Elaine Feinberg

Elaine Feinberg, of Adamstown MD, passed away Wednesday, October 10, at home.

She was the wife of the late Robert Feinberg, and the daughter of the late Eva and Louis Gottesman of Philadelphia, PA. She lived most of her adult life in Maryland, in Silver Spring, Ijamsville, and the Frederick area.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert, her brother, Charles Gottesman, and her daughter, Sue Ann Feinberg.

Elaine is survived by her two sons, George Feinberg, of Falmouth, ME and Donald Feinberg, of Adamstown, MD as well as 4 granddaughters she adored, Rachel, Haley, Louisa, and Olivia. She was very close with her brother, Charles, who predeceased her by hours, never knowing that he'd passed.

Elaine was born in Philadelphia, PA, in 1932. As a child she discovered a talent for music, performing as a pianist from a very early age through high school. Her family fondly remembers classical music coming from the baby grand piano.  Rather than pursuing a musical path, after graduating from the Philadelphia High School for Girls in 1949 she went on to earn a psychology degree from the University of Pennsylvania. It was at Penn where she met her future husband, Robert Feinberg, who was working on a PhD in Microbiology. They married in June of 1953 in Philadelphia.

After employment with Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Dr Feinberg started a medical laboratory business in Silver Spring. While Elaine stated repeatedly (to her sons, at least) that she only wanted to be a mother and homemaker, she worked for the family business as a bookkeeper, office manager, and then, after Robert's death in 1985, she ran the entire remaining business.

Elaine and Bob moved to Ijamsville, MD in 1980 to a quiet home in the country for semi-retirement. This move out of the suburbs was one that they had been plotting for years. She  eventually started a new career with the Social Security Administration that lasted until full retirement in 1996.

Elaine was not someone defined by her job, but by her family, friends, and pursuits. She loved animals and always had a few in her home. Especially well loved was her first Bernese Mountain dog, Morgan, starting a trend of canine companions that lasted the rest of her life. She always had a cat or two around as well, ending with Samson, who led a supernaturally long life, probably buoyed by Elaine's love.

Elaine also loved gardening, studying and earning the title of Maryland Master Gardener. It was during this time she met other gardeners, making lifelong friends. In her last few years she rediscovered playing bridge, which kept her quite occupied literally to her last weeks of life.

Elaine's infectious good cheer, laugh, and positive outlook on life earned her many friends along her journey. When life presented her with tragedy she faced it without complaint, always looking forward. She will be sorely missed, but remembered well by all whose lives she touched.