Virginia Beach—Annette Aronoff Brenner passed away peacefully on February 26, 2013 surrounded by her family.
Born in Newport News on Jan. 9, 1921, Annette was one of five children of Isadore and Bertha Aronoff.
She graduated from Newport News High School, and then worked during World War II as an administrative assistant at Fort Monroe. She married Benjamin Fred “Buck” Brenner in 1950, and they had two children, Theodore (Ted) and Stuart. The couple worked side-by-side running Brenner’s Warwick Bakery in Newport News, along with Buck’s brother, David and wife Ada and the sons’ father Hyman Brenner. Buck died in 1985, shortly after selling the bakery.
Ted and Stuart say their mother, who was active in the women’s auxiliary at Adath Jeshurun Synagogue in Newport News, lived a life of quiet dignity. Several years after her husband’s passing, she moved from the family home in Newport News to an apartment in Norfolk. Just over two years ago, she entered the Terrace assisted living facility at Beth Sholom Village where she lived until her death.
Annette stayed in touch with her large extended family through regular birthday and anniversary cards. Her handwriting was as exceptional as the warm thoughts she expressed. Like her husband and sons, she grew to love sports, particularly the Los Angeles Lakers and Atlanta Braves.
Mrs. Brenner, who was predeceased by her brother Marcus Aronoff and sister Harriet Klavan, is survived by two sisters, Gerline Lerner and Rebecca Green; her son Ted of Richmond, Va., his wife JoAnn and their daughters Beth and Debra; and her son Stuart of Harrisburg, Penn., his wife Rene and their sons Benjamin and Jason. Ted and Stuart express their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Beth Sholom Village and Medi Home Heath and Hospice for the outstanding care they provided their mother. A graveside service took place at the Hebrew Cemetery in Hampton. Rabbi Michael Panitz of Temple Israel in Norfolk, Annette’s final home synagogue, presided. Contributions may be made in Mrs. Brenner’s memory to Beth Sholom Village in Virginia Beach. Peninsula Funeral Home.