Carol Ostrow

Carol Ostrow, loving wife of the late Jacob Ostrow, passed away peacefully on October 28, 2025. She led a life filled with a passion for family; she loved celebrating simchas and milestones, and any chance to kibbitz with her extended family.

Carol was born in 1933, daughter of Edith Susskind Rosen and Henry Rosen, sister of Janet (the late Marvin) Chertkoff, the late Alvin (Grace) Rosen and the late Jay (Pearl) Rosen. She grew up in the Strawberry Mansion and West Oak Lane neighborhoods of Philadelphia and proudly graduated from Philadelphia High School for Girls and Temple University. She loved teaching at Shoemaker Elementary School in Elkins Park, PA where she requested a piano in her classroom so she could sing songs with her first and second graders.

Carol and Jacob married in 1954. Carol initially declined his marriage proposals, but after seeing her favorite movie, Gone with the Wind, with a bad headache and being offered “all the aspirin you could ever want”, she finally accepted and became a pharmacist’s wife. By 1962 they had three sons, David (Karen), Michael (Sharon) and Steven (Elizabeth), raising them in Wyncote, PA. “Super-mom” Carol, known for her delicious matzah ball soup and kugel, welcomed and often fed half the neighborhood kids. She was a Den Mother, PTA member and taxi driver to all sports games, activities and events.

Carol also was an avid fan of theatre and show tunes, which she played on her baby grand piano- her most prized possession. Her party invitations always read “No Gifts - Bring Songs, Poems, Toasts and Roasts.” She loved writing parodies of well-known songs inspired by and celebrating the lives of those around her, and performing them at special occasions with Jacob, family, and anyone else who knew the melody.

Jacob and Carol enjoyed fine dining, cultural events and traveling abroad. Carol was a savvy investor, but her greatest investment was in her family. By the late 80’s/early 90’s they welcomed seven grandchildren, Dylan (Kelsey), Evan (Alexa), Cara (Oliver), Daniel (Sarah), Travis, Brandon (Allison) and Joshua (Lexi). Being their “Mommom” became her new and most loved calling; she loved sharing meals with her grandkids at Little Pete’s diner and eagerly attending all their activities and life-events. With the birth of her great granddaughters, Sloane and Drew, Mommom became GG in her final and most cherished role.

Carol left a profound impact on her family and everyone else she encountered – to know her was to love her!

Relatives and friends are invited to Graveside Services on Sunday November 2nd at 11 am precisely at Roosevelt Memorial Park (Section U), Trevose, PA. Shiva will be observed at the home of Sharon and Michael Ostrow, Sunday through Tuesday each night at 6 pm with the service starting at 7 pm. Contributions in Carol’s memory may be made to the Cancer Research Institute: www.cancerresearch.org. www.goldsteinsfuneral.com