Yelizaveta Barenboym

Yelizaveta Barenboym, born in Kahul, Romania (now Moldova) at the outbreak of World War II, passed away peacefully on July 21, 2026, surrounded by family. She was the devoted wife of the late Yefim, loving mother of Dr. Alla (Roman) Dorfman and Alexander (Karina Imas) Barenboym, and cherished sister to Chaim (Anna) Itskovitch.

Her life began in the struggles of wartime survival. Her father, the late Tsalik Itskovitch was in the Soviet military in WWII, missing years with his family. Yelizaveta and her mother, the late Feyga (Yoselevitch), escaped their hometown and made their way to Kazakhstan, where they lived in difficult circumstances, yet safe. After they reunited with their father, they made their way to Chernovtsy, Ukraine, where they settled into their post-war lives.

Through all of this, her spirit never dimmed. She never stopped learning and worked hard. After completing her associate degree in pharmacology she earned a master’s degree in the evening program to become a pharmacist and medicine maker, all the while starting a new family with Yefim. First came Alla and then, 10 years later, Alexander. Perhaps her greatest achievement is that, to this day, Alla and Alexander are remarkably close.

Yelizaveta excelled as a pharmacist in the main children’s pharmacy in their town. The pharmacy was her home away from home and made her well known throughout the community. She was highly respected by the doctors in town and shared her expertise as a consultant to the children’s hospitals staff, promoting innovations in pharmacology.

She was an excellent baker and chef, creating the most wonderful treats for the ones she loved. Her knishes were legendary and a favorite of Alexander’s.

In 1991, at the age of 52, Yelizaveta and the rest of the family moved to America. After her early life experiences, nothing was more important to her than being with her small family. The move was not easy, and she struggled with the new language, but she just kept being the most loving mother and grandmother to Dr. Julie (Dr. Brian Glen) Dorfman (the now owner of the knish recipe) and Michael and Anna Barenboym, and great grandmother to Noah and Lana Dorfman-Glen.

She loved Jewish culture and food, Yiddish language and literature, and the land of Israel. A devout Zionist, she has a large extended family in Israel who will miss her greatly. Her big personality, energy and boundless curiosity will be remembered by all who met her.

She loved all things sparkly and was very loved.

May her memory forever be a blessing.

A Graveside Service will be held on Monday, July 27th, at 10:30 AM at Beth Hamedrosh Hagodol Cemetery, 9125 Ladue Rd. in Ladue.