Eleanor "Ellie" Soroky Gilbert

Eleanor was born on December 9, 1924 in Chicago, Illinois to Ethel and Louis Soroky. She had an older brother, Seymour. As a young child she lived in Chicago, Illinois, Toledo, Ohio and Adrian, Michigan.

In 1933, she, her mother and brother, via ship, went to England for a summer vacation to visit her mother's family. It was during the Great Depression and while they were on their vacation, Ellie's father lost his job. Consequently, her English relatives insisted that they all stay which resulted in them living there for the next year - even attending school there. Long-lasting relationships stemmed from that visit which included several family visits back to England and vice versa over the years.

In 1935, Ellie's dad, who was still struggling getting work, got a call from a friend in Los Angeles who had a job for him there. So began their lives in L.A., where Ellie attended elementary through high school and attended UCLA for three years. In order to help her parents financially, she discontinued her college education.

In June of 1950, she met Nat Gilbert, and they were married by September of that year. In 1952, they welcomed the birth of their son, Ken, in 1954, their daughter, Lisa and in 1959, another son, Richard. Nat was a CPA when the two married and after the birth of Ken and Lisa, decided he wanted to go to law school. He worked very hard at school and at the same time continued to support his family.

Those were very hard years but their love and respect for each other kept them going. Ellie was very fortunate to have Nat by her side as they grew old together (they just celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary), enjoying their wonderful children and seven grandchildren: Ken's - Matthew and Nicole, Lisa's - Kyle and Graham and Rich's - Amanda, Jessica and Hayley.

Ellie had many life-long friendships which were extremely meaningful to her; many who have passed before her and others still remaining friends.

Her influence and love will live on.