Roberta Tavel Shane

Roberta Tavel Shane

February 18, 1929 – January 20, 2025

Roberta Tavel Shane, a beloved mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, and friend, passed away on January 20th, 2025, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s. Born on February 18th, 1929, in Springfield, Massachusetts, to George and Frances Ressler, Roberta’s remarkable life was filled with love, devotion, and countless memories that touched everyone who knew her.

 A graduate of Classical High School in Springfield, MA, and a proud alumna of Russell Sage College (Class of 1950) where she majored in French, Roberta carried her love of learning and intellectual curiosity throughout her life. In 1955, she married the first love of her life, Milton Tavel, with whom she shared nearly 40 years of happiness until his passing in 1994. Years later, Roberta was fortunate to find love again with Sidney Shane, with whom she spent 18 wonderful years until his passing in 2013.

 Roberta was the epitome of style and class, always dressed to the nines and embodying grace in everything she did. She was a devoted and nurturing mother and grandmother, known for her incredible generosity and unwavering care for those around her. Fiercely loyal to her family and friends, Roberta took immense pride in her seven grandchildren, her greatest source of joy.

 Her love for music began in childhood when she sang on the radio and continued throughout her life, with a special affection for Broadway and all things Frank Sinatra. Roberta had an adventurous spirit and a passion for travel—her favorite way to see the world was by cruising. An excellent golfer, skilled bridge player, and voracious reader, she embraced life with energy and curiosity.

 Roberta was a lifetime member of Hadassah and a longtime member of the Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation and Broadmoor Country Club, where she forged many cherished friendships.

 She was preceded in death by her parents, Frances and George Ressler; her brother, H. Barry Ressler; her husbands, Milton Tavel and Sidney Shane; and her grandson, Mitchell Tavel. Roberta is survived by her three children, Andrew (Lorin) Tavel, Michael Tavel, and Julie (Mark) Weiler; her seven grandchildren, Matthew, Madeline, Laini, Eli, Jackson, Keaton, and Logan; and her stepchildren and step-grandchildren from the Shane/Pretekin family, with whom she shared a special bond and deep affection.

 Roberta’s legacy of love, generosity, and devotion to her family and friends will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew her.

Funeral services will be held on Sunday, January 26, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Aaron-Ruben-Nelson Funeral Home, 11411 North Michigan Road, Zionsville, IN 46077. A private burial will follow.

 Memorial contributions in Roberta’s honor may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at www.ALZ.org or the T.J. Martell Foundation for Cancer Research at www.tjmartell.org.

 May her memory be a blessing.