Elaine Lerman

Elaine Lerman, nee Horwich, 93, passed away on March 7, 2022. She is survived by her loving husband Sheldon, her sons Barry (Maida) and Bradley (Rita), her dearest cousins Sol Kopel and Alice Wishnoff, her grandchildren Sarah, Ben, Joe, Jeff, Katie and Sam, who adored her, and two great-grandchildren (Asher and Natalie) who will grow up with her memory always.

The only child of Samuel and Bella Horwich, Elaine grew up in Albany Park and graduated from Roosevelt University in 1950. She married Shel the same year. She was an elementary school teacher, active in B’nai B'rith and her synagogue, and fully devoted to her husband, children and family.

She was effusive in her love for her family. She hugged and kissed hellos and goodbyes (and no one got just one goodbye). She was devoted in her care of her father, Sam, and father-in-law, Dan, in their later years. Her children and grandchildren were the best fed people who ever lived - she would not tolerate an empty plate at her table. Her soups, kugel, and french toast were world renowned (or should have been). She was funny and quick with a retort. When a comedian working the crowd jokingly asked her why she hadn’t been at the motel they were supposed to meet at the night before she quickly responded “I was there waiting - where were you?” She was an avid card player - bridge, rummy, poker - and delighted in cleaning out Shel in Texas Hold’em. She had strong opinions on politics and even stronger opinions that her children and grandchildren were the best in the world.

She and Shel were married for 72 years, all of them happy. They saw the world together and were at each other’s side always. She always said that she had been very lucky. Far luckier were the people who knew her and who will carry her in their hearts forever.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hadassah, www.hadassah.org/give