Eleanor Hirsch Obituary

Leslie and Melanie,

I just found out about the loss of your mom. I met your mom thru my friendship with Melanie. One of the things that I will always remember about her is that she was "such a trail blazer in seeking her on career" in a time when June Cleaver was the model of motherhood.

I also admired how she accepted all individuals no matter what race, creed or color. This trait was passed down to both of you and I know that she was proud of you both.

My heart is saddened but in the Hirsch tradition, I will have a "real" martini toast in her honor.

Rose Shelby Williams, Pensacola, Florida

Melanie,

Your mom meant a lot to me. First, because she was your mom and brought you into this world.

Secondly because, like my mom, she was a career woman in a time (and neighborhood) when such women were rare. She not only paved the way for our generation, she was an inspiration to me personally.

Lastly, she was so dear to me because after my Mom died, Eleanor was the only friend of his generation my Dad had. (Of course, my brother Charlie brought Dad scads of friends from our generation.) Eleanor cheerfully tolerated Dad's politics and his teasing -- and gave as good as she got. The last 20 years of his life were immeasurably richer for having known her.

Leslie and Melanie -- The lives your Mom touched can never be measured. She was proud of you and it was wonderful when you came and helped at the station. Eleanor will always have a very special in my heart.

Hi Melanie and Leslie, I hope you remember me I worked at WBEZ, we were like sisters. I loved Eleanor sooooo much, she was a mother, friend and mentor to me, my heart and all my love is with you.

Barbara

Melanie & Leslie -
I am honored to have met your mom. She was a remarkable woman who had the ability to infuse those around her with energy, humor and cheer. We will indeed raise a glass to honor her life. May you be comforted by the lifetime of wonderful memories and laughter.

We didn't know your mom but feel like we did after reading your great tribute to her. Well done. Sounds like she was a wonderful person. We're sorry for your loss. We are getting the pitcher ready!

She was my friend, and I loved her dearly.

I'll have that drink with only a wink at the bottle across the room.

What a wonderful way to remember your wonderful mom, Leslie and Melanie!

I can't begin to tell you the endless delight it is to have worked with Eleanor. She made us a better station with her enthusiasm and optimism about what we were doing and how she helped us when we needed her so much.

I can remember many a time coming in bleary-eyed to do an early morning fund drive shift -- and there was Eleanor! Chipper as a sunflower, ready to go!

We wouldn't be where we are if she hadn't so generously given us her time and numerous talents. Anytime you hear us on the air, just know your mom played a large part in that.

I'll be raising a glass to Eleanor with much love and appreciation. -- Melba

In her first career, publishing, Eleanor was my boss. Through the days in the volunteer room at WBEZ, and ever after, she was a friend. We talked family history and publishing and politics and shared many rants and a lot of laughter. I could always count on her fine sense of the ridiculous. I will miss her, but her friendship still is part of my life. My memorial promise: No strawberries, no chocolate, and no more than a sneeze of vermouth in that memorial martini.

I was Eleanor's supervisor at WBEZ for several years. She was a wonderful person. I made her move into the computer age and she learned quickly and was happy to do it. She was so full of life and fun. I will have a martini toast to her for sure. I know she will be greatly missed by the many WBEZ volunteers and staff who knew her.
-Betsy Harman (Chicago, IL)

I was Eleanor's supervisor at WBEZ for several years. She was a wonderful person. I made her move into the computer age and she learned quickly and was happy to do it. She was so full of life and fun. I will have a martini toast to her for sure. I know she will be greatly missed by the many WBEZ volunteers and staff who knew her.

Melanie and Leslie,
I second Sue's remarks. It truly is a beautiful obituary. I did in fact have a dirty martini with extra olives last night in her honor. Your mom was a great lady that raised two remarkable daughters. I know you both do her proud.

Leslie and Melanie,
This is the most beautiful obituary I have ever read. You have made her proud. I do believe the martinis are flowing in heaven and earth!
Sue and Mike Puerkel (Gulbis)