Sandra E Katz Grossman

Born and raised in Brooklyn, N.Y., the former Sandy Katz, met and married Herb Grossman in 1952. They lived in Florida and Long Island, eventually settling in West Caldwell, where Mrs. Grossman was an important and active part of the community for 55 years.

She was a devoted mother and homemaker while her three daughters were young, volunteering with many organizations including the Home & School Association and the Girls Scouts.

As her children grew older, she went back to college to earn her bachelor’s degree in marketing.

She was an avid tennis player and managed a local pro shop for several years. This led to managing and eventually owning a women’s fashion store, Tiger’s Eye Boutique, in North Caldwell. She had a strong following for 30 years, helping loyal customers with her great sense of style, creative flair and a combination of practicality and intelligence. Although she closed the store nine years ago, people still talk about how they miss her fashion savvy and the unique merchandise she offered.

After her husband passed away, she pursued new friendships along with her many hobbies and interests. She was active with the West Caldwell Public Library, joined several book clubs, took courses in film and literature, enjoyed theater, played bridge, did The New York Times crossword puzzle, knit beautifully and took up painting with pastels, winning several prestigious awards for her diverse and striking work.

She was also a frequent figure at her four grandsons’ music and sports events after her daughters returned to live in West Caldwell with their families.

Mrs. Grossman was down-to-earth with a quiet strength, a kind and loving nature, and a belief in justice and equality for all people. But most importantly, she was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, relative, and friend; supportive and generous, and always available for advice and comfort.

She was a longtime member of Congregation Agudath Israel, a board member and recording secretary for The Friends of the West Caldwell Public Library, and a member of the University Women of West Essex and the Pastel Society of New Jersey.

She is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law, Robin and Matthew Mangino, Lynne Grossman and Allen Poulsen, and Laurie and Jeff Salter; her grandsons, Andrew Mangino, Jeffrey Orshalick, Jackson Salter and Joseph Salter; her sister-in-law, Helen Graf; and many family members and friends. She will be dearly missed.

If inclined, contributions can be made to the Friends of The West Caldwell Public Library in memory of Sandy Grossman, 30 Clinton Road, West Caldwell, N.J., 07006; a cancer-related organization; or a charity of choice.