Housewife, volunteer Edel Gainsburgh passes away at 89

EDEL ZEVE GAINSBURGH, a housewife, mother and community volunteer, died peacefully in her sleep on Friday morning, July 3, 2015. She was 89.

Gainsburgh, a longtime member of Temple Sinai, is remembered as a dedicated mother and committed volunteer. Among her pet projects, she spent time supporting both the Temple Sinai Sisterhood and the National Council of Jewish Women.

A New Year’s Day baby, Gainsburgh was born in Nacogdoches, TX. in 1926. She began her college years at Stephen F. Austin in Nacogdoches and graduated with a sociology degree  from the University of Texas.

Before moving to New Orleans, she also worked in the admissions office at Stephen F. Austin. After her move to the Crescent City, Gainsburgh also worked with  with children and families at the Children’s Bureau and helped to manage Dr. Joseph Cohen’s office.

She was predeceased by her husband, Samuel C. Gainsburgh, to whom she was married for 48 years. She is survived by her two daughters, Judith A. Gainsburgh and Amy Gainsburgh-Haspel (John); a son, Alan I. Gainsburgh (Cindy) and two grandchildren,.

Burial was private. Memorial services were held in the sanctuary at Temple Sinai, 6227 St. Charles Avenue, on Monday, July 6, 2015 at 12:30 p.m. A reception was held in the Goldring Social Hall.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations are suggested to Temple Sinai, the Samuel C. Gainsburgh Scholarship Fund at Tulane Law School, 6329 Freret St., New Orleans, LA 70118-6231, Second Harvest Food Bank or the charity of your choice.

Condolences may be expressed online here. Tharp-Sontheimer-Tharp Funeral Home of Metairie is in charge of arrangements.  For more information call 504-835-2341.