Rose Mandel, nee Rosalind Francis Ronis, died peacefully after a brief illness, at the age of 99, on September 8, 2018 at Mid Pinellas Woodside Suncoast Hospice. She is survived by daughters Susan Fingerman (Craig), Sharri Mandel, Nina Wachsman (Ike) and Melissa Kegler (Jim), grandchildren Jennifer, Elaine, Elyse, David and Phil, great- grandchildren Lily, Dylan and Frida and several nieces and nephews.  Her beloved husband of nearly 60 years, Edward Mandel, died in 2005.
Rose was born in New York City on May 7, 1919. She grew up in Cedarhurst, Long Island, New York where her parents owned and operated a stationery store.  Rose took over management of the store at age 18, with her mother and sister, after her father died. She sang with the USO and the song Always, by Irving Berlin, was one of her favorites, which she sang at her children's and grandchildren's weddings. It became her theme song for the family.
Rose married Edward Mandel on September 30, 1945. She raised 4 children in New York, sang and acted with theatre groups, and continued her education after high school with adult education, and audited college and other courses. After raising her children, she worked for the U.S. Job Corps, Ward Foods, in child care and as an Executive Secretary.
Rose and Ed relocated to Florida (Largo and Seminole) from Queens, NY, and enjoyed the beach and sunshine for the last 30 years.
Rose was a remarkable woman who greatly loved her family, opera, classical music, reading, swimming, walking and being with people.  She enjoyed challenging herself with the NY Times and other crossword puzzles and could beat us all at Scrabble well into her 90s. She was filled with joy and exuberance for family, for music, and for life. She was an eternal optimist who was a positive influence on everyone she met. She will be greatly missed by her loving daughters and family, and by all who knew her.
Burial will be private. Donations in her memory may be made to the Suncoast Hospice Foundation, B'nai B'rith International, or the charity of your choice.