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Mostly Cloudy Lucy Lasser Salpeter, 94
Far Rockaway native served as a WAVE during World War II
Lucy Lasser Salpeter graduated from college when it was still uncommon for women to attend schools of higher learning.
Born in Elizabeth, New Jersey on Dec. 11, 1923, she graduated from Far Rockaway High School, attended Hofstra College and then graduated New York University with a Occupational Therapist degree from the School of Education.
“With grace, strength and intelligence, she dedicated her life to family, community and country,” her daughter Ann Shockett wrote. Surrounded by a family who adored her, Salpeter died in Woodmere on Jan. 12. She was 94.
During World War II, Salpeter served as a lieutenant junior grade in the U.S. Naval Reserves’ WAVES — Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service — where she helped to rehabilitate the wounded from the Navy, Coast Guard, Marines, Merchant Marines at Bethesda Naval Hospital in Maryland and St. Albans Hospital in Queens.
In 1948, Lucy married Dr. Burton Salpeter, the couple lived in Neponsit. They were married for 53 years. Burton who pre-deceased Lucy, was a co-founder of Peninsula Hospital Center in Far Rockaway. Burton’s parents co-founded Temple Beth El of Rockaway Park, Both institutions were strongly supported by Lucy and Burton.
Salpeter was a longtime member of the Woodmere Club, a past president of the Rotary Anns — the women's arm of Rotary International — and Peninsula Doctors Wives. She was also a past board member of Peninsula Hospital Center, West End Auxiliary, the Temple Beth-El Sisterhood and a co-founder of Temple Shivyon for Women’s Equality.
A loving mother to Ann Schockett and Peter Matuza, and Steven Salpeter; proud grandmother of Debra Schockett, Drs. Erica and Roshan Abraham, Paul and Jenny Silversmith Schockett; and Jeff LeGars. Kvelling great-grandmother of Spencer Pearl, Aiya Chandani, Asher James, Ruby Laurel and Magnolia Faye.
Adoring “mom” to her Coton de Tulear — Cotton Candy. Remembering her love of the arts and favorite song — Nat King Cole’s “The Autumn Leaves” — she played on the baby grand: “Since you went away the days grow long; And soon I’ll hear old winter’s song; But I miss you most of all my darling; When autumn leaves start to fall.”
