Our dearest Anne (Elizabeth) Rutman passed away peacefully on Sunday evening, 17 July 2022, at her home in Belle Meade.
Anne grew up in Beloit, Wisconsin, where her grandfather Samuel Kapitanoff, and his three brothers, emigrated from Russia and founded and built a synagogue that recently celebrated its 110th anniversary. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin- Madison with a degree in business.
Anne began her career at Dayton Hudson and ultimately joined the wholesale children’s-wear apparel industry, including manufacturers American Argo and Nazerath Century Mills. She progressed to the position of Vice President of Sales and Merchandising. She met her husband Phil while flourishing in New York City, and that was the beginning of a beautiful 27 year union. Those who know Anne and Phil remain witness to their genuine, authentic love affair, single-mindedly devoted to each other’s happiness and welfare. In the height of her career, she gave birth to twin daughters Lily and Julia, her love for whom was so incredible that she chose to retire and raise them in Pennington.
Her passion for service never waning, Anne switched tracks to get more involved in The Jewish Center community and support her daughters’ artistic pursuits in their high school performing arts department. At The Jewish Center, she served a few years as President of Jewish Center Women and as a member of the Membership and School Committees, among many other service roles to share her love for her congregation. With the support and encouragement of her loving husband, she achieved her dream of a more intimate connection with God and became a B’nai Mitzvah at about the same time as her daughters.
No words could do her magnificence justice. Anne was at war with cancer for seven years, and she fought with everything she had. She was and will remain an inspiration to all who know her and know of her. She is survived by her husband Phil, her daughters Lily, Julia, the dogs Lola and Stella, her sister Elaine, and her brothers Art and Steve.
Funeral services are 2:00 PM on Thursday at The Jewish Center, 435 Nassau Street, Princeton. Burial to follow at the Ewing Cemetery. Family and Friends are invited back to the Rutman home following the burial.
Shiva will be observed at the Rutman home on Thursday, minyan at 7:30 PM, Friday from 1:00 -4:00 PM and Sunday from 1:00-3:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to:
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
PO Box 27106
New York, NY 10087
So very sad and devastated to hear of Anne’s passing. She was quite a warrior and fought until she could fight no longer. So many wonderful memories from our school days together. Our deepest sympathy to Phil, Lily, Julia, family and friends. Anne will surely be missed.
Jim & I send our deepest sympathy to Phil, Lily and Julia and to Elaine, Steve and Art and the entire Kapitanoff family. Deeply heartbroken and saddened by Anne’s passing. Anne was such a vibrant and courageous woman who loved life, devoted to her husband and beautiful daughters and brought joy to all those who knew her. So honored to have known Anne since first grade and call her my friend. You will be deeply missed, always in my heart and never forgotten. Sending our love and deepest sympathy.
Deepest condolences to Phil, Lily and Julia and to Elaine, Steve and Art and the entire Kapitanoff family. While I did not know Anne, I heard so many great things about her from Phil so I know how much she was loved.
Deb Norris& Mike Frank,
We are sending you our deepest sympathy in the loss of our girl Annie!! I have so many fun and crazy memories of our younger days from cheerleading to Badger football games. She was quite an amazing lady and we were all so blessed to be a part of her life! Being able to attend her service by zoom was so very special for us ! It was so beautifully done and I had moments of tears and smiles with everyone sharing their very special times spent with Annie! I am also so happy you were able to spend the weekend at the lake with us during our class reunion my last wonderful memory of being together! May our Heavenly Father be of some relief in these very dark days for you and your beautiful Lilly& Julia!! I know he has our Annie and she is finally at peace and out of her pain! Love you all and God Bless🙏🏻💖