Riverdale matriarch, Anita Wolfe, dies at 93

Anita Wolfe, affectionately known as “Neetzie,” was a proud Bronx native who spent 83 of her 93 years in and around Riverdale — the neighborhood she called home and held close to her heart.

After divorcing early in her first marriage, she worked as a secretary for the watch company, Sheffield, while living with her parents, who helped her raise her young daughter. Several years later, she remarried and, in 1965, moved to an apartment on Independence Avenue — a home she would cherish for decades.

When that marriage ended a decade later, she returned to the workforce, determined to rebuild her life in Riverdale. She worked for Rabbi Avi Weiss and took courses to become a real estate agent. After joining the office of Morris Sopher, she later became a licensed broker and went on to build a successful real estate business of her own, rooted right in the community she loved.

At 80, she finally retired and made the difficult decision to sell her Riverdale apartment. Still vibrant and adventurous, she moved to Florida, following her then-boyfriend, Bob Ness, to Century Village in Boca Raton. Their relationship blossomed into a deep and lasting friendship — one that brought joy and comfort to both in their later years.

Though Florida gave her sunshine and new friends, Anita never lost her love for Riverdale. It was where she raised her daughter, grew her business and built her most meaningful connections. Riverdale, to her, was always home.

In Florida, she remained active in her synagogue and community. When living alone became more difficult, she moved into The Azalea assisted living facility in Delray Beach. Even there, she made fast friends and played Rummikub, canasta and cornhole.

Unfortunately, her time at The Azalea was brief. Just under two weeks after moving in, Anita passed away on Yom Kippur — the holiest day in the Jewish calendar. In Jewish tradition, dying on Yom Kippur is considered a sign of divine favor, offering immediate atonement and peaceful passage into the afterlife.

Anita is survived by her daughter Sheila Nilva, her grandson Zach and his wife, Pam, her great-granddaughter Sylvie, her sister Barbara Grossman and many loving nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her son-in-law, Robert Nilva.

Her most cherished treasure was her family, especially the time spent with her daughter and grandson.

Her greatest gift came in the end — for her daughter and grandson to hold her hands until her final breath.