By Molly R. Sinert

Ruth S. Elson, 93, passed away peacefully on the morning of June 18, 2022. The oldest of seven siblings, Ruth was born April 29, 1929. She raised three children of her own in Rochester, N.Y., with Leonard “Lenny” Elson, her husband of 49 years.

Ruth earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from SUNY Albany and used her science education to build a career, eventually proudly retiring with Eastman Kodak Company. Following retirement, Ruth and Lenny moved to Central Florida. Here they enjoyed family barbeques and pool days, finding treasures at garage sales, and participating in social activities at the Jewish Community Center. Lenny and Ruth traveled all over the world, inspiring their family to do the same. One of their most memorable vacations was Thailand, before Lenny’s passing in 2002. Ruth loved jewelry, collecting knick-knacks, and crocheting, almost as much as playing Mahjong. She looked forward to weekly BINGO and Mahjong at her last place of residence, Tuskawilla Nursing & Rehab Center. Friends and family will remember her smile and lighthearted nature.

Ruth is preceded in death by parents, Louis and Susie Sandler; husband, Leonard Elson; brother, Henry Sandler; sister-in-law, Diane Sandler; son, Martin Elson; and daughter, Marla Sinert.

She is survived by younger siblings — Myra Jablon (Bert), Seymour Sandler (Phyllis), Phillip Sandler, Tom Sandler (Alison), Todd Sandler (Jeannie); and daughter, Fern Cardella (James); son-in-law, Merrill Sinert; grandchildren — Molly Sinert (Stephen Ellis), Zachary Cardella, Benjamin Elson (Gina), Elizabeth Elson (Rafael Colon); and four great-grandchildren.

Donations in Ruth’s memory can be made to:

The Jewish Pavilion, 421 Montgomery Road Suite #131 Altamonte Springs, Fl 32714 or the A.S.P.C.A.