Anne Purcell Vogel, age 80, of Colts Neck, peacefully passed away April 24, 2021, surrounded by her loving family.
She was born Nov. 11, 1940, in Long Branch and raised there as well. After she graduated from Long Branch High School, she attended Monmouth College and Jersey City State College. During her high school years and after her graduation while working at JCP&L, she worked part-time at Vogel’s Department Store in Long Branch, where she met the love of her life, Sheldon. Married for more than 58 years, they traveled the world together on business for Atlantic Records, during one of music’s most legendary and iconic eras, leaving Anne with many unique and wonderful stories which she truly loved to share.
Throughout her life Anne was an accomplished knitter, seamstress and tailor, making all of her own clothes during her younger years. She loved her greenhouse, growing and tending to plants and flowers all year long. She was an avid reader, adored shopping as well, and was a true patron of the arts, filling her home with treasured and unique pieces of art from here and around the world.
Though her philanthropic quests with Sheldon knew no bounds, the cause nearest to her heart was that of animal welfare. This love culminated in the eventual realization of the Vogel Spay and Neuter Clinic and the Vogel Veterinary Care Center of the Monmouth County SPCA in Eatontown.
The list of cherished causes Anne championed along with Sheldon included, but were not limited to, conservation, the performing arts and a host of concerns for advancing healthcare needs in a modern world. To that end, and feeling a deep commitment and affinity for where she came from and to her community, Anne spent years with Sheldon working with the foundation of Monmouth Medical Center in Long Branch, the hospital in which they were born. A part of their efforts and patronage has culminated in what is now the Anne Vogel Geriatrics Emergency Medicine Unit, located within the hospital.
Also, rounding out her vast interests and emphasis on community, the Count Basie Theater in Red Bank recently added a new performance venue, “The Vogel,” to their complex.
In addition to her generosity, Anne will be remembered for her involvement and joy of life, and she will be greatly missed by her family and friends.
She is survived by her devoted husband, Sheldon, her beloved sister, Judy Ziegler of Shrewsbury, and her nieces and nephews.
A private family memorial service will be planned at a later date. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations in her memory be made to the Monmouth County SPCA, 260 Wall St., Eatontown, NJ 07724 or monmouthcountyspca.org.
The article originally appeared in the May 6 – 12, 2021 print edition of The Two River Times.
