Elaine Aarons
Elaine “Lainie” Bloom Aarons, known as “Yaya” to her grandchildren, passed away Jan. 21, 2020, in Denver. Rabbi Eliot Baskin officiated at the Jan. 24 graveside service held at Emanuel Cemetery. Feldman Mortuary made the arrangements.
“Like her grandmother and mother before her, Elaine was an inspiration to her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren,” the family said.
“She was devoted to family, independent and adventurous, dedicated to her community and deeply sentimental.
“May the family bonds she forged never break.”
Her loved ones said that Mrs. Aaron’s grandmother, Therese Marx Ferrin, was revered as the Angel of Tucson for helping found Tucson’s Temple Emanuel in her living room.
“This culture of giving back to the community set up the framework for Elaine’s childhood experience,” they said.
Elaine “Lainie” Bloom was born June 25, 1923, in Tucson, Ariz., to David W. and Clara F. Bloom. She frequently spent her summers at “Kitty Krest,” the family’s cabin on Mount Lemmon.
She earned a BA in business at the University of Arizona.
In 1945, at age 22, she married M. David Aarons, who resided in Denver.
Mrs. Aarons continued her religious commitment at Denver’s Temple Emanuel, where she delivered flowers to the ill, homebound and grieving families.
Mr. Aarons expanded the family business, Aarons Stationary Company, with his wife’s help.
Upon retirement, the couple decided to spend the winters in Tucson.
Mr. Aarons passed away in 1986.
Following his death, Mrs. Aarons continued wintering in Tucson for 30 years.
An avid knitter, Mrs. Aarons made sweaters and Afghans for her family. She also loved golfing, hiking, tennis and watching her favorite teams the Colorado Rockies and Denver Broncos.
She volunteered for the Assistance League of Denver for many years.
Elaine “Lainie” Bloom Aarons is survived by her children Harold W. Aarons of Westminster, Dr. Ralph D. (Elizabeth) Aarons of Zionsville, Ind., and Susan Selman Nieth of La Grande, Ore.; 11 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.
Contributions may be made to Temple Emanuel’s flower fund or rabbis’ discretionary fund, or the Assistance League of Denver.
Copyright © 2020 by the Intermountain Jewish News
