Judith G. Applestein

Judith G. Applestein, 86, passed away on February 28th, 2023. She was born on May 21st, 1936 in Bayside, NY to Bernis and Arthur Gould. She graduated from Syracuse University and taught mathematics in New York City schools until marrying and moving to Coral Gables, Fl. 

She taught at the Alexander Montessori School and later at Gulliver Prep. She also was a certified financial planner and worked for many years in the insurance industry. 
For the last 20 years of her life she lived in Northport, Fl.  She was an avid hobbyist, and spent much of her leisure time growing roses, playing the piano and sewing. Her sewing was legendary, and she was equally expert at needlework and other crafts. She participated in the American Sewing Guild in various local chapters over the years, as well as book clubs and the local Chabad. Most of her neighbors knew her and her 4-legged companion, Saki. Both were outspoken, gregarious and friendly. 

Our mother was a wonderful parent, kind, and always generous and supportive. She was a committed Democrat and volunteered in get-out-the-vote campaigns and phone campaigns for local and national candidates. But she never let politics come between her and friends or family, many of whom differed in their opinions. 

She firmly believed in doing the right thing and worked to imbue the values of integrity, tolerance and civic duty in the three of us. 

She treasured her friends, and sustained friendships over decades—even her high school besties from so many years earlier.

Judy was predeceased by her long-term partner, Charles Sokol, her sisters, Sara and Leah, and her granddaughter, Julia Bivens. She is survived by her loving family, daughters Amie Devero, Abbie Applestein (Tsvik Montoryanu) and Andrea Bivens (Jim Eisenberg), grandson Jared Bivens, a niece and five nephews.

The family welcomes friends to join us for an open house prior to a service on Friday March 3rd, 2023.
The open house will be from 11:30 AM-12:30 PM and the service will follow at 1 PM at 
Gallaher American Family Funeral Home
2701 Cleveland Ave.
Fort Myers, FL 33901
Tel: 1-239-337-7311