Obituary
Elaine Hirsh Jandorf, 94, of Owings Mills, Maryland passed away on Thursday, September 3rd, 2020.
Our mother lived a very full and spiritual life. She was born and raised in Cumberland, Maryland where she treasured her childhood and gained lifelong friends. After graduating high school, she attended Hood college in Frederick. But, on weekends she would visit her grandparents in Baltimore where she met her future husband, Ross.
After just seven weeks of dating, they became engaged while on a date at the Olney Inn and a few months later they were married at the Suburban Club. Their marriage spanned 71 amazing years.
Elaine and Ross were soulmates in every sense of the word. Mom was completely and unconditionally dedicated to our father. She did everything she could for him including laying what clothes he needed to wear every morning. She worked in his office and they traveled together on his extended business trips.
More than anything our mother loved her family and was so very proud of her three children, six grandchildren and most of all her nine great grandchildren. She would talk about them to anyone who would listen.
Their social lives were jam packed. Mom always had plans to get together with other couples or to attend parties. Her calendar was always full and scheduled months in advance. In addition to her work and social schedule, mom’s life included swimming, playing golf, tennis, & bridge and was part of the same Mahjong game for over 55 years.
Anyone who knew our mother knows that she saw the world through rose colored glasses. She was always optimistic and almost always had a smile on her face. And I’m not so sure that’s a bad thing. She found the good in people and never had a disparaging word to say about anybody. When bad things would happen to us, her approach was to say “This too shall pass”. She just didn’t dwell on the negative.
On a different note, our mother was perhaps the most spiritual woman you would ever meet. Her Judaism was especially comforting and important to her. It anchored her life and was an integral part of her routine. She believed in God and Judaism with all her heart and soul. Every Friday night we had Shabbat dinner where we lit candles, and said the blessing over the wine and bread. Afterwards, the children would receive a blessing from our father. It was a fantastic tradition.
On Saturdays, she and our grandmother would go to services at Baltimore Hebrew. Afterwards, they would go visit hospitalized congregants from the synagogue and spend time just talking to them to hopefully brighten up their day. Mom was on the sisterhood board for 57 years, she was the financial secretary, and chairperson of the Sukkah committee at shul. And even though she could not donate blood, she always helped out at the blood drive.
Our mother taught us to never hold a grudge, always look for the good in people and do the right thing. Heaven is a better place now that she is there
She is survived by loving children, Ross Allan (Joyce) Jandorf, Jill (Mark) Levin and Robert "Bobby" (Paula) Jandorf; grandchildren, Joshua (Ashley) Levin, Rebecca (Christopher) Kent, Joshua Avinoam (Esther) Jandorf, Jenna (Matthew) Mintz, Jonathan Jandorf, and Adam (Catalina) Jandorf; great grandchildren, Bailey, Devin, Morgan, Clara, Shoshana Raizel, Ian Solomon, Hila Shoshana, Michael Mose and Parker. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Ross Jandorf; brother, Allan T. Hirsh, Jr.; and parents, Ellinor and Allan Hirsh, Sr.
To emphasize her belief in God, I am including the text of a letter that she wrote to President Kennedy in October 1962 during the Cuban missile crises. It’s entitled: Prayer for Peace
Gracious and Merciful God, we pray to thee with heavy hearts, as news each hour brings forth threats of war. We feel so helpless in these terrible times. Grant each of us the courage to build our lives on the abiding foundations of thy law, so that we may attain peace of mind and steadfastness of purpose. Let thy spirit be a beacon of light and truth for all mankind. Show the pathways of peace and enlighten with thy wisdom those in authority, who sit in the council of nations. Imbue them with the desire for brotherliness and goodwill, which alone can bring enduring peace. May all nations realize, that triumphs of war turn to ashes, that justice and righteousness are better than conquest and domination, for it is not by might nor by power but by spirit that the blessings of peace can be made secure. Have compassion upon us, preserve us from war, so that we may enjoy the fruits of our labors in peace. Baruch atah, Adonai Oseh hashalom. Praised be thou O’Lord, Giver of Peace.
Services are private. Please omit flowers. Contributions in her memory may be sent to E.B. and Allan Hirsh, Jr. Early Childhood Center, 7401 Park Heights Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21208.
Arrangements by Sol Levinson. www.sollevinson.com