Elaine S. Kaufmann

Elaine S. (Fruchtman) Kaufmann, 89, of West Hartford, CT, passed away on Thursday, February 1, 2024, at UCONN Medical Center. She was born in Hartford in 1934, the daughter of the late Samuel and Clara Silverstein. Elaine was fortunate to have had two wonderful husbands, the late Wilbert Kaufmann and the late Jacob Fruchtman. She was a graduate of Weaver High School and the Hartford Accounting School. She was a lifelong member of Hadassah and the Sisterhood at Emanuel Synagogue and was an honorary member of the Hebrew Home Auxiliary. Elaine worked many years in real estate, starting with Ray Foley and finishing her career with Coldwell Banker. In her younger years, she directed many food drives, always thinking of those less fortunate than her. She enjoyed taking art classes at the Wadsworth Atheneum and The Little Red Schoolhouse. Elaine also enjoyed Mah-Jongg, traveling, reading, painting, and tennis.

Elaine was also predeceased by her brother, Melvyn Silverstein. She leaves behind her children, Steven Fruchtman (Joanne), Franklin Fruchtman of blessed memory (Janyce), Susanne H. Peterson (Carl), and Marc Kaufmann (Ellen). She also leaves 8 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren, with more on the way. She enjoyed visits with her niece, Shaila Silverstein, and Shaila’s sister, Trisha Allen. Elaine also fondly remembers Marlene and Jeff Alfin, a “special niece and nephew.”  Although some activities were curtailed due to a stroke in 2016, she loved life and loved people. And… she had a healthy sense of humor: “Make sure I don’t take a deep breath as I’m being lowered.”

The Funeral Service will be held at 12:00 pm on Tuesday, February 6, 2024, at the Emanuel Synagogue, 160 Mohegan Dr., West Hartford, CT, with burial to follow at Emanuel Synagogue Cemetery, Wethersfield, CT, officiated by Rabbi David Small. A Meal of Condolence will be held after the burial. A Shiva service will also occur that evening, beginning at 4:45 p.m. Locations will be announced at the funeral service.

Donations in Elaine’s memory may be made to the Kaufmann-Fruchtman Fund at Emanuel Synagogue or to a local food bank of your choice. Elaine’s funeral services are in the care of funeral directors Leonard Holtz and Glenn Blumenstein. To leave a memory or message of condolence, please visit www.blumensteinfuneralhome.com

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