SMELKINSON, Elaine Judith

Elaine Judith Smelkinson of Tucson, Arizona, formerly of Phoenix, born on June 7, 1939 in Baltimore, Maryland, passed away on February 23, 2011. She is survived by her loving husband of almost 47 years, Paul Smelkinson; her daughter and son-in-law, Jennifer and Mark Cassius; her son and daughter-in-law, Mitchell and Lisa Smelkinson; her daughter and son-in-law, Karen and David Sapoznikow and her grandchildren, Sarah Cassius, Jillian Cassius, Rose Sapoznikow, Mia Smelkinson, Jacob Sapoznikow and Harper Smelkinson. Elaine will always be remembered for her warm smile and kind, inclusive nature. She was always quick to deliver an insightful comment or a witty response. She was a consummate planner, always thinking ahead to the next holiday celebration or family event. Her greatest values were family, Judaism and education. Elaine graduated high school at age sixteen and had a fascinating career as a registered nurse, always seeking out challenging assignments. After additional college work and earning her bachelor's degree in 1985, she moved into psychiatric nursing, working in psych facilities at both the state and county level and, ultimately, helping at-risk women addicted to drugs and/or alcohol deliver healthy babies. Many of these former patients expressed their gratitude to Elaine for her personal interest in their care. Since her retirement, she has enjoyed cooking, reading, traveling and spending time with family and friends, especially her six grandchildren. Elaine was a loving and supportive wife, mother, grandmother and friend. She was always more concerned about the needs of everyone around her rather than her own. Elaine was always the first to come to the aid of friends and family in need. She spent countless hours doing volunteer work, sitting on various committees and chairing community events. Elaine was always very philanthropic-minded, a strong supporter of Israel, Hadassah, her synagogue and the local Jewish Federation. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her. Services will be held at EVERGREEN MORTUARY in Tucson, on Friday, February 25, 2011 at 11:00 a.m., with Rabbi Robert Eisen and Rabbi Elon Sunshine co-officiating. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in her memory to Congregation Anshei Israel, Tucson, AZ or your local Jewish Federation.
Posted by Susan on February 24, 2011

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