Estelle Eisenberg

Estelle Eisenberg is a remarkable member of the Jewish Health's Legacy Circle who skydived on her 90th birthday! We spoke with her regarding her significant legacy gift to name the dental clinic in memory of her mother in West Los Angeles when the Home builds there, and to upgrade the existing dental clinics.

Tell us about your skydiving experience.
Mourning my beloved husband, an adventure that would take me "closer to Heaven" was intriguing. I had previously established a "Financial Education Forum" at my CCRC and one of our speakers was a noteworthy elder law attorney from Palm Desert. Her husband, Webb Weinman, a television producer, attended. When he heard of my upcoming adventure, he requested approval to film the event. He became inspired to help other seniors achieve their "bucket list" aspirations. The organization "Jump!" was born and will offer their services to residents of LAJH.

How did you learn about LAJH?
In 1984, while in conversation with a fellow Del Rey Yacht Club member, Marjory Gandelman, I learned of her affiliation with LAJH. Following was a visit to the facility in the San Fernando Valley when I met (then) CEO Sheldon Blumenthal.

Why are dental services meaningful to you?
My husband, Dr. William Eisenberg, was highly regarded and noteworthy in his career. Additionally, during World War II, he received the honored title of Chief of Dental Services in the Pacific (New Guinea, the Philippines, and established the first dental clinic/hospital in newly-occupied Japan).

I understand the dental clinic will be named in memory of your mother. Tell us about her.
My mother, Helen Straus Cantor, was exceptional! In addition to her gentle demeanor, she was a notable designer of women's clothing, a gourmet cook, and a lover of gardening. Yet she always devoted time for me, her only child. However in her last years (after my parents retired to Florida) her apparent illness required a nursing home. Because I was caring for my husband whose own illness caused his early retirement, I was unable to learn that my mother was receiving inadequate care. She consequently suffered a painful demise. I want to revere her memory and her self-less soul, by providing to others, in her name, the type of care I trust can be provided by LAJH.