Elaine Gutheim

Elaine Gutheim (née Lobelson) died on March 24, surrounded by her loving family in her Wilmette home where she lived for over 65 years. Born in Chicago to Jean and Manny Lobelson on April 3,1933, Elaine was just nine days shy of her 93rd birthday.

Elaine grew up running barefoot and climbing trees in both Chicago and Los Angeles and graduated from Hollywood High School. While working for her father at the Robert Abbey showroom in the Merchandise Mart, she met the love of her life, Peter Gutheim. Together they built a life filled with fun, adventure, travel, business, deep love, and lasting friendship.

Elaine had all the beauty and luck anyone could ask for. She was a sharp businesswoman, skilled at tennis and golf, and had an effortless sense of style. She loved a good game of gin and rarely passed up the chance to play. Above all, Elaine was a devoted and generous wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her greatest joy was loving her three children, eight grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. When she became a grandmother, she gracefully took on the grand persona we all know as ‘Mimi’. Not just to her own family, but to their friends as well, everyone called her Mimi, a role she took great pride in and cherished deeply.

Elaine and Peter made their home in Wilmette, where they raised their three children on a street full of young families and developed lifelong friendships. Their home was a constant gathering place for family and friends, especially after they built their pool. It served as a backdrop for decades of laughter and celebration where many of the family's happiest memories were made. Their second home in Palm Desert was another cherished place, where they spent winters for more than 30 years.

She is survived by her three children: Jean Gutheim Kaiser (Jordan Schnoll), Karen Gutheim Pinsof (husband Bruce Pinsof), and Kurt Gutheim (wife Susie Gutheim). Her grandchildren: John Kaiser (wife Ana Kaiser), Eve Kaiser (husband Kyle Weiland), Matt Kaiser (wife Emily Kaiser), Jake Pinsof (husband Brendan Ahmad), Jenni Pinsof, Olivia O’Connor (husband Mike O’Connor), Samantha Gutheim, and Mark Gutheim. Her great-grandchildren: James, Mason & Ellis Kaiser and Cooper Weiland. She was joyfully anticipating the arrival of a fifth great-grandchild in August.

Elaine will be deeply missed by her niece Susie Fredman (wife Terri Hawley) and daughter Amanda, and beloved daughters of nephew Jeff Lobelson, Grace Kaplan (husband Will Kaplan), Faith Hasslinger (husband Alex Hasslinger) and Rosie Lobelson. and her many dear friends. Her family was the heart of her life, and her love for them was unwavering.

Elaine was predeceased by her loving brother Edward Lobelson, her sister Selma Florio, her nephews Bobby and Jeffrey Lobelson, and her beloved husband, Peter.

Elaine wanted everyone around her to enjoy life, be happy, have everything they wished for, and always give plenty of kisses. She was adored by everyone who knew her, and her capacity for love felt endless, touching everyone lucky enough to be part of her life. May her memory continue to bring comfort and inspire all who had the privilege of knowing her to live life to the fullest.

Private Services for family are being held on Friday at 1pm at Memorial Park Cemetery. Shiva will be held following the service until 7 pm at her home; 2717 Lincoln Lane, Wilmette, Il.

Memorial gifts may be made to Northwestern Memorial Hospital - Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute in honor of Dr J. Neil Stone, a trusted Doctor and friend.