Jean Rogozenski, age 99, loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother passed away peacefully at home on Dec. 17, 2019, in Tarzana, California.
Jean was born to Sarah and Joseph Shamie on Dec. 13, 1920, in New York City. She was one of 10 children. After living in Brooklyn for many years, her brother was the first to move to Kansas City and the rest of the family followed.
Working in her family linen and children’s clothing business, Jean traveled to many cities including New Orleans, Houston and Estes Park, Colorado. On the side, she became a proficient seamstress making elaborate clothing and draperies. She didn’t buy patterns but instead made her own. Jean was a perfectionist and taught herself how to do many things.
While living in Kansas City, Jean met Samuel Rogozenski, the love of her life. They were married in 1947 by Rabbi Gershon Hadas at Keneseth Israel Beth Shalom. They made a wonderful life together for 49 years until his death in 1996. After marrying Samuel, Jean’s father assisted them in starting a children’s clothing business. As co-owners they opened up Jean’s Lullaby House on Troost Avenue in Kansas City and later moved to Raytown, Missouri. They had their store for over 25 years until they retired in 1976.
Jean was a truly exceptional person. She was a hard worker but always made time to celebrate all the Jewish holidays. The traditions and rituals were important to her. She kept her Syrian heritage by teaching her children and granddaughters how to make Middle Eastern food and to appreciate everything in life.
Jean was blessed with five children, nine granddaughters and two great-grandsons. She moved to sunny California 16 years ago and called it her paradise. Her favorite spot was in the sun sitting by the pool, reading magazines to find new recipes to try. She was famous for her chocolate chip challah. She made it every Friday night for Shabbat until she wasn’t able to physically do it anymore. She was warm, genuine and will be deeply missed by family and friends alike.
Jean was preceded in death by her parents, husband, son Joel Rogozenski, son-in-law Harold House, siblings Molly (Joe) Fallas, Grace (Jack) Cayre, Morris Shamie, Jack (Alice) Shamie and Abie (Sylvia) Shamie.
She is survived by her daughters, Sharon (Jerry) Berger, Linda House, Renee (Larry) Twersky; daughter-in-law, Paula Rogozenski; and son, Eddie (Robin) Rogozenski; granddaughters, Jennifer House, Rachel (Stephen) Sher, Jessica Berger, Michelle Berger, Elana (Danny Matteson) Berger, Laura (Tim) Brassfield, Felicia Rogozenski, Mya Twersky and Sky Twersky; great-grandchildren, Jackson Brassfield and Devin Sher; siblings, Olga Fallas, Eddie (Rita) Shamie, Louie (Cleone) Shamie, Marilyn Shamie; and sister-in-law, Lorraine Shamie.
The funeral and burial took place Dec. 20, 2019, at Mount Sinai-Simi Valley in Simi Valley, California.