SHELBURNE – Annette Lillian (Nadelson) Lazarus, beloved daughter of Reverend Morris J. and Fannie M. (Kitayewitz) Nadelson, passed away peacefully on January 18, 2021.
Born and raised in Burlington, Vt., she was affectionately known by family and close friends by her Hebrew name, Nachamé Leah. She was a lifelong congregant of Ohavi Zedek Synagogue, where her father served for many years as religious leader, Cantor and in his early years as Shochet to the Jewish community.
Annette married Eugene Meyer “Mike” Lazarus in 1964 and moved to Middlebury, Vt., assisting him with running the United 5¢ to $1 Store. To the locals, it was “Mike’s Five and Dime,” where you could find practically anything you wanted — Mike was sure to have it, somewhere in the store.
Their son, Howard Richard “Richie” Lazarus, entered their lives in 1966, quickly becoming the family center and especially beloved by his grandparents. He died tragically from an accident when he was just 19 years old. To honor his memory, his parents established the Howard Richie Lazarus Endowment Fund at Ohavi Zedek, which provides scholarships to several young people each year to attend Jewish summer camp. There, they have fun while building personal growth and enhancing their religious studies. In 2000, the Lazarus family homestead on North Pleasant Street, Middlebury, was donated to Havurah — The Addison County Jewish Congregation, to establish their center for spiritual engagement, both traditional and unique — Havurah House.
Annette was a member of Hadassah and became more involved in her later years at Ohavi Zedek by helping in the kitchen to prepare for events, such as the regular Thursday “Lunch and Learn” gatherings.
Along with her son, Annette is predeceased by her husband, her parents and many family members, some of whom perished in the Holocaust.
She will be lovingly remembered by surviving family and friends all over the USA and in Israel as one of the most warm, caring people you could wish to meet. She had a ready smile and a kind word or compliment for all she met.
Annette’s loved ones would like to extend a special thank you to all at The Arbors at Shelburne whom cared so lovingly for her and made her life during her time with them one of friendship, discovery, laughter and dignity.
In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory will be gratefully accepted at:
– Ohavi Zedek Synagogue, 188 North Prospect St., Burlington, VT 05401 Ohavizedek.org.
– Havurah, 56 North Pleasant St., Middlebury, VT 05753 havurahaddisoncounty.org.
– American Cancer Society, 237 East Ave., Burlington, VT 05401 cancer.org.
Due to COVID restrictions, her funeral service will be broadcast by Ohavi Zedek on Zoom for all to attend on Thursday, Jan. 21, 2021 at 2 p.m. Her burial, at Hebrew Holy Society Cemetery, will be private. ◊