Obituary of Rae W. Rohfeld

A bright light of our world went out last Sunday night. Rae died peacefully in her home after months of hospitals stays. Her husband, Charles and his daughters, Lisa and Beth were with her thanks to the efforts of Hospice of Central New York this was made to happen. Rae is survived by her husband, Charles Trabold, her sister, Judy Mendelsohn (Ezra) of Jerusalem, her two daughters, Sylvia Steinheiser (Michael) of Dallas and Sara Rohfeld of Mentor, Ohio, and Sylvia's children, her granddaughters, Ali and Nikki. All during Rae's illness, Sara was a tower of strength, driving many times to be with her mother. Sara and Rae had very strong bonds in many ways and shared much. Rae was born on July 9 in the New York City. Her father was David Wahl and her mother was Edith Appel. Rae attended Case Western Reserve University, getting a BA in Psychology, a MA in History and PHD in American History. She also studied at Oberlin and U.C.L.A. She taught in Ohio and Syracuse University before going to Saratoga Springs with Empire State College as a professor in the Center for Distance Learning. She was a mentor in advanced degree preparation. Rae was admired and appreciated by both her colleagues and her students. Rae was noted for her dedication and hard work in all phases of her involvements. She had the rare capacities that inspired her students to attain high goals. When she retired she immediately became a leader in the League of Women Voters and a volunteer in case preparation in the ACLU. Rae and Charles had many common interests. They attended the Symphony and were long term members of Syracuse Chamber Music Association. Rae had an abiding interest and continuous attendance at the theatre in different venues. As a couple, Rae and Charles traveled worldwide. They flew high performances kites together and attended kite festivals. There will be no calling hours. Rae's body was donated to Upstate Teaching Hospital. A gala party had been planned next year for Rae's 80th birthday to be on the spacious lawn of her home. Instead there will be a celebration of life there in July. Donations in her name may be made to Hospice of Central New York, 990 Seventh North St., Liverpool, N.Y. 13088. Goodbye Rae