Elissa Horowitz's Obituary
Elissa Horowitz, beloved mother, aunt, cousin and friend, died peacefully in her sleep Tuesday night, September 9th. She was 87 years old.
Married to the late Alan Horowitz for 54 years, Elissa was the matriarch of the family — the glue that bound it together, from coast to coast. She was born in Springfield, Mass., the granddaughter of a cantor, and grew up in the embrace of loving grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. She graduated from a secretarial high school and was working at an insurance company when she met Alan. They married in 1956, had their first son, Steven, in 1958, and moved to Hollywood in 1961.
Second son Mark was born that same year, followed by Matthew in 1966. The family moved to Miramar in 1969, where Elissa doted on her husband and her rambunctious sons. She became active in nearby Temple Israel, joining the sisterhood and making lifelong friends. She continued work as a secretary for doctors and accountants, making the most of her experience and organizational skills.
After their sons went off to jobs, college, and the Navy, Alan and Elissa left their empty nest and flew off to a condo in Plantation, which served as the family hub for weekend barbecues and holiday feasts for 35 years. Relatives on both sides were always welcome, with Elissa making sure that all were received graciously and accommodated with lots of love.
As a friend of her late son Matt put it, Elissa was one of those people that make this world a little better.
Elissa is survived by sons Steve and Mark, sister-in-law Marcie, nieces Renee, Susan, and Sandy, nephew Leslie, and cousins Carolee and Maury. All know that while her physical presence has left us, her legacy of love, thoughtfulness, and humility will forever shine.
Steve and Mark ask that anyone wishing to bring that light into the lives of children donate to Hollywood’s Joe DiMaggio Children’s hospital at https://jdch.com/give-back/donate.
Attendees are invited to share memories starting at 4:00 at Five Star Premier Residences, 8500 West Sunrise Blvd., Plantation, 33322 (954) 476-8500.
What’s your fondest memory of Elissa?
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Share a story where Elissa's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Elissa you’ll never forget.
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