Anita Braunstein

Anita S. Braunstein, 72, left this life on November 17, 2010 surrounded by family and after a long illness. She was born January 24, 1938 in Berlin, Germany. At the age of 2, her parents, who were German Jews, fled Nazi Germany at the start of WWII. They settled in Quito, Ecuador, where she spent her childhood. As a young adult, she came to the United States, and often-said April 23, 1965 was one of the happiest days of her life, the day she became a US citizen. She met and married her husband, Jacob, of 45 years, in Miami, FL. Early in their marriage, she travelled with him all over the world while he worked on ships. Following that, she lived in New Orleans, LA and St. Croix, Virgin Islands. After a number of years, she settled in Pembroke Pines, FL, and lived there for 30 years where she was a home-maker and raised her family. She moved to Mooresville, NC in 2006 to be near her son. Anita loved life, a good meal shared with family and friends, and always the "Yiddish Mama" taking care of her family. She also delighted in spoiling her grandchildren with sweet treats. In addition to her husband, Jacob, she leaves behind to cherish her memory a daughter Vera C. Bell (and husband, Steve) of Mooresville, son Andrew J. Braunstein (and wife, Mary) of Troutman, sister and brother in law Manuela and Arbie Axelrod of Hollywood, FL, grandchildren Tyler and Brandon Bell, grandchildren Joshua, Zachary and Amelia Braunstein, a nephew and niece, and many friends. A graveside funeral will be held at Oakwood Cemetery, in Statesville, NC on Friday, November 19 at 12:00 noon. The family will receive friends immediately following at Temple Congregation Emmanuel in Statesville, NC. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in her name to The Jewish National Fund, or a charity of your choice. Arrangements are being handled by Nicholson Funeral Home, of Statesville.