In Memoriam

The following eulogy was given by CSCS director Igal Jellinek at Elly Guggenheimer's funeral.

I am honored to have been asked to speak today as we gather to mourn the passing of a great lady, Elinor Guggenheimer. We are also here to celebrate the life she lived and the gifts she gave to all of us. My name is Igal Jellinek and I am Executive Director of Council of Senior Centers and Services of New York City. Let me tell you about the Elly I know.

Elly had many visions. Unlike some visionaries who leave the work to others, Elly was willing to labor hard to make her visions happen. She did not just care about the causes she espoused; she was passionate about them.

She was quite a woman. A devoted wife and mother, she was a brilliant public servant, an advocate. Her last project was to change the image of older people. No small task but no one could do that better that than Elly who lived life with gusto and a can-do attitude. Speaking of image, it seems just like yesterday but it was 1999 during the International Year of the Elderly. Elly was Chair of the United States committee. At our first meeting, Elly announced that we would know that ageism had been stamped out when she made the cover of the annual Sports Illustrated swimsuit edition. We are not quite there yet, but have you notice how many mature models there are these days?

Elly loved to sing and she was a gracious hostess, generous with her hospitality, opening her home for meetings and events. Elly was very insistent that events be scripted. I hope she would be proud of me today - in a tribute to her, I have my script!

Elly founded CSCS back in the 70's and, after she had served as it president for a number of years, she entrusted me with her vision of an organization that would speak on behalf of seniors and those who served them. Over the years I was fortunate to have had Elly as a mentor and a friend. She was a resource I could go to for guidance and support - and sometimes a reality check. I could always count on her to be honest and always direct. She told it like it was.

We have been determined that Elly's legacy is written in her words and seen through her deeds and that her spirit should live on. In 1997, CSCS celebrated Elly and Randy's 65th wedding anniversary and when Elly turned 90, CSCS threw her a birthday party. We established the Elinor C. Guggenheimer Award for Excellence in the Field of Aging. In that vein, I am grateful to the Guggenheimer family for agreeing that a fitting tribute to Elly would be the establishment of the Elinor C. Guggenheimer Legacy Fund at CSCS that will be dedicated to carrying out her mission and vision on behalf of seniors. A senior, herself, when she started her advocacy on behalf of women, children and seniors, Elly did not let age stand in her way of getting things done that she cared about. Quite the contrary, she embraced the experience of her years to make New York City a better place for all.

Elly, for all you did and for the many people whose lives you touched - thank you. Your spirit will be with us - always.