"She was an amazing cook, and loved to eat and feed her friends and family. She enjoyed entertaining," said Robert Lager, a cousin of Anita Sheldon of Springs. Ms. Sheldon died at home during the early morning hours Friday, at the age of 88. Death was attributed to myeloma, a form of cancer.
Born on Nov. 26, 1933, in Fiume, Italy, to Isaaco Schuldenfrei and Elena Lager, she and her younger sister, Judy, grew up in Fiume's multiethnic community with a large local extended family -- aunts, uncles, and many cousins.
During World War II, when there were fascist roundups and persecution of Italian Jews, Ms. Sheldon and her sister were saved by their Aunt Mathilde and Uncle Martino Lager, who organized a series of countryside hideouts for the girls in unheated sheds and farm buildings. Somehow, said their cousin, their aunt kept finding them safe haven, sending money for food and making sure they continued their education.
"The sisters were very close because of what they went through together," said Mr. Lager. "They were like a little unit."
Ms. Sheldon's father was interned by Mussolini's government; her mother stayed to care for her elderly parents in Fiume. They were killed by the Nazis in 1944.
In 1951, Ms. Sheldon left Italy to join family in America, but remained in weekly contact with the relatives left behind. During the 1950s, she lived with another aunt, Bertha, in the Bronx, and with her sister learned English and enrolled in business classes. She worked as an office manager and executive assistant for companies run by Italian-Jewish refugees who were importers of luxury glassware, china, home goods, and shoes.
Ms. Sheldon and her sister were able to buy a house in Springs in 1973. After she retired in 2008, she lived there full time.
"She lived right near Maidstone Park, and when she was younger, loved to go to the beach," said Mr. Lager.
She had many interests, he said. She wrote an unpublished memoir, "The Story of Two Sisters." She spoke fluent Spanish and taught Italian. She loved tennis, opera, and classical music. She played the accordion. In retirement she became an active member of Temple Adas Israel in Sag Harbor, and recounted her wartime history in a presentation at a recent Holocaust remembrance ceremony.
Ms. Sheldon was an engaging and charismatic person, Mr. Lager said. She had a wonderful sense of humor and was generous and charitable. She was "brutally honest in all situations," and was a true and close friend to many. She was a devoted sister, cousin, and niece.
She is survived by many close cousins and friends. Her sister died 15 years ago.
There will be a memorial service tomorrow at 10:30 a.m. at the Yardley and Pino Funeral Home in Sag Harbor. Donations in Ms. Sheldon's memory can be made to Temple Adas Israel, P.O. Box 1378, Sag Harbor 11963.
