Tootsie Fonberg

Elaine Shirley Fonberg known affectionately to all as "Tootsie" passed away unexpectedly in the early morning of July fifteenth after recently celebrating her 77th birthday. Tootsie, the only child of Hymie and Jeannette Schwartz, was born in Dallas and graduated from Highland Park High School and SMU. She met the love of her life and best friend, Peter, when she was eighteen. They were married for fifty six glorious years and resided in Dallas surrounded by her entire family and a cadre of devoted friends. Summers were spent in California with Peter enriched by the "California crew" for the last twenty four summers. Tootsie was a passionate, loving, iconic figure who made an indelible impression on everyone who she encountered - she was truly one of a kind. Her passions included Peter, her family, reading, shopping, celebrity current events, a good game of mahj jong and pan but her greatest passion was her family to whom she was fiercely loyal and protective. She was giving to so many and was very involved in a myriad of philanthropic efforts including, Shearith Israel Sisterhood, Israel bonds, Hadassah, Vogel Alcove and Jewish Family Service, just to mention a few. Tootsie is survived by her loving husband Peter, her children Beverly and Chuck Ginsburg, Anita and Todd Chanon, Mitchell and Caryn Fonberg, her grandchildren, Jason, Jaclyn, Eric Friedman, Courtney, Max, Rachel Chanon, Blake and Jenna Fonberg, and loving and devoted friend Roberta Burnett. Tootsie was larger than life and was simply "the best". A service will be held Friday July 16th, at Shearith Israel at 11:00 am in the main sanctuary. Graveside service to follow at Sparkman Hillcrest. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Tootsie to Congregation Shearith Israel or Jewish Family Service.