Elaine Schlesinger Shank passed away on May 24, 2021. The daughter of George and Henrietta Maisel Schlesinger, Elaine was born on March 17, 1951, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. After her mother's untimely death, Elaine joined her Uncle Everett and Aunt Helen Brower's family and became both cousin and sister to Judy Marquit.
Elaine married Ron Shank, who predeceased her. Elaine's stepmother, Lois Broudy, also predeceased her. She is survived by her children, Zachary Page Shank and Sarah Haley Shank, her grandchildren, Obediah Shank, Zemira Shank, and Rocky Robinson, and her brother and sister-in-law Michael and Rhoda Schlesinger.
A graduate of FSU, Elaine was a life-long Seminoles fan. Elaine's career centered around teaching and guiding students in the Thomas County School System. She was the Guidance Counselor at Central Middle School for many years. Elaine was adored by her students, who were made at ease by her positivity and joyful demeanor.
Elaine's involvement in the community was boundless, contributing her time in numerous ways through Thomasville On Stage & Company as an actress, in Victorian Christmas as Mrs. Claus, and singing with the Thomasville Singers. She was engaged in various activities in both Temple Isreal of Tallahassee and Bnai Israel Synagogue in Thomasville.
Elaine was an extraordinary person whose kindness touched countless lives. She radiated happiness and had a smile for everyone. To know Elaine was to know that your life was positively touched, and experiences of significance and joy were your reward. Her memory is a blessing to us all.
A graveside service will be held at Bnai Israel Cemetery in Thomasville on Monday, June 7, 2021 at 9:30 AM, followed by a brunch gathering.
To order
memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Elaine Schlesinger Shank, please visit our
flower store.