Regina S. Plutzky's Obituary
Regina Plutzky, 85, passed away on Wednesday, October 19, 2016 after a lengthy struggle with Alzheimer’s Disease, which she faced with courage, resiliency, and great dignity.
Born July 11, 1931 in Regla, Cuba, just across the bay from Havana, Regina grew up the younger of two daughters born to Aaron and Berta Schnaider, both of whom escaped from Eastern Europe around the time of WWI. Aaron, a tailor, started his own successful leather goods company; Regina spoke proudly of her time helping run the business as her father’s most trusted associate. She obtained a B.A. in Business and attended music conservatory as an accomplished pianist. It was Max’s comment about Regina’s beauty as she passed him in a library in the early 1950s that started their courtship – including Max’s frequent shuttle boat trips across Havana Bay in the public “launchita” to see her. From their marriage in 1955, their life was always together – “siempre junto” as Max wrote to her decades later -‐ in all that love and life would bring them. When Castro seized power in 1959, both she and Max were committed to their own escape so their children could be raised in freedom, despite the sacrifices involved. Regina faced this dangerous, daunting challenge and separation from her own parents, friends, and homeland with her characteristic grit and determination. They arrived penniless in Miami, moving shortly thereafter to Morgantown, West Virginia for Max’s new position on the medical school faculty. Max often recalled with respect and love how Regina never once complained about this difficult journey, even from the moment they arrived in West Virginia during a snowstorm and without coats.
Their path led them to Gainesville, a place they loved dearly and called home for almost sixty years. Home, family, and community meant everything to Regina, as was evident in her pride in her home; her renowned cooking that she loved to share with family, friends, and charities; her artistry as a seamstress; and her complete devotion to family. She was a longstanding B’nai Israel congregant, where she taught preschool and led Yiddish and cooking classes, Sisterhood and Hadassah member and recurring president of both, and a Hadassah Woman of Valor. Above all else, Regina was a uniquely kind, gentle, compassionate soul, exuding great warmth, humor, and vibrant energy. These qualities contributed to her being a loving, supportive wife, cherished mother, and trusted friend. The strength of her bond with Max led her to be profoundly affected by his death in 2010. Regina, beloved mother, grandmother and friend, has been and will be terribly missed, even as the nature and power of her spirit keep her always with us, comforted in knowing she is at peace.
In addition to her sister Rosita Pollock of Miami, she is survived by daughter, Belinda Reitman, an attorney residing in Weston, FL; son, Jorge Plutzky, a cardiologist in Boston; son-in-law, Laurence Reitman, a radiologist; daughter-in-law, Nancy Baskin, an attorney, and three beloved granddaughters, Sarah, who lives and works in NYC; and Abigail and Emily, seniors in college and high school, respectively.
Funeral services will be conducted Sunday, October 23, 2016, at 3 p.m., at Congregation B'nai Israel, 3830 NW 16th Blvd., Gainesville, with Rabbi David Kaiman officiating. Interment will follow in B'nai Israel Cemetery. WILLIAMS-THOMAS FUNERAL HOME DOWNTOWN, 404 North Main Street, Gainesville is handling all arrangements. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Congregation B'nai Israel, 3830 NW 16th Blvd, Gainesville FL, 32605.
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