Roxy Faith Applebaum, 66, of San Jose passed away peacefully Wednesday, August 14th, 2013. She was born to the late Albert & Esther Orenstein, April 2nd, 1947 in St. Paul, Minnesota.
Roxy graduated from St. Louis Park High School in 1965 and received a two-year AA degree from the University of Minnesota.
She married, former husband, Richard Rosenberg in 1969, and gave birth to two wonderful sons, Robert and Evan Rosenberg.
In 1978, she married Michael Applebaum who had three lovely daughters from a previous marriage: Amy, Laura, and Leslie Applebaum.
Family meant everything to Roxy and Michael and, together, they created a vibrant and successful blended family.
Her son Robert went on to marry Rachel Brown. They had two beautiful daughters, Reese & Riley Rosenberg.
Roxy took being a “Grammy” to her granddaughters very seriously. She was actively involved in their daily activities, schooling and social life.
Roxy had two careers. She owned Aloha Roller Palace/Roxy’s Roller Rink with her partner, Roxy Sax (Michael Applebaum’s sister). Roxy developed many wonderful programs that parents and children could share including Rollersize, which appeared on national television. As family was very important to Roxy, on any one day at work, her children would be manning the snack bar, dj’ing, skate guarding, and running the pro & skate shop.
She was also a trainer & fragrance representative for the Estee Lauder Company where she developed many promotional & marketing techniques still being utilized today.
Roxy was a tireless worker who spent many hours raising money for many organizations including: American Cancer Society, Leukemia/Lymphoma Society and Susan G. Komen Foundation as well as local charities like Sacred Heart, Jewish Family Services and Second Harvest. She was also actively involved in supporting Yavneh Day School.
Her daughter Amy Applebaum married Matthew Fine and they had a beautiful baby, Michaela, 7 months ago. Her daughter Leslie, married Philip Marzullo and they had a beautiful baby, Kendall, 6 months ago. Unfortunately, her dream of being a Grammy to her two new grandchildren was cut short.
Everyone knew Roxy as, ROXY – her force never requiring a last name. She was an inspiration to others who were afflicted with medical conditions and often spoke to them for hours, helping to make their health journey easier. Everyone who entered Roxy’s life was a better person for the experience. She will be missed.
Roxy is also survived by her beloved sister, Sheila Locketz and children Marc Gittleman and Ellen Noll, as well as sister-in-law, Roxy Sax, mother to Adam and Mandy.