EILEEN FLUM's Obituary
Today we announce the passing of our beloved mother, the matriarch of our family, Eileen (Chaika) Flum (born March 31, 1931) of Boynton Beach, FL, formerly of Merrick and Brooklyn, NY. Eileen was the devoted wife of Dr. Leonard Flum who passed on October 11, 2016. Through their 60 year marriage, they enjoyed living and entertaining in homes in Merrick, NY and Boynton Beach, FL. They had three sons, Gary (Debi), Stuart (Barbara) and David (Tracey). Eileen was the loving grandma, friend and confidant to nine adoring grandchildren Zachary, Ethan, Paige, Allie, Carly, Jayson, Jacob, Michaela, and Ava. Eileen was a force to be reckoned with, the life of the party, a ferocious advocate for the underdog, a loyal friend, a woman with impeccable taste who commonly covered her wall with swatches to best consider her options.
Eileen's parents (David and Manya) were immigrants from Russia and Eileen was steeped in the traditions of eastern European culture. Her love of music, Yiddish, theatre, folk dancing, ballet, opera, art and food all come from this exposure. Her love of music and the arts was imbued in her children teaching them the songs and spirit of Pete Seeger, Jacque Brei, Charles Aznavour, Nina Simone, Billie Holiday, Joan Baez and Bob Dylan. She was the consummate host of friends and family for warm and sumptuous gatherings for the holidays and occasions. Her sharing of the complete details of recipescould have used some refinement, however, as it was common for Eileen to leave out a key ingredient or their exact measurement. Eileen rarely made an off meal and had the flair to simply throw something together and make it look grand. Eileen was a warm hearted do-gooder and genuine friend. She leaves behind a treasure trove of fond memories, wonderful experiences and laughable moments with children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews and her many lifelong friends dating back to Brooklyn and with her friends in Florida and in-between. She was zany, energetic, a good listener, a giver of suggestions and entirely authentic. Her respect for values and principles, human rights and kindnesses have helped steer the countless people she has mentored over her many years.
After playing the role of full-time mother, Eileen began a career as a medical technician working under the tutelage of Dr. Alfred Lowenstein. She had a long and productive career transforming herself into a career woman and she won the respect of many doctors and established lasting friendships along the way. In recent years, she committed many hours to the Spanish River Theatre Group and various Jewish Education and Children's causes.
Eileen is survived by Gary (Debi), Stuart (Barbara) and David (Tracey), her grandchildren Zachary, Ethan, Paige, Allie, Carly, Jayson, Jacob, Michaela, and Ava. Sister-in-law Rhoda Starkman, and many dear
friends and fans.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation be made in Eileen's memory to the Valencia Isles Chapter of the Jewish Adoption and Family Care.
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