Norma R. Elowitch

Los Angeles CA- Norma R. Gottschalk Elowitch, 71, of Los Angeles, California, formerly of South Portland, Maine, passed away on November 25, 2013, at Guardian Rehabilitation Hospital in Los Angeles, California.

Norma was born in Cleveland, Ohio, on March 31, 1942. She graduated South Portland High School in 1960 and went on to Boston University, then Chandler School for Women, from which she graduated. She worked in Boston as secretary to the chief radiologist at Massachusetts General Hospital. Eventually she moved to Los Angeles, California, where she had relatives, and worked as a bookkeeper. Upon retirement Norma accepted the position of manager of the building in which she lived. She also worked as a volunteer clerk at the voting booths.

As a young woman, Norma was active in many organizations such as Center Youth, United Synagogue Youth, and Religious Charitable Youth, of which she was President. Norma traveled out of town as a representative of these organizations and upon her return spoke to her temple congregation about what she had learned. She was also a member of the French Club, the Latin Club, and the Glee Club at South Portland High School.

Norma was an avid reader and was highly informed about various topics from medicine to politics. She also loved the outdoors and animals, often taking in stray cats and dogs. Her favorite places in Maine were Fort Williams, Two Lights State Park, Bug Light, and Old Orchard Beach.

Norma was an exceptionally decent, honest, sweet, loving, compassionate and charitable person, always putting everyone else's needs before her own. She would often take care of the plants and animals of vacationing tenants and would never accept any money. She also assisted in the care of her aging relatives in California.

Norma will be greatly missed by her loving family and friends.

Norma was predeceased by her parents, Gussy and Oscar Gottschalk. She is survived by her daughter, Heidi M. Elowitch Taylor and her husband, Brent, of Newbury Park, California, her sister, Anita S. Gottschalk Weiner, of South Portland, Maine, three nephews, Daniel N. Weiner , his wife, Deborah Cahn-Weiner, and their children, Zachary and Jakob, of Orinda, California, Joseph B. Weiner, his wife, Stephanie A. Shen, and their children, Jack Williams, Sukie and Jeremy, of Larchmont, New York, and Jonathan B. Weiner, his wife, Lisa M. Weiner, and their children, Zoë and Eva, of Valley Stream, New York.

A funeral service will be held on Sunday December 1, 2013 at 11:00 AM at Temple Beth El, 400 Deering Ave, Portland with Rabbi Carolyn Braun officiating. Interment will follow at Temple Beth El Memorial Park, Congress St. Portland. Arrangements are under the care of Jones, Rich, & Hutchins Funeral Home, 199 Woodford St. Portland.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Norma's memory to the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America, National Processing Center, PO Box 1245, Albert Lea, MN 56007-9918.