Mary Sue Rothenberg

Mary Sue Rothenberg passed away at home with family on April 22, 2025. She will be deeply missed by her husband of 57 years, Fred Rothenberg; sons Paul (Lolene), Charles, and Sam (Lindsey); grandchildren Asher, Ezra, Saskia, Savannah, Miles, Henry, and Oscar; and countless family and friends.

Mary Sue was born to Samuel and Julia Flom on February 7, 1945, at Tampa General Hospital. She graduated from Mitchell, Wilson, and Plant High School (1962) and earned her BA from Northwestern University (1966). She was pursuing a PhD in Psychology at Columbia University when she met Fred on a blind date on April 19, 1967. After Fred completed his military service, they moved to Tampa where she devoted herself to raising three sons in addition to numerous civic causes, especially the Hillsborough Education Foundation. Mary Sue loved to spend time with her adoring grandchildren and with family and friends. She enjoyed reading, travel, swimming, tennis, and cheering on the Buccaneers and her Northwestern Wildcats. Mary Sue spent countless hours reviewing applications from underserved students and was very proud of the scholarships she awarded.

A memorial service for Mary Sue will take place at Congregation Schaarai Zedek on Sunday, April 27 at 3pm. Private interment will be at Myrtle Hill Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, the family hopes you will consider a contribution to the Hillsborough Education Foundation, Moffitt Cancer Center, Congregation Schaarai Zedek, or the charity of your choice, in Mary Sue’s memory.