- Date Of Birth: August 26, 1925
- Date Of Death: January 10, 2020
- State: New Mexico
Rosalie (Lee) Mildred Sokolov, age 94, beloved wife, mother, nana and sister, died on Friday, January 10, 2020 in Albuquerque, NM. Born Rosalie Rose in Detroit, MI to Dorothy Cantor and David Rose, she moved with her family to New York as a teen. Prior to moving to Albuquerque in 1986, Lee lived with her husband, Lionel Sokolov, in New York City, Majorca, Spain, and also Bellport and Sands Point, Long Island. They came to live in Albuquerque because both their kids, Donna and Bruce, were living here.
Lee attended NYU, and the University of Miami. It was in Miami where she met her husband. She and her friend Ellie were crossing the street when two young men were waiting in a car at the crosswalk took notice of these young women. But it was Lionel’s friend who said he was going to ask Lee out for a date. But that never happened as Lionel started chatting with Lee and he asked her out for a date. They had a short courtship of three months and then Lionel proposed to her. Lee and Lionel were both from New York, and that is where they settled down, married for 59 years.
They had two children, Bruce and Donna. Lionel came from a family of builders on Long Island; his father and cousins came over from Russia, and they all were established in the building business. Lee’s mother and stepfather died at an early age, leaving a liquor store business for both her and her brother, Larry.
Over the years Lionel and Lee frequently traveled abroad. When their children were young, they would spend the summers in Europe. Majorca, Spain became a beloved place for them, and eventually moved there in 1973. After three years in Spain, they returned to the U.S. and spent the next nine years living in Manhattan.
Lee worked in fashion retail at Saks Fifth Avenue on 5th Avenue selling Bill Blass and Escada women’s clothing. Anyone who knew her would agree she was a very beautiful woman known for always dressing tastefully, she looked great no matter how casual the occasion. Many people used to say she resembled Jackie Kennedy.
In the 60’s, and 70’s, Lee was very talented at creating beautiful needlepoint. She designed and did a Gaugin painting needlework pillow. Lee was a fabulous gourmet cook and baker. Her desserts were always incredible, always made by scratch, especially her varieties of cheesecakes, and her apple pie was by far the best hands down. Her talent of cooking and baking were a huge influence on her children, but especially two of her grandchildren, Marisa and Zachary.
In 1993 Lee suffered a debilitating stroke which paralyzed her entire left arm and leg. It never stopped her from being independent and she continued to live on her own despite other major medical challenges that would have stopped others. But Lee persevered and continued to amaze her family and friends how strong she really was up until the very end.
The greatest joy in Lee’s life was her three grandchildren and watching them grow up. After her stroke her twin grandsons were born and despite her limits, she was still able to help out her daughter by feeding one of the boys a bottle.
Her last days on earth was difficult to witness but was a long life well lived. And she knew she was so loved by her family who was able to send her off with love and gratitude.
Lee is survived by her daughter, Donna Lee Pedroncelli and husband, Manuel; grandchildren, Marisa Lee Pedroncelli, Julian Reid Pedroncelli, and Zachary David Pedroncelli. She was preceded in death by her son, Bruce Sokolov in 2018; husband, Lionel in 2008; and brother, Lawrence Rose, in 2001.
