Passed away on July 20, 2024, at the age of 95. Predeceased by her husband Bernard J. Panner, brothers Sidney (Edie) and Morris (Gwen) Seidenberg, and sister Pearl Seidenberg. Survived by her sons Morris (Nancy Jardini), Aaron (Jenifer), and Daniel (Maria Chudnovsky), 10 grandchildren, and many nephews, nieces, and their offspring.

Born January 6, 1929, Molly grew up in West New York, New Jersey, the daughter of Sam and Silvia (Gorchitsky) Seidenberg, immigrants who had arrived in the United States only three months before, with two young boys in tow. Sam was a house painter and paper hanger – he hung the wallpaper in the dining room of the Panner family home in Rochester – and managed to do well despite the depression. Molly’s momma loshen was Yiddish, and she learned to read and write the language (in Hebrew script) at the Workman’s Circle, a socialist Jewish organization whose politics did not influence her. She was a whip-smart girl, skipped ahead in school and graduated from high school at 16. She had a love of music and was an accomplished pianist in childhood. There was a tight-knit Jewish community in town, including her dear and life-long friend Thelma (Cordon) Kaplan, and an orthodox synagogue.

She earned her degree in Chemistry from NYU (where one of her grandchildren now studies) and, very unusually for that time (1949), applied to medical school and was accepted at Buffalo, where she was one of four women in her class. She liked to recount that the dean informed her that she had helped him to fill two quotas – for women and Jews. She was a top student and, after graduation, returned to New York City, where she trained in pediatrics at Kings County Hospital and then worked for Social Service in Brooklyn. Her life was upended by a chance meeting in lower Manhattan in 1961 with a debonair ex-boyfriend, Bernard Panner; if not strictly love at first sight, something just as romantic: they rekindled the flame and were married in Rochester in an intimate ceremony in Rabbi Karp’s study at Temple Beth El, where they were active members for the rest of their lives. Ten months after the marriage (you can check the documents) Morris arrived; a house was purchased at 330 Wilmot Road, making room for Aaron (who was already on his way) and, a few years later, Daniel. The family was complete.

A devoted mother, she was no tiger mom but encouraged her sons in their chosen endeavors, academic and extracurricular, making innumerable trips to the Eastman School for lessons on trumpet, violin, piano, and music theory. She was a wonderful cook and baker – her gefilte fish and chicken soup were legendary, as were her duck a l’orange and roast beef – and her children grew up believing that every dinner should be attended by the whole family, include at least two courses, and offer ample time to discuss the day’s events. On Friday evenings, she lit candles and blessed her offspring before the Shabbat meal.

Once the children were ready to let themselves in the back door of the house, she returned to pediatric practice, as the school doctor in the Gates Chili school district, where she was beloved and honored upon her retirement after 20 years. Her community service centered around her home school district, Brighton, where, in the 1980s, an ambitious superintendent suggested that the early 20th Century high school building should be replaced; Molly was having none of it, and successfully rallied the community to save the high school (which continues to serve the community to this day). Propelled by this success, she ran for school board and won in a landslide, serving several terms, including as Board President.

Her marriage to Bernard, which lasted 60 years, was a thing of beauty – loving and always supportive of one another, they set an inspiring model for their offspring. Molly and Bernie enjoyed all of the rich cultural life that Rochester had to offer – including the Geva Theater and most of all the wonderful music offered by the Rochester Philharmonic and at Eastman. She enjoyed fine dining, fine wine, and most of all the chance to share those things with family and friends.

Molly’s children have sometimes traveled far and taken a gamble or two, knowing that they would always have the love and support of their mother and father back home. Molly had many friends, loved to socialize, participated in many volunteer activities, and always saw the best in everyone – which inspired them to try to deliver their best. Her last years were not easy, but she was beloved in her last home at Cottage 3, Home 1, where the remarkable staff loved her and cared for her in a way for which her family will never cease to be grateful. A music lover to the end, it never ceased to bring her comfort and joy. We will miss her!

Funeral Services will be held on WEDNESDAY July 31, 2024 at 10:00 AM at Temple Beth El (139 Winton Road South). CLICK HERE for a map to Temple Beth El.

To attend the service virtually, CLICK HERE for the Zoom Link. Use Meeting ID: 857 0472 6378

A procession will follow to White Haven Memorial Park (210 Marsh Road).

The family will sit Shiva on WEDNESDAY July 31, from 12:30 – 3:00 PM at Temple Beth El.

Donations may be made to Jewish Home Foundation in Molly’s memory. CLICK HERE to donate online.