Germaine Mandelbaum

Germaine "Gerry" (Newman) Mandelbaum, of Indianapolis, loving grandmother, mother, wife and friend passed away on May 22, 2017. Born in New York City on June 16, 1929, she met the love of her life in the Catskill Mountains while vacationing with her parents, Abraham Newman and Sylvia (Hirshon) Newman and her sister, Cynthia (Newman) Cayn, all of whom preceded Gerry in death. The love of her life, Isidore "Izzy" Mandelbaum, M.D., was leading a big band on the fateful weekend when they met. Soon thereafter Gerry declared to her father, "I am going to marry that man someday". On June 1, 1952 the two married in New York. Their marriage lasted until Izzy also preceded her in death on December 19, 2012.

From 60 years of marriage to Izzy, Gerry became the mother of David M. (Anna) Mandelbaum, M.D., Michael A. (Tracey) Mandelbaum, Jonathan A. (Stacey) Mandelbaum, M.D., Rise S. Mandelbaum, Arthur E. Mandelbaum and Stuart M. (Denise) Mandelbaum, all of whom survive. Gerry loved to spoil her adoring grandchildren who survive her including: Lauren B. Mandelbaum, Brian E. Mandelbaum, Joshua M. (Karen) Mandelbaum, Brent J. Mandelbaum, Luke T. (Jenalee) Age, Mitchell P. (Chelsea) Wilsey, Tanner D. Wilsey, Megan E. Mandelbaum, Melissa N. (Ryan) Lamb, Benjamin S. Mandelbaum, Brianna M. Portese, Abigail R. Mandelbaum, Madisyn J. Mandelbaum, Baylee J. Cavaness, Hannah M. Mandelbaum and Camryn P. Mandelbaum. Her surviving great-grandchildren are Ethan J. Age, Saige M. Wilsey, and Jacob C. Mandelbaum. Gerry was a dedicated mother and grandmother who took special pride in all the accomplishments of her children and grandchildren, academic, professional and otherwise. She was always there to lend a helping hand and to slip a bit of cash to her children and grandchildren when needed. She was quite happy to give advice and encouragement regardless of whether it was solicited. Most of all, her happiest times were always with family.

In addition, Gerry found great happiness at IU basketball games (only if the Hoosiers were playing well, which she was well qualified to determine), soaking up the sun on Captiva Island and watching any number of game shows and soap operas. Aside from the duties of a mother and grandmother, Gerry was active in various community organizations and charities. Two of her favorite were the Cheer Guild at the IU School of Medicine and the Friends of Music in support of the Indiana University School of Music-Bloomington.

Gerry was well known for cooking great meals. Izzy often declared he could never get as good a meal as "Mom's home-cooked dinners" even in the finest restaurants around. She always had plenty of food for her kids, grandkids and their friends no matter how many would show up, often completely unannounced. Her Thanksgiving stuffing, pasta dishes and traditional holiday meals were a welcome sight by those fortunate enough to enjoy her cooking.

Gerry lived a long and fulfilling life. She was blessed to receive wonderful care in her final years, months and days from the extraordinary staff at The Hearth at Stones Crossing, the attentive staff of Changes Home Care, and the caring nurses from Franciscan VNS Hospice. They all treated her with patience and compassion. Gerry developed much the same kind of love for many of them as she had for her own family. For that care, Gerry's family is forever grateful.

A private funeral service will be held for Gerry with arrangements being entrusted to Aaron Ruben Nelson Funeral Home with burial beside her beloved Izzy at the Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation North Cemetery in Carmel, Indiana.

Contributions in memory of Gerry to Franciscan Hospice House would be greatly appreciated. Donations can be sent to: Franciscan Health Foundation for the Franciscan Hospice House at 5255 East Stop 11 Road, Suite 245, Indianapolis, IN (46237).