Elaine "Gammy" Wechsler Eulogy

My House Is Your House

My House Is Your House.  Or as Gammy would usually say it in Spanish, "Mi Casa Es Su Casa".  It was a phrase that Gammy said often throughout her life and it was obvious that she meant every word of it.  Because Gammy, above all else, wanted everyone to feel welcomed.

Parents

She was welcomed into this world as Elaine Janet Gamler on January 28, 1925 in Buffalo, NY.  Her father, Harry Gamler, embodied the essence of the American dream having immigrated to the United States by himself at 13 years old from Lithuania without a penny in his pocket.  He went on to start an extremely successful jewelry business becoming a prominent and respected leader throughout the city of Buffalo.  It was through his jewelry business where he met the woman who would eventually become his wife and Gammy's mother, Amanda.  As the story goes Amanda was employed as a bookkeeper at the store and eventually Harry realized if he married her he wouldn't have to pay her.  It was perhaps the best business decision he ever made, not only because it made financial sense, but because it gave us our loving Gammy.

Education

From early on, Harry and Amanda's work ethic was unmistakably instilled her.  In particular, from a young age she worked hard to be a good student.  After completing high school in Buffalo she attended college at Northwestern and then Smith College majoring in sociology.  Later she went to SUNY Buffalo obtaining a masters in social work.  And then many years later in her mid 50's she went to Trinity college for a masters in counselling.

Meeting Herbie

But between her undergraduate and graduate studies she knew something was missing.  Before the days of internet dating, she put her name on a list of single Jewish women which was made available to the Jewish servicemen in the Buffalo area.  It was through that list that she met the love of her life, Herbie.  Herbie, a doctor in the United States Coast Guard, was completing his residency in Buffalo.  But surprisingly, their life together might not have happened had it not been for a little persistence from Herbie.   After their initial date, Gammy didn't seem very interested.  Herbie would call and ask her out, and she would give him a bit of a cold shoulder.  But he didn't take no for answer.  Quite the opposite, he would find out where Gammy was going and show up, hoping to impress her with his charm.  Of course we'll never really know whether Herbie charmed her or just wore her out, but one thing we do know is that they fell in love and began the most incredible life together.  After a short time dating Herbie proposed to Gammy, telling her that he wanted to get married the following week.  Their courtship had apparently been so quick that when Gammy informed her parents of the exciting news, Harry said something to the effect of "That's wonderful and who are you getting married to?"  Harry quickly arranged for a beautiful wedding at the Statler Hilton hotel in downtown Buffalo.

Motherhood and Life in Maryland

It was not long after their marriage that they had their first child Wendy who was born in Washington DC.  Shortly afterwards they moved briefly to Santa Monica, California where their first son Michael was born.  Coming back to Washington they had a third child, Brian, and a few years later, Larry was born.  The family moved a few times in the Washington DC area starting in an apartment in Northern Virginia, then a house on 16th street, a house on Chesapeake Street and ultimately the crown jewel of all houses, on Burbank Drive in Potomac Maryland.  It was that house on Burbank that became the center of activity for the whole family with kids and grandkids coming by on weekends to play tennis, swim in the pool and enjoy each other's company.  And when they weren't at home with the family or hosting big parties, Herbie and Gammy lived a life full of social engagements around Washington and went on countless vacations and travel throughout the world.

Work

But along with all the fun Gammy worked diligently pursuing her passion as a social worker.  In particular, she worked at the Barker foundation, an adoption agency, helping families complete the adoption process.  She also worked in a volunteer capacity as a docent at the National Gallery of Art, giving tours and teaching others about the importance and beauty of art.

Florida

Eventually, though, it was time for Herbie and Gammy to retire.  They settled in Boca West, an amazing country club in Boca Raton, Florida, where Gammy continued to enjoy her favorite activities including tennis, bridge and swimming.  They spent many great years as snowbirds shuffling between Maryland and Florida, continuing their love of entertaining, socializing and more traveling.

Grandchildren

In fact, during their retirement years Herbie, Gammy along with the kids and now grandchildren went on some unbelievable trips through Eastern Europe, China and Australia and New Zealand.  As a grandchild of Gammy I can definitely say how amazing it was to have grandparents that would go on trips like that with us.  Those trips really hold some special memories that all of us grandchildren will always share.

Older Age

Ultimately it is the memories that bring you closer to people you love.  And as Gammy aged it was tough to see her lose some of that memory.  But through it all her kindness and light-hearted nature shined until the very end.  Even her health aides who assisted her often commented on how kind and complimentary she was to them and everyone she knew.

We Love You

She lived in many ways a fairytale life fit for a queen.  Importantly though, she exhibited grace and elegance in the same way that a queen would behave.  Every time you spoke with her she made you feel good about yourself.  All of us will deeply miss the warmth and kindness that she brought to everyone.