Obituary - ELEANOR RAFF

Eleanor Raff, of Longwood, died June 1, 2013. She was 86 years old.

Born in New York City on Aug. 29, 1926 to Albert and Mollie Benmayor, Mrs. Raff was the younger of two children. Her older sister, Lena Sami, remembers her as a quiet, well-behaved child who was a good student. She developed a fondness for literature and writing, which followed her into adulthood. Mrs. Raff grew into quite a beauty and many thought she resembled Joan Crawford with all her style and class.

She married her first husband, Phillip Gordon, and was the mother of two sons. Her oldest, Richard Gordon, was a math professor, and her younger son, Mark Gordon, played the first French horn position in Nice, France and Mannheim, Germany Philharmonic orchestras. Her children were her pride and joy. Unfortunately, both of them predeceased her.

Mrs. Raff moved to Winter Park upon retirement and lost her husband shortly after moving there. Fortunately, she fell in love again and married her second husband, Berny Raff. She again was able to enjoy life—traveling, volunteering with her husband and spending time with friends.

Mrs. Raff began getting sick seven years ago. She faced her condition with dignity and grace. She had been married for 28 years to Berny Raff, who stood by her side throughout her entire illness.

She is survived by her husband, Berny; stepsons, Howard and Ira Raff; step-granddaughter, Erin; daughter-in-law, Helen Gordon; grandson, Louis; sister, Lena Sami; brother-in-law, Rouben Sami; niece, Renee Sami; nephew, Steve Sami; and close family friend, Susie Sparrow.

Services were entrusted to Beth Shalom Memorial Chapel, Orlando.