OBITUARY
Elliot Aren Freeman
October 19, 1945 – March 17, 2021
Elliot Aren Freeman (75) was welcomed into his eternal home on March 17, 2021. Loving husband to Helen, inspiring father to Jordan, Michael and Jeanette (daughter-in-law), adoring Pa to Rylee, Peyton and Kennedy, brother to Arleen, Rob, Regina (sister-in-law), Donna (late sister-in-law), Howard (brother-in-law), Bernadette (sister-in-law), uncle to Rachel and Rebbeca and beloved friend of many.
Elliot was a man that embodied the attributes of strength, generosity, intelligence and devotion. As a tremendous athlete, he taught his sons how to be fearless and strong all while supporting others along the way. Elliot devoted his life to helping others find peace. His compassion, empathy and fondness for academics shone through in his work as a pharmacist and as a leader in the Messianic Jewish religious community. His vast love of nature allowed him to find grace in everything, especially Helen, his most beautiful flower. He was a welcoming man whose laugh could light up a room and make anyone feel like a part of the family. Our hearts will be forever broken but we will hold tight to our cherished memories which will ignite the spark that lights our way forward.
Services will take place at Memorial Park Cemetery (9900 Gross Point Road in Skokie) on Friday, April 2nd beginning at 11am.
A live stream of the services will be available on https://www.facebook.com/MemorialParkSkokie/ due to in-person, Covid-19 limitations.
Family and friends will gather at the main entrance, and will process to the gravesite.
Flowers are welcome and may be sent to Memorial Park. Should friends desire, memorial donations can be made in Elliot’s honor to the North Shore Senior Center or the Alzheimer’s Association.
In consideration of the safety of our guests and associates, Memorial Park Cemetery will adhere to the current gathering restrictions in the State of Illinois, which allow 50 or fewer guests at services. Proper social distancing must be practiced, and all guests will be required to wear facemasks at all times. Thank you for your cooperation.
Services
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Committal Service
Friday, April 2, 2021
Memories
Elliot Aren Freeman
have a memory or condolence to add?
ADD A MEMORYMelissa Moskowitz
April 3, 2021
Goodbye, dear friend. I know I’ll see you again
Melissa Weidner
April 2, 2021
Thinking of you all and sending condolences and love. Xoxoxoxo
Adah Lara
April 1, 2021
My prayers and thoughts are with you Helen and your family.
I was very blessed by Elliot when he was the leader of the Prayer Meeting before the Shabbat Service in 2012-...... He was very annointed and devoted leading the Prayer Meeting. He will be missed. He will be remembered with love. Adah Lara.
Neal Siegel
April 1, 2021
Had a great time with Elliot playing billiards (pool) at a facility he stayed at in Skokie while Helen was out of town. He was rather good and focused. Some good memories walking around there and talking. He was a great pleasure to be with. Also as many others can attest it was a joy to watch him carry Torah at Adat. He inspired me to carry it later and I did. Neal Siegel
Sue and Steve Mendelewski
March 31, 2021
Steve and I offer sympathy for Eliott. We were classmates at U of I College of Pharmacy and spent many hours together at lunch breaks figuring out what will be the questions on the medicinal chem exam. Back then, we had to sit alphabetically. I spent many an hour with Elliott Freeman next to me Sue Foxworthy. We also worked together as pharmacy residents at the college. He focused much of his practice on providing great drug information to colleagues.
Love Sue and Steve
Nancy Bramble
March 31, 2021
Helen and family,
I still envision Elliot dancing up and down the aisles, holding the Torah at Adat and now he's dancing in the presence of the Lord! I'm praying that our gracious Lord enfold you in His faithful love and comfort all of you with the cherished memories you hold dear.
Sending much love,
Nancy Bramble
Jeffrey Feinberg
March 30, 2021
Elliot and I arrived at Adat within a few months of one another. Elliot was in good shape physically. We became fast friends and sports warriors. Who can forget the hours of blood, sweat, and tears we left on the racquet ball courts?
Pat and I asked Elliot to say the prayer at our wedding. He prayed sincerely from the heart. We were life friends from then on. Doubtless, he’ll be smiling when all of us see him again!
edward saksenhaus
March 30, 2021
Eliott was one of the most intelligent people I knew. We roomed together for over a year and worked at Evanston Hospital together.
I will never forget him, and I hope the best wishes for his family
Shellie gazlay
March 29, 2021
Freeman Family,
The loss of Elliott is a loss for your family and we greave with you as Elliott was such a fixture to our community. He was always smiling and welcoming others into their lives and he gave all so much joy and time to many. Even though for many years we went to different congregations there was always a connection between Helen and Elliott and Ron and I . We worked together and played together as well as laughed and supported each other during so many times that his life will be remembered as the special man he is as he dancing in heaven and will be waiting for us when others make their journey! With our love and support we stand with your family. Love and blessings Ron and Shellie
Lauren Coleman
March 29, 2021
One of the memories I have from my first visit to Adat Hatikvah was the Torah procession. This one imprinted on my heart because of the joy and jubilation that was present on the face of the man who was holding the Torah as he danced and led the procession. The Spirit of the Lord was truly upon him. This man was Elliot.
I didn’t have the blessing of knowing Elliot very long this side of heaven, but the work he did for the Kingdom goes beyond words and I am blessed to have experienced that.
My thoughts and prayers are with Helen and the entire family. May the knowledge that he is now dancing in the Lord’s presence bring you unending peace.
May his memory be for a blessing.
Jan Rich
March 29, 2021
Oh how many wonderful memories of Elliot and the Freeman family!…
Swapping parenting stories when our boys were little, ministry at Adat ha Tikvah, talent night at Ingatherings and Peniel Camp. Elliot sent my husband Larry many articles on the latest treatment for Parkinson’s Disease. After we moved to Canada, visits from Elliot and Helen ,when they came to Stratford annually, were very special. We would meet at a restaurant half way between Stratford and Toronto to catch up on news.
Elliot was genuinely interested in people and loved by all. Sending a warm hug of sympathy to Helen and the family. May G-d be your comfort in the days ahead.
Dale Metcalfe
March 29, 2021
Elliot was a one of a kind person - we met at the College of Pharmacy and shared many good times together - even the first time he learned that when you microwave your TV dinner you take it out of the box first. He had an infectious smile that will remain with me forever. As a Roman Catholic Deacon it was awesome when he and Helen invited my wife and I to attend a fantastic praise session at his Temple - mixed faiths worshiping our One Lord. His deep faith strengthened our personal relationship with each other. As a pharmacist he embodied what caring, nurturing people's lives was all about. Although the body may be gone, his spirit will remain with all of us forever. Rest in Peace dear and faithful friend who I dare call brother.
Nancy Jaffe
March 24, 2021
Elliot blessed my life and many others because he was an exceptionally cheerful giver. I can still picture him with his kind smile as he graciously and generously served at Adat HaTikvah and as he and Helen opened their home frequently with their warm hospitality. Elliot modeled what it means to love The LORD with all your heart. As Scripture encourages us, "God loves a cheerful giver," Elliot was and is forever truly loved by God. I pray for Helen and his family to be comforted with the assurance that he now is in Messiah's joy filled Presence. With love, Nancy (Lyons) Jaffe
Marcia & Mickey Simmons
March 20, 2021
Our heartfelt condolences to Helen & the entire Freeman family . I met Elliot when he was a Pharmacy student in 1965. We reconnected in 2009 & were blessed to develop a wonderful friendship with Helen & Elliot. He was a very knowledgeable accomplished pharmacist. May his memory be forever a blessing & may he Rest In Peace free from pain .
Love ,
Marcia & Mickey
Rick & Marsha Moskovitz
March 19, 2021
We are praying for Helen and the family for God’s peace and comfort at this time.
When I, Rick was single & moved into my new apartment on Talman in Rogers Park, across the alley from Helen & Elliot, they invited me for dinner the first day. The next day, without calling, Elliot was at my apartment with tools to fix what was needed. I told Elliot that I would not forget his gift of brotherly love & I didn’t! Marsha & I know he is enjoying his time with the Lord!
Roy Schwarcz
March 19, 2021
Helen, Michael, and Jordan,
Joanne and I remember Elliott fondly. In fact, this past Wednesday his name came to mind while we were watching a news report on the busy lives of pharmacists. Joanne remembers working with him at Swedish Covenant Hospital. Your family has been a constant in our lives since we arrived in Chicago in 1979! Elliott's faithful participation at Adat Hatikvah through the years has been a testimony to many.
We are praying that our G-d and King will pour out upon your family the peace and comfort that His blessed Ruach Hakodesh brings. We thank God also for Helen who has been a demonstration of God's love, grace and strength in her walk before the Lord --especially for her care of Elliott in his closing years.