Belle “Bella” Zimmer Steinberg Hoffman died peacefully at home in Newberry, Florida, on May 15. She was 94. Belle was born in Wiener Neustadt, Austria, in 1927. She fled German occupation in 1939 with two of her sisters, coming first to New York City. Her parents, Max and Ida Zimmer, were killed in the Holocaust. Her third sister settled in Israel. Belle graduated from high school in Port Huron, Michigan, in 1946 and then moved back to New York.
She was a talented jeweler whose handcrafted pieces continue to bring joy and beauty to those who wear and admire them. She also worked in New York for Brides magazine.
Belle had an eye for art and style and was a voracious reader. Even when she limited her driving, she would still go to her public library.
She was predeceased by her sisters, Tirza Uzieli, Jo Franzblau and Greta Friedman; and by her cherished husband and soulmate, Murray Hoffman, with whom she shared a life and love for more than 40 years.
Her marriage to Robert Steinberg ended in an amicable divorce.
Belle is survived by her family, including Julie Steinberg and Andy Knobel and their children, Alex and Rachel Knobel; Mark and Terri Steinberg and their children and grandchildren, Rebecca, Cory, Eli and Noa Stawartz and Samantha Steinberg and Rina Wolok; Harvey and Carol Hoffman; Barbara Hoffman; Gary and Fran Hoffman and their children and grandchildren, Faith and Michael Myers, Scott Myers and LeeAnn Thuringer; and Richard and Patricia Hoffman and their children, Ruth Hoffman, Jenny Borth and Sarah Hoffman.
Belle brought light and love to those whose lives she touched. She will be missed.
Donations in her memory may be made to the UJA Federation New York, the U.S. Holocaust Museum, or the Alzheimer’s Association.
