Obituary of Zena Beth Nittel

Zena B. Nittel (nee Cohen), formerly of Monticello, NY entered in to rest on Friday, March 24, 2017 after a long bout with Leukemia. She fought tirelessly and bravely until the very end. She was 73. Zena was born on October 21, 1943 in the Brownsville section of Brooklyn, NY. She impacted many lives and made many friends during her lengthy career at a local area medical office and years past working at the Concord Resort Hotel. She was always a hardworking, strong woman not only in her employment but with her family as well. She was a loving, devoted mother to her four children and the day she met "her sweet angel", Frederick Nittel, she acquired a fifth child and still had more than enough love to go around. The love she and Fred shared changed her life and gave her 27 years of happiness. She was well known for her love of As Seen on TV gadgets, the golden oldies, a good sci-fi movie, but most importantly her family, of which her love had no bounds. She may have been short in stature but she was a force to be reckoned with, especially when it came to her grandchildren whom she loved unconditionally and shared a special and unique relationship with each one. The door to her home was always open to the neighborhood kids, most who considered her a second mother, hence earning her the name "MommalaZena." She also had a good sense of humor being subjected to all sorts of pranks and shenanigans by her children. She would always impress upon people to learn to appreciate what they have and that there are always those who are less fortunate and may be in need whether it be a helping hand or simply a kind word of encouragement. She was steadfast in having tolerance, always be understanding of her fellow human beings and to never be judgmental of anyone. She is survived by her mother, Ida Cohen Small of West Palm Beach, FL; brother, Alan B. Cohen and his wife Carla of Monticello, NY; her children, Ira and Aimee Walter of Pompano Beach, FL, Michelle Sheerer of Monticello, NY, David and Cynthia Walter of Rock Hill, NY, Jeffrey Walter of Eldred, NY and Lee Nittel of Stewartsville, NJ; grandchildren: Rachael, Alyson, Amanda, Emily, Alex, Andrew, Tiffany, Jake, Jordyn and one great grandson Xander as well as her nephews, niece and countless cousins and friends. She was predeceased by her husband, Fred, brother, Milton Cohen, dad, Frank Cohen and several aunts and uncles. Shiva will be held at the home of Michelle Sheerer in Monticello, NY. All are welcome to stop by. A graveside service will be held at 11:00AM on Wednesday, March 29, 2017 at the Sullivan County Veteran's Cemetery, Sunset Lake Road, Liberty, NY. In lieu of flowers, her family humbly requests that you honor Zena by making a donation to a charity of your choosing. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Joseph N. Garlick Funeral Home of Monticello. For further service details or to leave an online condolence, please visit www.josephgarlickfuneralhome.com.