Ora Mendels

Ora Mendels passed away at the age of 88 in her home on Longboat Key, FL, on June 23rd, with her family around her. She is survived by her loving husband and partner of 68 years, Joe Mendels, and her children and grandchildren: Gilla, Charles, David, Alana, Danielle, Eli, Toby and Nelson. 

Ora was born in Jerusalem in 1936, grew up in South Africa, and immigrated to the US in 1964. She lived in the Philadelphia area and started visiting Longboat Key, FL, over 40 years ago, eventually retiring here.  She met Joe on a beach in Cape Town, and many years later they were able to enjoy life together on the beach in Longboat. 

Ora was a journalist in her early adult years and later wrote several novels, among them Mandela’s Children and Family Wars. She was committed to the fight against apartheid in South Africa in her youth and social justice throughout her life.  She was passionate about tennis, chocolate, cooking, her rose bushes and orchids, books, walks on the beach with her husband, and most of all her family and friends. 

A service will be held at 10 am Wednesday, June 25 at Temple Beth Shalom Cemetery on Circus Boulevard Sarasota, Florida. The family will receive friends and family to sit Shiva beginning at 6 PM on Wednesday, June 25, 2025 at 655 Long Boat Club Road, Unit 12A (second floor), Sarasota, FL 34228. 

In lieu of flowers kindly make a donation in Oras’ honor to the All Faith Food Bank.