Mindelle Wexler (Blum)

Mindelle Wexler (nee Blum), of Baltimore, MD, passed away on Tuesday, February 6th, 2024, at the age of 105. She is survived by her devoted daughter, Ilene Rosenthal; her loving grandchildren, Erin (Seth) Herring, and Stephen (Simone) Rosenthal; her cherished great grandchildren, Sophie Herring, Eli Herring, Ari Herring, Ruby Rosenthal, and Alexander Rosenthal; her dear step-granddaughter, Melissa Johnson and her daughter, Tamya Stubbs; and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Edward Wexler, her loving children, Joyce Wexler, and Sylvan Wexler; her devoted brothers, Frank Blum, and Barry Blum; her loving parents, Sylvia and David Blum; and her dear son-in-law, Richard Rosenthal.

Mindelle was fiercely independent and blessed with the gift of longevity. She even drove until the age of 100 and the only thing that stopped her was a broken ankle.

Mindelle overcame many obstacles in her life, including choosing to raise her daughter Joyce who had Down syndrome, contrary to the advice of medical professionals at the time who recommended institutional care. Mindelle had to learn how to drive in her 30s in order to take Joyce to school. Mindelle and Eddie belonged to several civic organizations and helped raise money for causes that served children with disabilities. Joyce died from Alzheimer's disease at age 51, something which is common among people with Down syndrome. When Mindelle was 101, she was the captain of the family Walk to End Alzheimer's team "Joyce's Voices", once again, raising money for a cause that was important to her.

She was married for 28 years until Eddie died suddenly when she was 51. Mindelle went back to school in her 50s to learn a new skill to support herself.

She enjoyed traveling and at age 96, with the help of her niece Sheri, she took a DNA test and learned that she had some cousins she did not know. That Fall, the family traveled to California to meet them.

In 2019, Mindelle’s family celebrated her 100th birthday with a party and a guest list topping over 100. She also loved animals and adored her grand-dog Sadie who visited her regularly. Nothing in her life was more important to her than family and friends.

Services at Sol Levinson's Chapel, 8900 Reisterstown Road, Pikesville, MD 21208, on Thursday, February 8th, 2024, at 1:30 pm. Interment Ahavas Sholom. Please omit flowers. Contributions in her memory may be sent to Gilchrist Hospice Care, 11311 McCormick Road, Suite 350, Hunt Valley, MD 21031 or to Alzheimer's Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601. The family will be in mourning at 20 Dinaden Circle, Baltimore, MD 21208, on Thursday at 7pm until 9pm with a service at 7:30 pm, and on Friday from 1pm until 4pm. Please do not block neighboring driveways when parking at the shiva home.