Rochelle Dorothy Koenig's Obituary
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Rochelle Dorothy Koenig, a beacon of generosity and community spirit, who passed peacefully on Monday, June 2nd, 2025, in Weston, Florida, at the age of 90.
Rochelle was born in Woburn, Massachusetts, on August 22nd, 1934. Her life was a testament to love, service, and an unwavering commitment to enriching the lives of others. She shared nearly 70 remarkable years of marriage with her beloved husband, Paul Koenig. Together, they built a loving family that includes their three sons, six grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
Rochelle was one of the first women to graduate from Boston University’s School of Business. Soon after graduating, Rochelle worked as a school teacher, supporting herself and Paul while he served in the army in Kentucky. This early dedication to education and support foreshadowed a lifetime of giving. Years later, when reflecting upon a career of community service, Rochelle beautifully articulated her philosophy: "Helping others through volunteerism has been a way of life for me. It is important to give back to the community by developing programs, culture, activities, and needed services for the many organizations which make a difference in the lives of our South Florida community."
Her impact on South Florida was, indeed, profound and wide-reaching. Rochelle's dedicated leadership and tireless fundraising efforts benefited numerous organizations, including:
· South Florida Bar Auxiliary (Founding Member)
· Turkish American Business, Education and Cultural Exchange Organization (Vice President)
· Multiple Sclerosis Society
· Goodwill Industry Ambassador
· Nova Schools Advisory Committee/Nova Parent Teacher Association (Board Member and Officer)
· Jewish Federation Women's Division (Officer)
· Holocaust Documentation and Education Center
· South Broward American Cancer Society
· Symphony of the Americas (Executive Officer)
· Florida Philharmonic Orchestra Society
· PACERS of the Broward Center for the Performing Arts
· Circle of Friends at Nova University
· American Association of University Women
· Friends of the Museum of Art (Board Member)
However, it was in Weston where Rochelle's passion for the arts and arts development shone brightest: “In Weston, I was an organizer of the Weston Philharmonic Society. As president, I brought world-class concerts to the community and introduced children's operas and professional musical enrichment programs to Weston schools." In addition, as a founding member and president of the Arts Council of Greater Weston, Rochelle established cultural presentations for adults and artists, created the Art Walk in Town Center, and launched the popular Weston Foreign Film Series.
Among her many accolades, Rochelle was inducted into the Broward County Senior Hall of Fame, received the 25-year service award from the Jewish Federation of Broward County and named one of the 100 Outstanding Women of Broward County for her decades of volunteer
work and was named a Woman of Style and Substance by the Philharmonic Orchestra Society for her many contributions to the arts.
Rochelle was known for her boundless kindness and giving spirit; she gave generously to everyone until she could give no more. Her warmth, dedication, and unwavering commitment to community will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Even more than Rochelle’s commitment to community was her devotion and love for her family. Rochelle was the “glue” that kept a large extended family close, a mother and wife that did everything for her husband and children and a trusted confidant, creative story-teller and recipe-sharer to her grandchildren. She leaves behind a legacy of love and service, cherished by her husband Paul; her sons Jim Koenig, Bill Koenig (Melinda Witmer), and Michael Koenig (Tina Koenig); her grandchildren Alana, Errol, Samantha, Stephen (Allie), Alex and Jason Koenig; her great-granddaughters Elle and Chloe Koenig; her brother Larry Levine (Susan); and a multitude of family, friends and community members whose lives she touched.
Funeral services will be held Friday, June 6, 2025, at 12:00 PM (Noon) at Beth David Memorial Gardens in Hollywood, Florida, with burial immediately following. For those who would like to join remotely, they can join at the following online address: https://www.shiva.com/y2izgj6a Viewneral ID: 952 4159 3672 Password: 926640
A celebration of life will be held the same day from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM at The Theater Room, The Palace at Weston. Additional gatherings for family and friends will take place Saturday, June 7, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the home of Michael and Tina Koenig in Weston, and Sunday, June 8, at noon at the home of Jim Koenig in Fort Lauderdale.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Rochelle's memory to The Weston Philharmonic Society, The Arts Council of Greater Weston, The Jewish Federation of Broward County, or The Alzheimer's Association.
Rochelle's light will continue to shine through the countless lives she enriched and the vibrant community she helped to build. May her memory be a blessing
What’s your fondest memory of Rochelle?
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Share a story where Rochelle's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Rochelle you’ll never forget.
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