Jeanette Korris Schonfeld

January 7, 1921 – November 3, 2024

Predeceased by her parents, and her husband, Seymour, she is survived by her three sons: Harlan (Ruth Mesbur) of Toronto, Barry of Buffalo and Mark (Julia) of Scarsdale, four grandchildren: Jake, Adam, Natalie and Audrey, and a sister, Gitte of Toronto.

Jeanette was born in Buffalo, NY in 1921 to immigrant parents, and grew up over their store on William St. A musician from early days, she was concertmaster of the orchestra at Hutchinson Central High School.

Following high school, she attended the prestigious Eastman School of Music at the University of Rochester on a scholarship. When asked about the most valuable things she learned at Eastman, she said it changed her life in enabling her to do what she loved for a living, namely teaching and bringing the joy of music to children. Teaching was also how she met her husband, Seymour – teaching violin to his little sister.

After she and Seymour married in 1944, they spent a number of years living in Italy and Germany while Seymour served with the Armed Services. After he left the Army, they settled in Buffalo where he became a stockbroker, and she taught music in the school system after she earned a master’s degree in music education from the University of Buffalo.

After she and Seymour retired, they moved to a custom designed and built home in Getzville, and spent the warm months there, and winters in Florida. After Seymour’s death, she continued to winter in Florida, surrounded by many friends and family.

Music remained an important part of Jeanette’s life to the very end. She even played her violin for her far-flung family at her pandemic Zoom 100th birthday party.

Although she became much frailer in her second century of life, the quality of her life was enhanced by her long-time caregiver and friend, Bonita West, to whom the family extends their heartfelt thanks.

Funeral service on Wednesday, November 6, 2024 at noon at Congregation Shir Shalom, 4660 Sheridan Drive, Williamsville, New York, 14221. The funeral service will be live streamed at shirshalombuffalo.org.

Donations in Jeanette’s memory, if you are so inclined, can be made to Congregation Shir Shalom at shirshalombuffalo.org or to a charity of your choice. Arrangments by Mesnekoff Funeral Home. Share condolences at mesnekoff.com