Elaine Savinar Obituary

Elaine Savinar passed away peacefully on October 14, 2024 at the age of 96. Adored by family, friends, and many in the community, she truly exemplified what it means to be a woman of valor.

Elaine was born in Vancouver, BC, in 1928 to Latvian and Lithuanian immigrants, Julius and Augusta Jaffe. She earned a BA in Music from the University of Washington, where she met her first husband, Robert Weil. They married in 1949 and moved to Hillsboro, Ore., where they raised their three daughters, Sharon, Marlene, and Dana. Elaine married Norman Savinar in 1990, they enjoyed more than 20 happy years together. In her later years, she cherished her time with her sweetheart, Herb Black.

Elaine was deeply engaged in her community, especially with Congregation Beth Israel (CBI). She served on Sisterhood's Board (1969-71), the CBI Board of Directors (1984), and co-chaired the 1993 CBI Capital Campaign. Elaine also served on the Jewish Federation of Portland Board (1972-75) and selected for the National Women's Division Board's mission trip to Poland, Romania, and Israel in 1974. She became a Lion of Judah in 1999 and, in 2022, honored with the Kipnis-Wilson/Friedland Award for her philanthropy.

Elaine was President of the Jewish Family and Child Service Board (1977-79), where she led efforts to support Russian immigrants in Portland. She also served on the Board of the Friendly Rosenthal Foundation and contributed to Cedar Sinai Park's Capital Campaign in the early 1980s, advocating for assisted living housing at The May Apartments.

Elaine's leadership was widely recognized. In 1969, she led initiatives for the Foundation of the Blind, earning recognition from First Lady Pat Nixon. In 1975, she represented Portland in the Sister Cities International program, traveling to Japan, as an emissary for the Mayor of Portland. She held leadership roles with the Reed College Women's Committee and Magnolia Investment Club. Elaine's philanthropy and activism spanned numerous organizations, and she regularly volunteered with American Red Cross, March of Dimes, and American Cancer Society.

Elaine leaves behind a lasting legacy of giving and leadership in the Portland community, inspired by the values instilled by her parents. Her contributions and dedication to improving the world around her will be remembered by all who knew her.

Elaine is survived by her daughters, Sharon, Marlene and Dana; step-sons Tim and Tad; and grandchildren Alicia, Bryan (Kelly). In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Jewish Family & Child Service or the American Cancer Association.