degree in Counseling from the University of Pittsburgh. She initiated an educational program that enabled black high school students to go to elite Eastern prep schools. As a volunteer in Sarasota, Ms. Rolfe was treasurer for the Kidney Foundation, secretary for the Board of the Volunteer Center, and receptionist at both the Ringling Museum of Art and Mote Marine. She tutored foreign students in English, prepared tax returns for senior citizens as part of an AARP program, and was Vice President for Public Affairs for the National Council of Jewish Women. There she initiated the “Women in Power” luncheon which gives scholarships to women who are non-traditional students. Ms. Rolfe was married to Benjamin Conwisher for 37 years, and to Bud Rolfe for 15. She was the beloved grandmother of Samuel Levine and Michael Herst, and the great-grandmother of Sam and Jack Herst. A memorial service was held on Tuesday morning, 11:00 am at Temple Sinai, 4631 South Lockwood Ridge Road. Contributions can be made to the Jewish Family & Children’s Service, Ruth G. Rolfe Legacy Fund, a named endowment fund used to support programs targeting children & families served by JFCS, 2688 Fruitville Road Sarasota, FL 34237 (941)366-2224. Arrangements under the direction of OSCEOLA MEMORY GARDENS CEMETERY FUNERAL HOME and CREMATORY 1717 Old Boggy Creek Rd. Kissimmee, Fla. 34744 for condolences to the family log on to www.osceolamemgds.com

Ruth Goldsmith Conwisher Rolfe

March 20, 1914 - May 18, 2012