Elaine Altschuler

Elaine J. Altschuler passed away at home on April 30, 2022 at the age of 90. On July 4, 1931, Elaine was born in Philipsburg, Pennsylvania to Freda and Reuben Jaffe. She had 2 siblings, William A. Jaffe and Shirley Coploff, who predeceased her. Elaine graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 1953 with an undergraduate degree in Occupational Therapy. Directly after college Elaine joined the army as an Occupational Therapist at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas. Followed by time in Colorado and Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Married Milton Altschuler in 1954 and had two children, Marilynne Franks Bleeker, and Ann Louise Altschuler. They moved to Galveston, Texas in 1955. After 8 years in Galveston, Texas they moved to Houston, Texas, where Elaine resided for the reminder of her life. In 1978, Elaine went back to school and received a Master in Social Work from the University of Houston. As a social worker, she began a private practice helping others work through a divorce, which she maintained for many years. In 1986, Elaine wrote and published a book on managing divorce called “From We to Me: How to Ease the Transition from “Someones Wife” to Someone.” Several years later, she enjoyed a long relationship with Otto Schlamme until his death in 2012. Over the years, she volunteered at many nonprofits including student tours at Rienzi, an adjunct of The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, and Holocaust Museum Houston. She also worked for B’nai B’rith Women International for several years in her later working years and volunteered at Houston Methodist Hospital for many years. She played bridge for over 50 years. Elaine’s younger daughter, Ann Louise Altschuler, preceded her in death. Survivors include daughter, Marilynne Franks Bleeker and husband, Alford Bleeker; grandchildren, Andrew and Miriam (Ledley) Franks, and Brian Ross Franks; and great-grandchild Ilana Robin Ledley Franks, whom she adored thru digital pictures and FaceTime. A funeral will be held May 20th at 9:30AM, graveside, in Congregation Emanu El Memorial Park. Rabbi Roy A Walter and Cantor Rollin Simmons will officiate.
RECORDING OF LIVESTREAM:
https://vimeo.com/711758345/f9ea605d11?share=copy
Donations may be made to the Emergency Aid Coalition,
https://eachouston.org/donations/
; Congregation Emanu El,
https://www.emanuelhouston.org/give/
; Holocaust Museum Houston,
https://hmh.org/give/