Elaine Halpern's Obituary
Elaine E. Halpern Accomplished artist, loyal Arizona Wildcat supporter, and long-suffering Cub fan, Elaine Halpern died September 28, 2015 at the age of 86. Native Chicagoans Elaine and her late husband, Daniel raised their three children in the Windy City before moving to Tucson in 1977. An abstract painter of some renown, her work was exhibited throughout the US, including the Art Institute of Chicago. Later in life, she turned her talents to fabricating elaborate miniatures including a medieval castle, a vineyard in Provence, and an Old West bordello. She also collected fossils (many of which she found herself), Navajo rugs, Russian lacquer boxes, and, of course, Wildcat paraphernalia. Shortly after moving to Tucson, Dan and Elaine became enthusiastic and generous supporters of University of Arizona, eventually endowing scholarships in the school of nursing and the athletic department. For years, the Halperns were fixtures at McKale Center and part of the unofficial travel party on men's basketball road trips across the country. A superb cook, she loved to entertain and was famous for her elaborate, imaginative parties. She was also fond of mysteries, puzzles, fine food and travel. Elaine is survived by her son, Reid Halpern (Nancy); daughters, Shary Rosenbaum (David) and Melissa Halpern (Charlie MacCabe); six grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and her close friend and caregiver, Helen Acedo. A Funeral Service will be held Thursday, October 1, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. at EVERGREEN MORTUARY, 3015 N. Oracle Road, Tucson. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Southern Arizona Community Food Bank or the Sjögren's Syndrome Foundation.
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