Ilse Cavaliere

March 29, 1924 - October 9, 2020

Ilse Cavaliere, of Venice, FL., passed peacefully at home on October 9, 2020 at the age of 96. She was born on March 29, 1924 in Hamburg, Germany, to Eva Jendersie and Dr. Hans Lewin. In 1939, Ilse and her family fled Germany and settled in New York City. She graduated from Bryant high school in 1941. Ilse was the devoted wife of Frank Cavaliere, to whom she was married for 68 years. They had two daughters, Evelyn and Nancy. In 1980, Ilse and Frank retired to Venice, and she continued to work in Florida : volunteering at the Friendship Center medical clinic, and playing music for dementia and nursing home patients with her music partner, Ray Dyer. She felt that this calling was the most meaningful, rewarding work of her life. Hundreds of patients benefited from the music therapy. A life that was so well lived. Ilse loved swimming in the warm Gulf waters, playing music, reading, being outdoors, clogging, folk dancing with beloved friends, volunteering, and traveling to the Campbell folk school in NC, where she loved jamming with bluegrass musicians and was proud to have hiked a tiny portion of the Appalachian Trail. Ilse was a talented, athletic, compassionate, optimistic woman whose ability to adapt to life’s challenges exemplified the courage and fortitude of the Greatest Generation. She is survived by her beloved daughters, Evelyn Dewar (Alan) of Cape Cod, Nancy Andrews (Chris) of Bronx, NY; also treasured grandchildren: Jennifer Dewar (Jason Yi) of Saint Louis, MO, and Chris Dewar (Margaret Erickson) of Seattle, and her precious great grandchildren, Averill Yi and Leo Dewar, and her best friend Ray Dyer. Ilse is also survived by her best friend Ray Dyer and wonderful neighbor Stephanie St John. Services will be held at the Sarasota National Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations to Tidewell Hospice, Philanthropy Department, 5955 Rand Blvd., Sarasota, FL 34238 or the Salvation Army, 1400 10th Street, Sarasota, FL 34236 would be appreciated.