Felice Ellen Kronfeld "Cookie" Obituary (1927 - 2015)

Felice Ellen Kronfeld (nee Levin) Born October 17, 1927, passed away peacefully October 17, 2015, her 88th birthday. Several loved ones gathered in her room at N.C. Little Hospice and celebrated her birthday with cake, singing and reading cards she had received. Cookie loved celebrations, so it wasn't too surprising when only a few weeks ago she declared, "If I'm still around, I'm going to have a birthday party!" Well, she was “still around," her birthday was celebrated, and a few hours later she decided it was time to say good-bye. Preceded in death by husband, Mervin; parents, Rosa & Leon; and brother, Harvey. Cookie is survived by daughter, Suzy Kronfeld; son-in-law David Baum; grandson Danny Baum; nephew, Adam Levin. Cookie was a remarkable, stylish woman, full of energy and ambition - always planning events and on the go. She led a vibrant social life which included parties, outings with friends, tennis, worldwide travel, the symphony, opera, cinema and bridge. Cookie possessed a great sense of humor balanced by a serious side that placed great value on informed discussions of and lectures in politics, current events, movies and books. Throughout her life she was continually meeting new people, making new friends and bringing them together to share in a diverse set of interests and learning experiences. Cookie was born in Queens, NY. After High School, Cookie attended Emerson College in Boston graduating with a B.A. in English. Her multifaceted career path began in the millinery business as a buyer in New York. On Dec. 17, 1950, Cookie married Mervin B. Kronfeld. In the early years they lived on Riverside Drive in New York City, where their skills as host & hostess brought people together in their home. Ultimately they settled in New Rochelle, NY, where their daughter, Suzy, was born. In 1969, after Mervin joined Nortronics Company a magnetic media electronics company founded by his brothers, Leonard and Alan, they settled in Edina, MN. In Minnesota, Cookie was a freelance journalist, taught fashion merchandising at the Minnesota School of Business and established Fashions by Felice to serve many clients over the years. In 1977, with a group of local women, Felice helped to launch a monthly women's magazine, Twin Cities Woman, which captured the essence of its time in feminism and fashion, business, the arts, and community. She served as fashion editor, educating not only the magazine's readers but also its young staff about how to dress, how to express, how to present and how to be taken seriously and lightly at the same time. From that work, sprung friendships spanning nearly four decades. In 1983 Cookie & Mervin established a second residence in Palm Beach, FL. During the ensuing decades, they continued to develop and nurture many deep and lasting friendships in both locations. Cookie's philanthropy in the music and arts communities is well-known in both Minnesota and Florida, where she also organized many fund-raisers for the Starkey Hearing Foundation and other charitable causes. Funeral services were held Monday, Oct. 19 at Beth El Synagogue. In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to N.C. Little Hospice in Edina, or charity of your choice.