Heritage Florida Jewish News - Central Florida's Independent Jewish Voice

Elayne B. Wershil, age 90, of Longwood, passed away on Monday, April 17, 2017, at Village on the Green in Longwood. Elayne, a native of Scranton, Penn., was born on June 15, 1926, to the late Alexander and Jean Levitt Burke. She was the widow of the late Jeffrey Wershil to whom she was married for 55 years when he passed away in 2002.

Elayne received her bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Miami and was an elementary school teacher for a short while. Her main career interest, though, was her travel agency, Red Bird Travel in Miami, which she owned for many years.

During their years in Miami, the family was affiliated with Temple Beth Am. When they relocated to the Orlando area they became active members of Congregation of Reform Judaism and Elayne served as president of the Sisterhood.

She is survived by her children, Adam of Longwood, Billie (Larry) Parker of Maitland, Bonnie (Thomas) Marsteller of Dallas, Texas, and Bettsie (Steven) Greenbaum of Wayne, Penn.; and her adoring grandchildren, Gillian (Alexander) Platt, Jeremy, Hannah, Joshua and Emma. She was also predeceased by her brother, Ira Burke.

A funeral service was held at Congregation of Reform Judaism with Rabbi Steven W. Engel and Cantor Jacqueline Rawiszer officiating. Burial followed in the CRJ Cemetery in Gotha.

In memory of Elayne B. Wershil, the family requests memorial contributions to Congregation of Reform Judaism Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund, 928 Malone Drive, Orlando 32810. Arrangements entrusted to Beth Shalom Memorial Chapel, 640 Lee Road, Orlando 32810.