Eleanore G. Yenkin Obituary (2006)

Eleanore G. Yenkin (Nee Weiner), age 97, died Friday afternoon in a tragic automobile accident which also took the life of her only remaining sister (see Zelkowitz). Born December 12, 1909 in Columbus to parents Samuel and Sarah (London) Weiner. Married January 22, 1930, and for 47 years to Abe I. Yenkin, co-founder of Yenkin-Majestic Paint Corp. Survived by son and daughter-in-law, Bernard and Miriam Yenkin, daughter and son-in-law, Sandra and Herbert Levine, daughter, Linda Yenkin and her partner, Lillian Carlisle; grandchildren, Leslie Yenkin (Jonathan Petuchowski), Jonathan Yenkin (Susan Fisher), Allison Y. (Anatoly) Katsev, Amy Yenkin (Robert Usdan), Andrew Levine, Rachel L. (Michael) Foley; great-grandchildren, Abigail Petuchowski, Max and Alex Yenkin, Libbie and Sarah Katsev, Cole and Dora Usdan, Samuel, William, and Lucas Foley; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Predeceased by her husband; brothers, Abe, Bernard, Carl, and Elliott Weiner; sisters, Tillie Ziskind and Ruth Kanter. She was the last living member of her generation in both her and her husband’s families. A life-long and devoted member of Agudas Achim Synagogue, where her grandfather Kalman London was the first rabbi, she served as President of the Sisterhood as a young wife and mother in her 30’s and then again in her 80’s. She was also a 60-year member of Temple Israel and Winding Hollow Country Club. During an active life of service to the community, she was a founding member and President of the Columbus Jewish Historical Society; Board Member and Chairman of the Women’s Division of United Jewish Fund (now Columbus Jewish Federation), Board Member of Columbus Jewish Foundation and Heritage House, where she also served as President of the Women’s Auxiliary, and Israel Bonds where she was honored for her service. She was a Life Member of Hadassah, member and supporter of numerous other arts, educational, and service organizations, including Council of Jewish Women where she was actively engaged over many years in assisting refugees from Europe after World War II and later from North Africa to resettle in our community. She enjoyed bridge, where she was a sought after partner, and piano, where her playing of old and new familiar tunes enlivened many family occasions. Her loss is felt deeply by her loving family and many friends. Funeral service 11 AM Monday, December 18, 2006 at AGUDAS ACHIM SYNAGOGUE, 2767 E. Broad St., with Rabbis Jason Miller, Alan G. Ciner, and Cantor Baruch Shifman officiating. Burial to follow at New Agudas Achim Cemetery. Shiva will be observed at the home of Miriam and Bernard Yenkin. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that contributions may be made to Agudas Achim Synagogue, Columbus Jewish Federation, or Columbus Jewish Historical Society.